Every year, thousands of JAMB candidates lose their results<\/strong> \u2014 not because they failed, but because they made avoidable mistakes that violate JAMB regulations.<\/p>\n The worst part? Most of these candidates didn’t even know<\/strong> they were breaking rules until it was too late.<\/p>\n If you’re preparing for JAMB 2026 UTME<\/strong>, here are the 5 critical mistakes<\/strong> that can get your results cancelled, withheld, or disqualified<\/strong> \u2014 and exactly how to avoid them.<\/p>\n What it is:<\/strong> Any form of unauthorized material or communication during the exam.<\/p>\n What gets results cancelled:<\/strong> JAMB’s stance:<\/strong> Zero tolerance. They use CCTV, biometrics, and invigilators. Even suspected malpractice triggers investigation \u2192 result withholding \u2192 possible cancellation.<\/p>\n How to avoid:<\/strong> What it is:<\/strong> Registering for subjects that don’t match your intended course of study.<\/p>\n Why it cancels results:<\/strong> JAMB’s system cross-checks your subject combination against your chosen course. If it doesn’t match university requirements, your result is flagged for manual review \u2192 delay \u2192 possible cancellation.<\/p>\n Common wrong combinations:<\/strong> The 2026 trap:<\/strong> Many candidates copied subject combinations from friends without verifying against their chosen course and university. JAMB updated subject combinations for 2026 \u2014 your old knowledge may be outdated.<\/p>\n How to avoid:<\/strong> What it is:<\/strong> Arriving after the scheduled time or failing biometric verification (fingerprint, facial recognition).<\/p>\n Why it cancels results:<\/strong> JAMB operates strict timelines. If you: 2026 specific:<\/strong> JAMB has tightened biometric verification due to impersonation cases. Your biometric data must match exactly what was submitted during registration.<\/p>\n How to avoid:<\/strong> What it is:<\/strong> Any unauthorized action on the CBT computer that deviates from normal exam flow.<\/p>\n What triggers cancellation:<\/strong> The problem:<\/strong> JAMB’s software logs all<\/em> system interactions. Even if you didn’t cheat, suspicious activity raises flags \u2192 manual review \u2192 result withholding.<\/p>\n How to avoid:<\/strong> What it is:<\/strong> Talking about the exam content with others after the exam, or posting questions online.<\/p>\n Why it cancels results:<\/strong> JAMB treats this as “compromising exam integrity.” If they detect leaks or collusion, they can: Real cases:<\/strong> 2025 saw 3 exam centers in Lagos have results cancelled because candidates posted questions in WhatsApp groups during the exam.<\/p>\n How to avoid:<\/strong> These don’t get results cancelled outright, but they can delay your result by weeks or months:<\/p>\n 1. Registration errors<\/strong> (name mismatch, date of birth errors) \u2014 correct immediately at JAMB office 1. Check JAMB official portal<\/strong> regularly \u2014 sometimes it’s a system glitch
\nMistake #1: Exam Malpractice (Even “Small” Cheating)<\/h2>\n
\n– Bringing notes, textbooks, or formula sheets into the exam hall (even if you don’t use them)
\n– Using a phone (even if it’s off in your pocket)
\n– Talking to another candidate during the exam
\n– Copying from someone else’s screen
\n– Leaving your seat without permission
\n– Using unauthorized calculators (JAMB CBT provides calculator)<\/p>\n
\n– Bring ONLY your JAMB registration slip, pen, and authorized materials
\n– Empty your pockets completely before entering
\n– Keep your eyes on your own screen at all times
\n– If you see someone cheating, do NOT look \u2014 focus on your screen
\n– Know that Bluetooth devices, smartwatches, earphones = automatic disqualification<\/p>\n
\nMistake #2: Wrong Subject Combination<\/h2>\n
\n– Medicine: Requires Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English
\n– Law: Requires Literature in English, government\/political science, plus any two others
\n– Engineering: Requires Math, Physics, Chemistry, English
\n– Social Sciences: Math or Economics + relevant subjects<\/p>\n
\n– Double-check<\/strong> the official JAMB subject combination list for your specific course
\n– Visit the university website or JAMB brochure for exact requirements
\n– If unsure, call the university admissions office
\n– Ensure your 4 subjects exactly match the requirement \u2014 no substitutions<\/p>\n
\nMistake #3: Late Arrival \/ Missing Biometric Verification<\/h2>\n
\n– Arrive after the exam has started (even 5 minutes late) \u2192 denied entry
\n– Biometric verification fails (expired registration details, mismatched photo) \u2192 you cannot sit the exam
\n– Leave the exam hall without submitting properly (system crash scenario) \u2192 results void<\/p>\n
\n– Arrive at least 90 minutes before scheduled time
\n– Bring your original registration slip + valid ID
\n– Ensure your face is clean-shaven (if registered clean-shaven) \u2014 facial recognition needs match
\n– Calibrate fingers if you have cuts\/scars \u2014 carry cotton\/bandages
\n– If system fails, notify invigilator immediately \u2014 don’t leave the hall<\/p>\n
\nMistake #4: Tampering with CBT Interface (Even Accidentally)<\/h2>\n
\n– Using “Alt+Tab” or other keyboard shortcuts to switch applications
\n– Trying to access system files or settings
\n– Using the browser back button (if applicable)
\n– Attempting to copy\/paste questions
\n– Using external devices (flash drives, external keyboard)<\/p>\n
\n– Use ONLY<\/strong> the exam interface \u2014 nothing else
\n– If you need to navigate, use only provided buttons (Next, Previous, Flag)
\n– Do not touch the keyboard except for typing answers (if text required)
\n– Do not bring any external device into the hall<\/p>\n
\nMistake #5: Post-Exam Violations: Discussing Questions or Sharing Content<\/h2>\n
\n– Cancel results of all candidates from that session center
\n– Withhold results for forensic investigation (may take months)
\n– Ban candidates from future JAMB attempts<\/p>\n
\n– Do NOT discuss exam content with anyone until official results are out
\n– Do NOT take photos of the screen (it’s forbidden and detectable)
\n– Do NOT share questions on social media, WhatsApp, Telegram
\n– If you see someone posting, report it to JAMB immediately<\/p>\n
\nBonus: The “Silent” Mistakes That Delay Results (Even If Not Cancelled)<\/h2>\n
\n2. Unpaid e-pin<\/strong> \u2014 confirm payment status on JAMB portal
\n3. Duplicate registration<\/strong> \u2014 you registered twice with same details
\n4. Incorrect biometrics<\/strong> \u2014 visit JAMB office to re-capture before exam<\/p>\n
\nWhat To Do If Your Result Is Withheld\/Cancelled<\/h2>\n
\n2. Visit your state JAMB office<\/strong> with all original documents
\n3. Request written explanation<\/strong> \u2014 they must state reason
\n4. Appeal within 30 days<\/strong> if you believe it’s error
\n5. Legal option:<\/strong> Consult education lawyer for severe cases<\/p>\n
\nThe Examkits Prevention Checklist<\/h2>\n