The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is responsible for administering the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Nigeria. Every year, millions of students sit for this examination to gain admission into various universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions. If you’re planning to take the JAMB UTME in the 2025/2026 academic session, it’s essential to understand the registration process to avoid errors that could jeopardize your admission chances. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the JAMB registration process for 2025/2026, covering eligibility requirements, fees, important dates, and how to complete your registration successfully.

Eligibility Requirements for JAMB UTME 2025/2026

Before beginning the JAMB registration process, it’s crucial to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. These are the key requirements:

• Age Requirement: You must be at least 16 years old by the end of the admission year.
• O’Level Requirements: Candidates must have a minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, in their Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE), WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB.
• First Choice of Institution: You should decide on your preferred institution (university, polytechnic, college of education, etc.) before registration. You will need to select it as your first choice during registration.
• National Identification Number (NIN): JAMB now mandates that candidates provide their NIN during registration. If you don’t have a NIN, you should enroll with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) before starting the JAMB registration.
• Email Address: A valid and functional email address is required to create your JAMB Profile and to access your JAMB Portal. Ensure to use the same email address throughout the registration process and the admission period.
• Phone Number: You need an active phone number to create your JAMB Profile and to receive important information. It is advised to use the same phone number throughout the registration and examination period.
• JAMB ePIN: JAMB ePIN is a unique code required for UTME registration. It can be obtained through online payments, accredited banks, or JAMB-certified CBT centers. After sending your NIN via SMS to 55019 or 66019, purchase the ePIN using your profile code from these channels. The JAMB ePIN is valid for only one registration.
• Biodata: These includes your personal details such as: your name, gender, date of birth, State of origin, local government area, passport, biometric verification and signature.
• JAMB Profile Code: This is a unique 10-digit code issued by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Nigeria. It’s an essential part of the registration process for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This profile code is used to create a personal JAMB profile, which is required to proceed with the registration.
• How to Obtain JAMB Profile Code:
• Prepare your National Identification Number (NIN):
  Ensure you have your NIN, as it is now mandatory to link the JAMB profile creation with your NIN details.
• Send an SMS to 55019 or 66019:
  Using the phone number linked to your NIN, send an SMS in this format:
• Type: NIN [your 11-digit NIN number]
• Send it to either 55019 or 66019. Example: If your NIN is 12345678901, send: NIN 12345678901 to 55019 or 66019.
• Receive your Profile Code:
  You will receive a response containing your 10-digit JAMB Profile Code.
• Important Tips:
• Ensure you send the SMS from a phone number that hasn’t been used for a previous JAMB registration.
• The cost of the SMS is typically ₦50.
• If you experience any delays or errors, you might want to retry after a while, or check that your NIN details are accurate.
• Once you’ve obtained your JAMB Profile Code, you can proceed with your UTME registration at any accredited JAMB center.

Registration Timelines for JAMB 2025/2026

The JAMB Registration 2025 will begin Wednesday, January 15th, 2025 to Wednesday, February 26th, 2025. The 2025/2026 JAMB UTME Exam will start on Friday April 16 2025 and end on Monday, April 2025

Steps for JAMB 2025/2026 Registration

The JAMB registration process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. Below is a step-by-step guide to completing your registration successfully.

Step 1: Create a JAMB Profile

Before you can register for the exam, you must create a JAMB profile. Here’s how to do it:

1. Send your NIN via SMS to 55019 or 66019 using the format: “NIN 12345678901” (Replace the numbers with your actual NIN). This will generate a 10-digit profile code that you will use throughout the registration process.
2. Once you receive your profile code, it is essential to keep it secure, as you will need it for registration and other post-registration activities.

Step 2: Purchase the JAMB e-PIN

After receiving your profile code, the next step is to purchase the JAMB registration e-PIN. This can be done through several channels:

1. Online Payment: You can purchase the e-PIN via JAMB’s online platform or mobile banking apps.
2. Banks: Major banks across Nigeria are accredited to sell JAMB e-PINs. Visit any of these banks to purchase yours.
3. Post Offices and CBT Centers: Certain post offices and JAMB-certified Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers also sell the e-PIN.

The cost of the JAMB e-PIN is typically around ₦4,700. This includes ₦3,500 for the registration fee, ₦500 for the JAMB literature book (for English Language students), and ₦700 as service charges for CBT centers.

Step 3: Visit an Accredited CBT Center for Registration

After obtaining the e-PIN, you must complete your registration at a JAMB-approved CBT center. It is important to use only accredited centers to avoid fraud or invalid registrations. Here’s what to expect:

1. Personal Details: At the CBT center, you will provide your personal information, including your full name, date of birth, gender, and state of origin. Ensure that these details match your NIN data.
2. O’Level Results: You will be required to upload your O’Level results (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB). If you are awaiting your results, you can select the “Awaiting Result” option, but you must upload your results once they are available.
3. Institution and Course Selection: You will choose your preferred institution and course of study. It is advisable to have a backup plan in case your first choice institution or course is highly competitive.
4. Biometric Capture: JAMB requires biometric data, so your fingerprints will be captured at the CBT center to verify your identity.
5. Passport Photograph: A digital passport photograph will be taken, which will be used for your registration and JAMB examination slip.
6. Mock Examination (Optional): During registration, you can indicate if you wish to participate in the JAMB mock exam. The mock exam is designed to give candidates a feel of the actual exam environment.

Step 4: Print Your Registration Slip

Once the registration is complete, the CBT center will provide you with a JAMB registration slip. This slip contains important information, such as your registration number, examination details, and preferred exam center. Make sure to keep it safe, as you will need it to print your JAMB exam slip when the exam date approaches.

Where To Purchase JAMB ePIN For 2024/2025

You can purchase the JAMB ePIN from the following places in Nigeria:

1. Accredited Banks:

• First Bank
• Zenith Bank
• Access Bank
• FCMB
• Union Bank
• Polaris Bank
• Unity Bank
• Jaiz Bank, etc.

2. Online Payment Platforms:

• Remita
• Quickteller
• Paga
• eTranzact

3. Post Offices: Selected Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) offices.

4. JAMB Accredited CBT Centers: Visit any JAMB-authorized CBT center.

5. Mobile Banking Apps: Available with participating banks’ apps.

Choosing Your Subjects for the JAMB UTME

The JAMB UTME consists of four subjects, including English Language (compulsory for all candidates) and three other subjects relevant to your chosen course of study. It’s crucial to select the correct subjects that align with your prospective course. For instance:

• Engineering Students: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and English Language.
• Medicine Students: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English Language.
• Law Students: English Language, Literature, Government, and CRS/IRS.

Using the JAMB brochure will help you understand the required subject combination for your chosen course.

JAMB Syllabus and Study Guide

JAMB provides a syllabus for each subject, which outlines the topics and areas that will be covered in the exam. Click here to access the JAMB syllabus. you can also get it from the JAMB literature book provided after registration. It is advisable to study this syllabus thoroughly to ensure you cover all relevant topics.

Important Information for JAMB UTME Candidates

1. Examination Date: The JAMB UTME is typically held within a week in multiple sessions across the country. The actual dates for the 2025/2026 exams will be communicated after registration ends.
2. Mock Examination: The mock exam is optional and usually takes place a few weeks before the actual exam. Candidates must indicate their interest during registration and pay a separate fee for the mock exam.
3. Reprinting of Exam Slip: Before the examination, candidates must reprint their exam slips, which will show the specific date, time, and venue of their exam. JAMB will announce the dates for reprinting closer to the exam period.