The 2025 JAMB exam is getting closer, and for many candidates, this is a make-or-break moment. After months of reading, practicing past questions, and doing everything possible to prepare, the last thing you want is to be sent out of the exam hall—not because you didn’t study, but because you brought a banned item to the CBT centre.
This happens every year. Some candidates, out of ignorance or carelessness, lose their chance to write JAMB because of simple mistakes. Imagine spending months preparing, only to be denied entry on exam day because of an item you could have left at home.
To avoid being one of those unlucky candidates, you must know the items that are strictly banned from JAMB exam halls. Ignoring these rules could ruin your future.
Why JAMB Bans Certain Items in the Exam Hall
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has one major goal—to ensure that all candidates have a fair and secure exam. Over the years, some people have tried to cheat using different tricks, from bringing in calculators to sneaking in phones.
To stop malpractice, JAMB enforces strict security measures, which include banning certain items from all CBT centres. If you bring any of these items, you could be disqualified, sent home, or even banned from taking JAMB in the future.
Banned Items You Must Not Take to the Exam Hall
1. Mobile Phones and Smart Devices
Your phone is probably one of your most valued possessions, but on JAMB exam day, it becomes your biggest enemy. JAMB has made it clear that mobile phones are strictly prohibited in all CBT centres. No matter how much you think you need it, carrying a phone to the exam venue is a huge risk that could cost you everything.
Many candidates assume that as long as their phone is switched off, it won’t be a problem. This is a dangerous mistake. JAMB officials will not care whether your phone is on or off—if it is found in your possession, you could be sent out of the exam hall immediately. Some candidates have even lost their chance to write JAMB for an entire year just because they were caught with a phone.
Even worse, some candidates forget they have their phone in their pocket until it accidentally rings or vibrates during the exam. This has happened before, and in such cases, there is no second chance. Once an invigilator sees a phone, you will be removed immediately, and your exam may be canceled.
Some candidates also believe that keeping their phones outside the exam hall with security officials is a good idea. However, this is not safe either. Some CBT centres have had cases where phones went missing or were stolen while candidates were writing their exams. To avoid this, the best option is to leave your phone at home or with a trusted person outside the centre.
Another reason why JAMB bans mobile phones is because of exam malpractice. Over the years, some candidates have tried to use their phones to cheat, by sneaking in answers, texting for help, or even using hidden camera apps to send questions outside. Because of this, JAMB now has zero tolerance for mobile phones in CBT centres. Even if you have no intention of cheating, bringing a phone can still put you in trouble.
The best thing you can do is to not take any chances. Before leaving for the exam, double-check your pockets, bag, or anywhere your phone might be hidden. It is not worth the risk. No matter how important your phone is, your future is more important.
When you arrive at the CBT centre, focus on your exam and forget about distractions. Leave your phone behind, follow the rules, and give yourself the best chance of success.
2. Wristwatches and Electronic Gadgets
Many JAMB candidates do not realize that wristwatches are completely banned in the exam hall. Every year, several students innocently wear their watches to the CBT centre, only to be stopped at the entrance and told to take them off. Some are lucky enough to leave them outside, while others are disqualified on the spot.
JAMB does not ban watches without reason. In the past, some smartwatches were used to cheat during exams. Some students brought in watches with hidden storage, calculators, or internet access, which allowed them to access external information. Because of this, JAMB had to place a full ban on all wristwatches—whether smart or not.
Even if your wristwatch is a simple one with no special features, it is still not allowed. Invigilators do not have the time to check if your watch is smart or regular, so the safest thing to do is leave it at home. Bringing it along will only raise suspicion and could lead to unnecessary stress on exam day.
Apart from watches, all other electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited. This includes:
- Earphones or Bluetooth devices – Some candidates have attempted to use hidden earpieces to receive answers, which is why JAMB does not allow them in the exam hall.
- Tablets, iPads, or Mini Laptops – Even if you use them for studying, they must not be brought to the CBT centre.
- Power banks or portable chargers – Since mobile phones are banned, there is no need for a power bank.
- Electronic pens or scanning devices – Some candidates have been caught trying to hide exam information in high-tech pens, so these are also strictly forbidden.
One common mistake some candidates make is thinking that they can sneak these gadgets in by hiding them in their bags or pockets. JAMB uses security scanners at exam centres, so anything hidden will be detected. If you are caught, you could be sent out before you even get the chance to log into your exam.
To avoid problems, don’t take any electronic devices to the CBT centre. JAMB has provided everything you need inside the exam hall, so you don’t need a watch or any other gadget. The clock on the computer screen will show you the time throughout your exam.
Don’t let something as small as a wristwatch destroy the future you have been working for. Before leaving home, check yourself and remove anything that could put you at risk. Your focus should be on writing and passing your JAMB, not explaining why you brought a banned item.
3. Bags and Handbags
Many JAMB candidates think it is normal to carry a bag to the exam centre, just as they would for school or any other academic activity. However, JAMB strictly prohibits bags, handbags, or any kind of carrier inside the exam hall.
