Every year, thousands of candidates miss their UTME exam simply because they misunderstand the time written on their exam slip. This year, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified an important update many candidates are still getting wrong.

But before we get into that, let’s talk about something equally important, preparing the right way.

Prepare Smarter for UTME with BrainFriend

If you’re serious about passing UTME this year, preparation is key. The right study tools can make a huge difference in how confident and ready you feel on exam day.

With BrainFriend UTME www.brainfriendonline.com , candidates can:

• Practice with questions that simulate the real exam environment
• Get step-by-step explanationsthat help you understand each answer
• Improve speed and accuracythrough repeated practice

Preparing smart gives you an advantage. But even if you study well, you could still miss your exam if you misunderstand the schedule.

Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.

The Most Important Thing You Must Know About Your UTME Slip

Many candidates assume the time printed on their UTME exam slip is the exact time their exam will start.

That is incorrect.

The time on your slip is your ARRIVAL TIME, not your exam start time.

You are expected to arrive at the exam centre earlier for biometric verification and identity checks before the actual exam begins.

Updated UTME Session Schedule

Here is the simplified breakdown of the UTME sessions:

Session 1
Arrival Time: 7:00 AM
Exam Time: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Session 2
Arrival Time: 9:00 AM
Exam Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Session 3
Arrival Time: 11:00 AM
Exam Time: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
(This session is not active on Fridays.)

Session 4
Arrival Time: 2:00 PM
Exam Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Some slips may display slightly different times, but your required arrival time remains earlier than the exam start time.

Why Arriving Early Matters

Candidates are required to complete several checks before they can enter the exam hall. These include:

• Biometric verification
• Identity confirmation

If you arrive late and miss these checks, you will not be allowed to sit for the exam.

There are no exceptions.

Final Advice for UTME Candidates

Passing UTME requires more than just studying hard. You also need to plan properly for exam day.

• Prepare well
• Arrive early
• Stay calm and focused

And if you find this helpful, share it with other candidates. Someone else might need this information to avoid missing their exam.