UTME 2026: Complete List of Prohibited Items [UPDATED]

Cursory: JAMB warns UTME 2026 candidates against prohibited items in exam halls to maintain integrity and credibility. Prohibited items include tattoos on palms, and strict adherence is urged to prevent malpractice during the exams. 

As the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) 2026 approaches, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a stern warning to candidates regarding prohibited items in examination halls.

In a document signed by the Registrar of the board, Is-haq Oloyede, JAMB emphasized its strict stance against exam misconduct and any behaviour capable of disrupting the examination process.

Professor Oloyede reiterated that these measures are necessary to safeguard the integrity and credibility of the board’s examinations.

Candidates were specifically cautioned against bringing prohibited items into examination centres, as these could aid dishonest practices.

Additionally, candidates were advised not to place decorative designs or tattoos on their palms, as this may interfere with biometric verification at the examination centres.

JAMB stated:

“Candidates are warned to steer clear of all prohibited items banned from examination centres.
These items have been noted to aid examination malpractice, hence the ban is to protect the sanctity of the board’s examinations.”

Warning to Parents

JAMB also advised parents to stay away from examination centres.

▪ Parents are not allowed within examination premises
▪ Any candidate found with a parent nearby will face penalties

2026 UTME: List of Prohibited Items

Candidates must NOT bring any of the following items into the examination hall:

▪ Watches
▪ Pen/Biro
▪ Mobile phones or similar electronic devices
▪ Spy reading glasses
▪ Calculators or similar electronic devices
▪ USB, CD, hard disk, or similar storage devices
▪ Books and any reading/writing materials
▪ Cameras
▪ Recorders
▪ Microphones
▪ Ear pieces
▪ Ink/Pen readers
▪ Smart lenses
▪ Smart rings/jewelry
▪ Smart buttons
▪ Bluetooth devices
▪ Key holders
▪ ATM cards
▪ Erasers

Note:

Any examination official (board staff or ad hoc staff) found with any of these prohibited items will be treated as engaging in examination sabotage and sanctioned accordingly.

 

Biometric Verification Guidelines

▪ Biometric verification is the only mode of entry into the examination centre

▪ No candidate should be kept waiting if verification fails
▪ Such candidates must be recaptured at the centre before leaving
▪ Only genuine cases will be considered afterwards

▪ There is no separate attendance register
▪ Biometric verification serves as the official attendance

▪ Photo albums will contain only candidates’ pictures
▪ No marking for present or absent status

▪ All examination officials, including security agents, must ensure full compliance with all rules and regulations

Approved Items for the Exam

Candidates are advised to note that only the following are allowed into the examination hall:

▪ HB pencil
▪ Copy of JAMB examination slip

Any candidate found with prohibited items will be disallowed from taking the UTME.