What Happens If You Arrive Late for JAMB 6:30AM Exam?

Question from Oladele Abolore Nofisat:

What of those who came late and they are having paper by 6:30AM and they came by after 7? The centre is far from home and there was no bus at the bus stop at that time. Can’t they be allowed to enter?

This is a very important question because lateness has been one of the biggest issues affecting candidates, especially for the early morning (6:30AM) sessions. Many candidates have found themselves stranded or locked out due to no fault of theirs — sometimes due to transportation challenges or long-distance centres.

Let’s explain what happens and what candidates can do.

Will You Be Allowed In If You Arrive Late?

In most cases, JAMB does not allow latecomers into the examination hall once the exam has started. This is mainly because:

• The exam is timed and monitored.
• JAMB uses a central computer system to control start and end times for each candidate.
• Allowing late candidates might affect the integrity and schedule of the exam.

However, some centres may still allow candidates if the exam hasn’t officially started or if the delay was due to technical issues on the centre’s part. But once the exam begins or ends for a batch, it’s usually too late.

What If the Delay Was Due to No Bus or Long Distance?

Unfortunately, JAMB expects all candidates to make transportation arrangements early enough, especially those scheduled for 6:30AM.

Even if you came from far away or couldn’t find a bus, it still counts as lateness. JAMB had already advised that candidates:

• Locate their centre days before the exam.
• Arrive at the centre at least 1 hour before their exam time.
• Consider sleeping over near the centre if their centre is far.

Is There a Way to Reschedule for Latecomers?

JAMB usually does not reschedule exams for candidates who missed theirs due to lateness. Rescheduling may only happen if there is a technical failure at the centre or an official error by JAMB or the CBT operators.

But if you missed your paper due to lateness — even if it’s not your fault — you may not be given another chance.

Advice to Other Candidates

If your exam is still coming up, especially at 6:30AM, please:

• Leave home early, even if it means waking up by 3 or 4AM.
• Arrange for transport in advance, especially if your area doesn’t have early buses.
• If the centre is very far, try to stay close to the centre a night before.

Final Words to Nofisat

It’s painful to prepare for months and miss your exam because of transportation. We understand how frustrating it is. But unfortunately, JAMB has strict rules on exam time and may not allow you to enter late.

If this has happened to you, you can still:

• File a complaint with JAMB through their office or portal.
• Consider writing again next year — don’t give up on your dreams.

Let this be a lesson to help others avoid the same mistake. Early preparation is key.