Some candidates bring bags filled with books, snacks, or personal items, expecting to keep them outside before entering the hall. But this often leads to confusion and unnecessary stress. At some centres, bags left outside get stolen, misplaced, or even tampered with. Some students panic at the last minute, worrying about whether their belongings will still be there when they finish their exam.
Even worse, if security officials find suspicious items inside a candidate’s bag, it could lead to interrogation and possible disqualification. Over the years, some students have been caught hiding cheat sheets, notes, and even small smart devices inside their bags. Because of this, JAMB no longer allows candidates to bring bags into the centre.
To avoid trouble on exam day, carry only the essential documents you need—your JAMB exam slip and a valid means of identification. If you must take extra items like a water bottle or face towel, hold them in your hand instead of packing them in a bag.
If you are traveling a long distance and need to carry personal items, leave them with a trusted person outside the centre. Do not assume that security officials will allow you to keep your bag somewhere safe—they are not responsible for storing personal belongings.
The best advice is to go to the CBT centre as light as possible. Carrying a bag will only cause unnecessary problems and could even delay you from entering the hall on time.
Don’t let a simple mistake cost you your exam. Leave your bags at home and focus on what truly matters—writing and passing JAMB!
4. Calculators and Mathematical Sets
Many candidates assume that since JAMB includes subjects like Mathematics, Physics, and Accounting, they are allowed to bring their own calculators or mathematical sets to the exam hall. This is a huge mistake that has gotten several students disqualified on exam day.
JAMB has completely banned personal calculators and mathematical sets because some candidates have attempted to use them for malpractice in previous years. Some students hide tiny notes or cheat codes inside the covers of their calculators, while others bring programmable calculators that can store formulas and answers.
To stop any form of malpractice, JAMB now provides an on-screen calculator that appears on the computer screen during the exam. This means that every candidate will have equal access to the same calculator, and there is no need to bring a personal one.
Even if your calculator is a simple, non-programmable type, it is still not allowed. Security officers at the CBT centre will not waste time checking whether your calculator is permitted or not—if they see one with you, you may be sent out of the hall immediately.
The same rule applies to mathematical sets. Many candidates bring rulers, protractors, and compasses thinking they will need them for questions in subjects like Mathematics or Geography. However, JAMB has designed its CBT system in a way that does not require these tools. All necessary diagrams or drawings will be provided within the exam questions, and you do not need any extra materials.
To avoid problems on exam day, follow these simple rules:
- Do not bring any calculator, whether simple or advanced.
- Do not carry a mathematical set or any kind of measuring tool.
- Use only the on-screen calculator provided by JAMB during the exam.
Every year, some students lose their opportunity to write JAMB just because they brought a calculator or mathematical set. Don’t be one of them! Trust the system, follow the rules, and focus on passing your exam.
5. Writing Materials
Many candidates still believe that they need to carry pens, pencils, erasers, or extra sheets of paper when going for their JAMB exam. However, this is a serious mistake that could get you into trouble at the exam centre.
JAMB does not require any form of manual writing in the CBT exam. Everything is computer-based, and candidates are expected to answer all their questions directly on the computer screen. Because of this, bringing any writing materials into the hall is unnecessary and strictly forbidden.
Some candidates, out of habit, still carry a pen or jotter in their pockets or bags. But JAMB security officials are trained to check for these items, and if you are caught with any, you could be accused of malpractice. In past exams, some students have been caught hiding cheat notes inside pieces of paper or even inside pens.
Even if you only carry a blank sheet of paper, JAMB officials will not take any risks. You could be asked to leave the hall or even face an investigation before being allowed to continue with your exam.
To avoid unnecessary problems, remember these key points:
- You do not need a pen, pencil, or eraser.
- JAMB does not allow candidates to bring extra sheets of paper.
- All rough work must be done mentally, as the CBT system does not require manual calculations.
- Do not hide any writing materials in your pockets, as security scanners will detect them.
If you find yourself needing to take notes or solve a problem, the best approach is to practice solving questions mentally before your exam. This way, you will be prepared to think fast and answer questions directly on the screen without needing extra materials.
Do not let a simple mistake cost you your exam. Before leaving home, check your pockets and bag to make sure you are not carrying any banned writing materials. Your focus should be on following the rules, staying calm, and giving your best performance in the exam hall.
6. Glasses with Smart Technology
For many students who wear prescription glasses, this rule may come as a surprise, but JAMB has banned smart glasses and any form of eyewear that contains hidden technology.
Over the years, some candidates have attempted to cheat using high-tech glasses equipped with cameras, recording devices, and wireless transmitters that allow them to receive external assistance during the exam. Because of this, JAMB now strictly monitors all types of eyewear that candidates bring to the CBT centre.
If you wear regular prescription glasses, you are allowed to use them, but JAMB officials may still inspect them before you enter the hall. If the glasses appear to have unusual thickness, buttons, or a hidden compartment, you may be asked to remove them or undergo further screening.
Some candidates try to hide tiny notes or small electronic devices inside their glasses. However, JAMB’s security measures include advanced scanning tools that can detect any hidden objects. If you are caught with suspicious glasses, you could be sent out of the exam hall, and your exam may be canceled.
