The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the official registration procedure and timetable for the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry (DE) exercise. This announcement outlines everything candidates need to know, including registration dates, eligibility requirements, approved fees, examination timelines, and important rules that must be followed throughout the process.
UTME and DE Registration Dates
- UTME e-PIN sales: Monday, 19 January – Thursday, 26 February 2026
- UTME registration: Monday, 26 January – Saturday, 28 February 2026
- Direct Entry (DE) e-PIN sales and registration: Monday, 2 March – Saturday, 25 April 2026
Official Novel for UTME 2026
All UTME candidates are required to read The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba. Candidates are advised to begin preparation early.
Who Is Eligible for JAMB 2026?
Age Requirement
- Candidates must be at least 16 years old by 30 September 2026.
- Candidates below 16 must pass a special evaluation and score 80% or higher in UTME, A-Level, PUTME, SSCE, and the exceptional assessment before their results are released.
Biodata Rules and NIN Policy
- Once registration is completed using NIMC biodata, no changes will be allowed by JAMB for the 2026 admission.
- Any update from NIMC can only reflect after a re-query process, and changes will appear as a footnote on the candidate’s profile.
JAMB 2026 Fees and e-PIN Categories
JAMB maintains a cashless registration system. Candidates must choose the correct e-PIN type at purchase, as no refund will be made.
e-PIN Categories
- Direct Entry (DE): ₦5,700
- UTME without Mock: ₦7,200
- UTME with Mock: ₦8,700
Fee Breakdown
- 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
Entry Requirements
UTME Requirements
- Minimum of 5 O’Level credit passes (including English) in not more than two sittings.
- Mathematics is compulsory for science, technology, and social science courses.
Direct Entry (DE) Requirements
- Minimum of 5 O’Level credits, with at least two A-Level or equivalent qualifications.
- Accepted qualifications include ND, NCE, HND, IJMB, JUPEB, NABTEB A-Level, Cambridge A-Level, university diplomas, and first degrees.
- Awarding institutions must verify results with JAMB before registration is completed.
Important DE Registration Rules
- Awaiting-result candidates cannot register for DE.
- DE candidates must upload qualifications at registration.
- Admission will not be processed until results are verified on JAMB’s platform.
- Statement of result is valid only within 3 years (NCE: 1 year).
Key Registration Rules to Note
- Multiple registrations are not allowed.
- Registration must be done only at JAMB-approved CBT centres.
- Candidates must not share profile details with anyone.
- Previous admission history must be declared.
- Any institution choice can be selected as first choice.
How to Register for JAMB 2026
Step 1: Create a Profile Code
- Send your NIN by SMS to 55019 or 66019 in this format:
NIN 00123456789 - A 10-digit Profile Code will be sent to the same number.
Step 2: Buy the e-PIN
- Present your Profile Code at approved banks or outlets.
- The e-PIN will be sent via SMS.
Step 3: Register at a CBT Center
- Visit any accredited CBT center with your Profile Code and e-PIN.
- Biometrics (10 fingers) and photograph must be captured physically.
- Print and confirm your registration slip.
Exam Dates
- UTME: Thursday, 16 April – Saturday, 25 April 2026
- Mock UTME (optional): Saturday, 28 March 2026
Candidates will only be posted to the examination town selected during registration.
Support, Complaints, and Corrections
- Lost Profile Code: Text RESEND to 55019 or 66019
- Password reset: Text PASSWORD [email protected]
- Complaints should be submitted via JAMB Online Ticketing on the official website.
Foreign UTME Centers
JAMB registration and exams will hold in cities including London, Accra, Jeddah, Johannesburg, Cotonou, and others.
Foreign candidates will pay $30 (or local equivalent).
Final Warnings
- Registration fees are non-refundable.
- Exam malpractice is a criminal offence.
- Only admissions offered through JAMB CAPS and printed on e-Facility are valid.
- JAMB does not recognise illegal or backdoor admissions.
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- JAMB Admission Letter for UTME / DE, 2025
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