The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the registration procedures, timelines, requirements, and fees for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE). Candidates seeking admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions for the 2026/2027 academic session are advised to read this guide carefully before registering.
This comprehensive article covers registration dates, eligibility, fees, subject requirements, Direct Entry rules, biometric policies, CBT centre procedures, examination dates, and common mistakes to avoid.
JAMB 2026 UTME & DE Registration Dates
UTME Registration Timeline
- Sale of UTME e-PINs: Monday, 19 January 2026 – Thursday, 26 February 2026
- UTME Registration Period: Monday, 26 January 2026 – Saturday, 28 February 2026
Direct Entry (DE) Registration Timeline
- DE e-PIN vending & registration: Monday, 2 March 2026 – Saturday, 25 April 2026
- DE registration will be conducted only at JAMB State and Zonal Offices
Candidates are advised to complete registration early to avoid congestion and loss of preferred examination towns.
Official JAMB 2026 Novel for All Candidates
All UTME candidates, regardless of course or institution choice, will be tested on the compulsory novel:
📘 The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba
Candidates are strongly advised to read the book thoroughly as it contributes to the Use of English score.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for JAMB 2026?
Age Requirement
- Candidates must be at least 16 years old by 30 September 2026
- Candidates below 16 may apply only after passing an intensive evaluation, scoring at least 80% in:
- UTME or A-Level
- Post-UTME
- SSCE
- Exceptional candidate assessment
Results of underage candidates will only be released after the full evaluation process.
Important Notice on Biodata & NIN
- JAMB will use biodata supplied by NIMC
- No change of biodata is allowed after registration
- Corrections can only be done through a formal re-query process (TEMPL007) during registration
- All replaced data will be permanently recorded and reflected on candidates’ profiles
JAMB 2026 Registration Fees & e-PIN Categories
JAMB will maintain a cashless registration system to prevent exploitation.
e-PIN Categories
- Direct Entry (DE): ₦5,700
- UTME without Mock: ₦7,200
- UTME with Mock: ₦8,700
Fee Breakdown
- JAMB Application Fee: ₦3,500
- Reading Text: ₦1,000
- CBT Registration Charge: ₦700
- CBT UTME Service Charge: ₦1,500
- Bank Charges: ₦500
- Mock UTME (optional): ₦1,500
⚠️ Candidates must choose the correct e-PIN type at purchase. No refund is allowed.
Biometric Integrity & Anti-Impersonation Policy
- All 10 fingers must be captured correctly
- Only candidates with successful biometric verification will be allowed to sit for the UTME or Mock
- Multiple NIN usage or double registration is strictly prohibited and attracts severe sanctions
UTME & DE Registration Period Summary
- UTME Registration: 26 January – 28 February 2026
- UTME e-PIN Sale: 19 January – 26 February 2026
- Direct Entry Registration: 2 March – 25 April 2026
All candidates must have a valid personal email address before starting registration.
General Entry Requirements (UTME)
Degree Programmes
- Minimum of five (5) O’Level credit passes, including English
- Mathematics is compulsory for Science, Technology & Social Science courses
- Results must be obtained in not more than two sittings
ND / NCE Programmes
- Minimum of four (4) credit passes
- English required for non-science courses
- Mathematics required for science courses
Direct Entry (DE) Requirements
Candidates must possess:
- At least five O’Level credits
- Plus A-Level passes or equivalent qualifications
Accepted qualifications include:
- IJMB, JUPEB, NABTEB A-Level
- NCE, ND, HND
- First Degree (Nigeria or Foreign)
- Cambridge A-Level, International Baccalaureate
- University Diplomas and recognized foreign certificates
Awarding institutions must verify DE qualifications on the JAMB e-Facility platform before admission processing.
Key Rules for Direct Entry Candidates
- Awaiting O’Level results are NOT allowed
- All results must be uploaded at registration
- DE candidates will not be considered for admission until results are verified
- Statement of result is accepted within 3 years (NCE: 1 year)
- UTME-to-DE upgrade is allowed only for candidates who indicated awaiting A-Level results
Step-by-Step Guide to JAMB 2026 Registration
1. Create Your JAMB Profile
- Use a unique and personal phone number
- Send SMS:
NIN 00123456789 to 55019 or 66019 - Receive your 10-digit Profile Code
⚠️ SIM number cannot be changed after profile creation.
2. Purchase JAMB e-PIN
Buy from:
- Banks
- NIPOST
- Microfinance Banks (MFBs)
- Mobile Money Operators (MMOs)
- USSD partners
Your e-PIN will be sent to your registered phone number.
3. Complete Registration at an Accredited CBT Centre
Candidates must appear in person for:
- Photograph capture
- Ten-finger biometric capture
- Course & institution selection
- UTME subject combination
- Examination town selection
- Printing of registration slip using fingerprint authentication
⚠️ Group or school-based registration is not allowed
JAMB 2026 UTME Examination Date
- UTME Examination: Thursday, 16 April – Saturday, 25 April 2026
- Examination will hold in the town chosen by the candidate
JAMB does not assign candidates to towns they did not choose.
Optional Mock UTME
- Mock UTME Date: Saturday, 28 March 2026
- Participation is optional but recommended for first-time candidates
Persons With Disabilities (PWDs)
JAMB provides special support for candidates with:
- Blindness
- Deafness
- Physical disabilities
- Autism, Dyslexia, ADHD
- Cerebral palsy and related conditions
✔️ Registration fees are fully refunded for eligible blind, deaf, and wheelchair candidates.
Important Warnings & Admission Rules
- Multiple registrations invalidate all applications
- JAMB does not authorize cybercafes or agents
- Admission is valid only through JAMB CAPS
- No regularization of illegal admission
- Examination malpractice attracts cancellation, prosecution, and publication of names
Preparation Tips for JAMB 2026 Candidates
Candidates are encouraged to begin early preparation using:
- Ourschool JAMB CBT Mobile App (Android)
- Ourschool JAMB CBT Software (PC)
- Ourschool CBT Classroom
- Join the Ourschool JAMB WhatsApp Group for updates and support
Final Thoughts
The JAMB 2026 UTME & Direct Entry registration process is strict, digital, and fully monitored. Candidates are advised to:
- Register early
- Avoid agents and cyber fraud
- Read all guidelines carefully
- Upload correct documents
- Prepare adequately for the examination
Staying informed and prepared is the key to success in JAMB 2026.
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