How to Avoid Problems with Your Glasses on Exam Day
- If you don’t need glasses, don’t wear them just for fashion.
- If you wear prescription glasses, make sure they are simple and have no unusual attachments.
- Avoid bringing tinted, overly large, or tech-enhanced glasses to the CBT centre.
- If JAMB officials ask you to remove your glasses for inspection, comply immediately.
If you have serious vision problems and require special assistance, it is best to inform JAMB officials ahead of time to avoid any misunderstandings on exam day.
Do not let a pair of glasses ruin your opportunity to pass JAMB. If you don’t absolutely need them, leave them at home and focus on your exam.
7. Hard Copies of Exam Materials
One of the biggest mistakes many JAMB candidates make is bringing textbooks, notebooks, past question booklets, or printed materials to the exam centre. Some do this to revise at the last minute, while others hope to sneak in notes for reference during the exam. However, JAMB has completely banned all forms of written or printed materials in the exam hall.
In the past, some students were caught using textbooks and jotters to hide cheat sheets, leading JAMB to enforce strict penalties for anyone found with printed materials. Even if your intention is simply to revise before entering the hall, security officials may still suspect you of malpractice if they find such materials on you.
Many candidates who bring books assume they can leave them outside the hall and collect them later, but this is also risky. In some centres, JAMB officials may refuse to store candidates’ materials, forcing them to throw them away before entering the hall. At other times, candidates misplace their books or have them stolen while they are busy writing their exam.
How to Avoid Trouble with Exam Materials
- Do all your revisions at home before leaving for the exam.
- Do not carry books, past questions, or printed papers to the CBT centre.
- If you must read while waiting for your exam, use your memory—avoid relying on notes.
- Leave your study materials at home or with a trusted person outside the centre.
Last-minute cramming will not help you in JAMB. The best thing you can do is to trust in your preparation, stay calm, and focus on answering your questions to the best of your ability.
Don’t risk your future by carrying banned materials. Follow the rules, and you will have nothing to worry about!
8. Hoodies and Unusual Clothing
What you wear to the JAMB exam might seem like a small detail, but it can determine whether you are allowed into the hall or not. JAMB has banned hoodies, face caps, and any form of unusual clothing that can be used to hide unauthorized items.
Many candidates have been sent home or delayed at the entrance because they wore something that raised suspicion. Some students have attempted to hide small devices, cheat sheets, or Bluetooth earpieces inside their clothing, which is why JAMB now enforces a strict dress code.
Hoodies, for example, can be used to conceal earpieces or tiny cameras, while face caps can hide notes or small electronic transmitters. Because of this, JAMB officials will not allow you into the exam hall if you are wearing anything that looks suspicious.
The problem is that some candidates wear these outfits innocently, without realizing they could be mistaken for exam cheats. But JAMB officials will not take risks—if they believe your clothing can be used for malpractice, they may ask you to remove it or refuse you entry altogether.
To avoid any problems at the CBT centre, dress simply and modestly. Wear a simple T-shirt or collared shirt without oversized pockets. Avoid baggy or oversized jackets, sweaters, or hoodies. If you normally wear a cap for fashion, leave it at home to avoid issues. Stick to regular footwear and avoid large boots or anything that looks unusual.
Even if you have no intention of cheating, wearing something suspicious could delay your entry into the exam hall. If an invigilator is not satisfied with your explanation, you may miss your exam completely.
To be on the safe side, wear something comfortable, simple, and appropriate for an exam environment. The last thing you want is to lose your chance to write JAMB just because of what you wore.
Your outfit should not be the reason you fail JAMB. Dress smart, stay confident, and focus on doing your best in the exam hall!
What Happens If You Bring a Banned Item?
If you are caught with any of these items, JAMB officials will not listen to excuses. Depending on the situation, you may:
- Be sent out of the exam hall.
- Have your exam canceled immediately.
- Be banned from taking JAMB in the future.
This is not the kind of mistake you want to make on such an important day.
How to Avoid Issues on Exam Day
To stay safe and avoid disqualification, follow these steps before going to the CBT centre:
- Double-check yourself before leaving home. Ensure you don’t have any banned items in your pockets or bag.
- Carry only what is necessary. Your registration slip and ID card are the only things you need.
- Dress simply. Avoid clothing that could make you look suspicious.
- Arrive early. Some candidates forget and bring phones. If you arrive early, you have time to leave them with a trusted person outside the CBT centre.
Final Warning: Don’t Let a Small Mistake Destroy Your JAMB Dream
Every year, some candidates cry outside the exam hall because they were sent out for breaking the rules. Don’t let that happen to you.
You have worked hard for this moment—don’t let something as simple as a wristwatch, a phone, or a piece of paper destroy your future.
Follow the rules, stay focused, and enter the exam hall prepared to succeed. Your journey to university is too important to risk over a banned item.
Good luck, and may this be the last JAMB you ever have to write!
Hi jamb please 🙏🙏🙏 help us to reopen the UTME portal, we didn’t register jamb as a result of NIN problem please we beg you in the name of god to reopen the UTME portal for us. Thank you
I heard that doing henna too is banned,is it true?