Top 5 Things That Disqualify Candidates on JAMB Exam Day

The JAMB exam is one of the most important steps for students hoping to gain admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education. After months of studying and preparing, the last thing any candidate wants is to be disqualified on the very day of the exam. Sadly, many students lose their chance—not because they didn’t study, but because of mistakes that could have been avoided. In this article, we’ll explain the top five things that can disqualify a candidate on JAMB exam day, and how you can avoid them.

1. Coming Late to the Exam Centre

Time is very important on JAMB exam day. Candidates are expected to arrive at the exam centre at least one hour before their scheduled time. JAMB officials are usually strict about this because the exams are computer-based and done in batches. If you come late and your batch has already entered the hall, you might not be allowed in, and once the door is closed, that could be the end of it. Some students miss the exam just because they underestimated traffic, distance, or delays. To avoid this, plan your movement early, leave home on time, and if possible, stay close to your exam centre a day before.

2. Failure to Come with Valid Exam Documents

Another common reason for disqualification is not coming with the right exam materials. On JAMB exam day, you must come with your JAMB exam slip, which contains your exam date, time, and centre. Without it, the officials may not allow you into the exam hall. You should also bring along a valid ID, preferably the one you used during registration. Some centres may ask for additional documents like a printout of your profile or mock result, if you took the mock. If any of these are missing or if your details are not clear, you could be denied entry.

3. Bringing Phones or Banned Items Into the Hall

JAMB has made it very clear that mobile phones, smartwatches, USB devices, calculators, Bluetooth devices, and any kind of electronic gadget are strictly prohibited in the exam hall. If you are caught with any of these items—even if you claim you didn’t use them—you could be disqualified immediately. In fact, some centres may hand you over to the police. JAMB treats examination malpractice very seriously, and even innocent candidates who forgot to switch off their phones have been punished. To be safe, don’t bring any banned items with you at all. Just come with your exam slip and a simple biro in case you need to sign something.

4. Exam Malpractice or Cheating

This is one of the most serious offenses. If you are caught cheating during the exam—whether it’s by copying from another candidate, asking questions during the exam, trying to access answers online, or using illegal materials—you can be disqualified instantly. In some cases, JAMB not only cancels your result but also bans you from sitting for future exams. Every year, thousands of results are withheld or canceled because of exam malpractice. Don’t take that risk. Trust your preparation, stay focused, and remember that passing JAMB depends on how well you studied—not on tricks or shortcuts.

5. Impersonation or Forged Identity

Some candidates think they can hire someone else to sit for the exam on their behalf. Others may try to use fake documents or change their identity. This is called impersonation, and it’s one of the fastest ways to get disqualified and arrested. JAMB uses biometric verification (like fingerprint scanning) at the exam centre. If your fingerprint does not match the one used during registration, you won’t be allowed to write the exam. Even if the person looks like you, the system will detect the difference. Forging any document or trying to pretend to be someone else is not just an academic offense—it’s a crime, and the punishment can be very serious.

Final Advice to All Candidates

It’s painful to lose your chance of gaining admission because of a simple mistake on exam day. That’s why you must take every instruction from JAMB seriously. Arrive early, bring the correct documents, avoid carrying gadgets, don’t attempt to cheat, and never allow anyone to register or write the exam for you. Passing JAMB is possible if you prepare well and follow the rules. Don’t let carelessness or dishonesty destroy your efforts.

Stay focused, stay informed, and do the right thing—your future depends on it.

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