The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has directed candidates who registered for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and indicated interest in the mock exercise to print their examination notification slips ahead of the test.

The directive was contained in the board’s Monday publication obtained in Abuja.

According to JAMB, candidates can begin printing their Mock UTME notification slips from Monday, March 23, 2026, via its official website.

Candidates are required to click on the “2-Session 2026 MOCK SLIP PRINTING” option and input their registration numbers to access and print their slips.

The Board advised all candidates to print their slips promptly and familiarise themselves with their assigned examination centres within their chosen towns before the examination date.

JAMB emphasised that participation in the mock examination is mandatory for all candidates who indicated interest during registration.

It explained that although the mock UTME is generally optional, candidates who secured a slot must participate, as failure to do so would deny other interested candidates the opportunity.

“Absence from the Mock UTME after indicating interest will attract appropriate consequences,” the Board warned, urging affected candidates to make necessary arrangements to take part in the exercise scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026.

The Board also announced an extension of the mock examination duration from the traditional two hours to four hours for the 2026 exercise.

It stated that the adjustment is aimed at giving candidates adequate time to familiarise themselves with the Computer-Based Test (CBT) environment.

To accommodate the extended duration, JAMB disclosed that the mock examination would be conducted in two consecutive sessions on the same day.

The first session will run from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by a second session from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with candidates expected to participate in both.

Meanwhile, the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, revealed that the Board is set for trial of a new test engine during the mock examination as part of efforts to enhance its processes and improve service delivery.

He noted that the initiative aligns with JAMB’s commitment to innovation, integrity, and efficiency in the conduct of examinations, adding that 2026 marks a significant milestone of sustained reforms within the Board.

He added if successful, the new test engine would significantly transform the conduct of CBT in Nigeria.

“We must, therefore, continue to lead in the administration of CBT examinations by embracing research, innovation, and cost-effective solutions that uphold our reputation for excellence,” the JAMB boss stated.

Oloyede further disclosed that JAMB has introduced an alternate examination route to strengthen the security of its operations and reduce stress on personnel.

He added that the Board has commenced nationwide training and sensitisation of technical officers and biometric verification staff to ensure smooth implementation of the new system.

In preparation for the main UTME, scheduled to commence on April 16, 2026, JAMB said it has also reinforced its partnership with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to ensure a seamless and secure examination process.

The Board reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a credible and hitch-free examination, urging staff and stakeholders to maintain professionalism and dedication throughout the exercise. (TRIBUNE)