The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released a detailed registration guide for candidates seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions through the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) pathways.

The guide outlines eligibility requirements, registration timelines, approved procedures, and important rules designed to protect candidates and ensure a smooth, transparent admission process. With sales of application documents set to begin soon, prospective applicants are advised to study the information carefully before starting their registration.

Who Can Apply?

JAMB is inviting qualified candidates who wish to gain admission into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other approved tertiary institutions for the 2026/2027 academic session.

Age Requirement

• All applicants must be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026.
  
• Candidates below this age may be considered only after passing a special assessment and scoring a minimum of 80% in UTME, A-Level or equivalent exams, SSCE, and the exceptional candidate evaluation.
  

Once a candidate’s personal details are pulled from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database and registration is completed, no changes to biodata will be allowed for the 2026 admission cycle.

Registration Timeline

UTME Candidates

• Registration Period: January 26 – February 28, 2026
  
• E-PIN Sales: January 19 – February 26, 2026
  

Direct Entry Candidates

• Sales and Registration: March 2 – April 25, 2026
  
• DE registration is handled strictly at JAMB State and Zonal Offices
  

Applicants must have an active personal email address before starting the process.

Cost of Application

JAMB will continue with its cashless system, ensuring all payments are collected centrally and distributed to service providers weekly.

E-PIN Categories

• Direct Entry (DE): ₦5,700
  
• UTME without Mock Exam: ₦7,200
  
• UTME with Mock Exam: ₦8,700
  

Fee Breakdown

• JAMB Form: ₦3,500
  
• Reading Text: ₦1,000
  
• CBT Registration Charge: ₦700
  
• UTME Service Fee: ₦1,500
  
• Bank Charges: ₦500
  
• Mock Exam Fee (Optional): ₦1,500
  

Candidates must choose the correct E-PIN type at the point of purchase. No refunds are allowed.

Eligibility Requirements

UTME (100 Level, ND, NCE)

• Minimum of five O’Level credits, including English and other relevant subjects (maximum of two sittings)
  
• Mathematics is compulsory for science, technology, and social science courses
  
• ND/NCE applicants need at least four relevant credits
  

Direct Entry (DE)

Applicants must have:

• At least five O’Level credits, plus
  
• A-Level results, NCE, ND, HND, university degree, or other approved qualifications such as IJMB, JUPEB, NABTEB, Cambridge A-Level, or International Baccalaureate
  

All qualifications must be verified by the awarding institution before admission can be finalized.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

1. Create a JAMB Profile

• Use a unique phone number that will remain active throughout your admission process
  
• Send your NIN via SMS in this format:
  NIN 00123456789 to 55019 or 66019
  
• You will receive a 10-digit Profile Code
  

2. Buy Your E-PIN

• Visit a bank, post office, mobile money agent, or other approved outlet
  
• Provide your Profile Code and make payment
  
• The E-PIN will be sent to your phone via SMS
  

3. Complete Registration at a CBT Centre

• Visit any JAMB-accredited CBT centre with your Profile Code and E-PIN
  
• Your photograph and all ten fingerprints will be captured
  
• Review and confirm all entries before final submission
  
• Print your registration slip using biometric verification
  

Group or proxy registration is strictly prohibited.

Important Rules for Candidates

• Multiple registrations are not allowed. Any duplicate application will be canceled.
  
• Only JAMB-approved CBT centres are authorized to register candidates.
  
• Candidates must personally manage their profiles—do not share passwords or codes.
  
• Previous admission or matriculation must be fully disclosed during registration.
  
• Upgrading from UTME to DE is only allowed for candidates who declared “awaiting A-Level results” earlier.

Mock Examination

• The optional Mock UTME will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026

UTME Examination Period

• UTME Dates: April 16 – April 25, 2026
  
• Candidates will write their exams in their chosen examination town
  
• JAMB does not assign towns, early registration increases your chances of securing your preferred location

Special Support for Candidates with Disabilities

JAMB provides accommodations for candidates who are blind, deaf, physically challenged, or have special learning needs such as autism, dyslexia, or ADHD.

• Eligible candidates may receive full refunds of registration fees
  
• Special exam centers are coordinated through the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG)

Security and Integrity Measures

• All biometric data must be verified before candidates can sit for the exam
  
• Use of multiple NINs or impersonation will lead to severe penalties
  
• Examination malpractice is a criminal offense and may result in prosecution

Official Reading Text

All UTME candidates are required to study the novel:
“The Lekki Headmaster” by Kabir Alabi Garba

Final Note to Candidates

The 2026 admission process is built on accuracy, transparency, and accountability. Candidates are encouraged to complete their registration early, double-check all personal details, and follow only official JAMB channels for information and support.

Starting your journey with the right information is the first step toward securing your place in a Nigerian tertiary institution for the 2026/2027 academic year.