What to bring (and only this)
JAMB’s rule is strict: the only items officially allowed into the hall are your printed JAMB exam slip (a hard copy — not a phone screenshot) and an HB pencil. Some centres also ask for a means of identification. Wear simple, comfortable clothing without hidden compartments; a plain handkerchief is fine. Everything you truly need for the exam is provided on the computer.
Your day-before checklist
✓ Reprint your exam slip (hard copy) · ✓ Confirm your centre address and reporting time · ✓ An HB pencil · ✓ ID if your centre requires it · ✓ Plan your journey · ✓ Sleep well.
The full list of prohibited items
JAMB bans a long list of items — bringing any of them can get you disqualified on the spot. Leave all of these outside the hall:
- Mobile phones and any electronic devices
- Wristwatches (including smart watches)
- Pens or biros, and erasers
- Calculators or similar devices
- USBs, CDs, hard disks and other storage devices
- Books, notes and any reading or writing materials
- Spy reading glasses and smart lenses
- Cameras, recorders, microphones and earpieces
- Ink or pen readers, smart rings, smart buttons and Bluetooth devices
- Jewellery, key holders and ATM cards
- Bags of any kind
JAMB reviews this list each cycle — always read the instructions on your exam slip and the notices at jamb.gov.ng before your exam.
At the centre: biometric verification
Arrive at least an hour before the reporting time on your slip — sessions run through the day and lateness can cost you the exam. Entry is by biometric (fingerprint) verification only; it doubles as your attendance. If your fingerprint won’t verify, you should be recaptured at the centre rather than sent home, so stay calm and follow the officials.
During the exam
Read the on-screen instructions, then work steadily. Use the two-pass method from our CBT time-management guide, and remember there is no negative marking — attempt every question. If a machine fails, alert the invigilator immediately.
After the exam
Results are usually released within about 48 hours to two weeks. You can then check and print your result, and begin the admission steps — see After your JAMB result: the complete next-steps map.
Mistakes that get candidates disqualified
- Bringing a prohibited item — even "by mistake" (phones and watches are the most common).
- Impersonation or any form of malpractice — which can lead to a result ban and even arrest.
- Falling for "expo" or paid "runs" — see how to avoid JAMB scams.
- Arriving late and missing biometric verification.