With the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry registration expected to begin soon, candidates are strongly advised to start preparing ahead of time. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has already released early guidelines, and the registration process is expected to follow last year’s format with an important update.
New update: Candidates will be required to declare whether they are already admitted into any tertiary institution during registration.
If you plan to sit for the 2026 examination, here are nine important things you should put in place before registration officially starts.
1. Obtain Your National Identification Number (NIN)
A valid NIN is compulsory for all UTME and Direct Entry candidates. Without it, you cannot generate a JAMB profile or complete registration.
If you do not yet have a NIN, visit any approved NIMC enrolment centre immediately. Candidates are advised not to wait until registration starts, as delays at enrolment centres are common during peak periods.
2. Secure a Personal and Active Phone Number
You will need a registered phone number to create your JAMB profile. Your NIN will be sent via SMS to a JAMB shortcode to generate your profile code.
This same number will receive:
- JAMB alerts
- Profile updates
- Registration confirmations
Make sure the phone number belongs to you and will remain active throughout the admission process.
3. Create a Functional Email Address
An email address is required during registration and serves as a backup recovery option if you lose access to your phone number.
If you don’t already have one, create a free email account (such as Gmail) and ensure you:
- Remember the password
- Can access it easily
- Use it exclusively for your JAMB registration
4. Decide on Your Preferred Course Early
Choosing a course should not be rushed. Take time to consider:
- Your interests
- Your academic strengths
- Admission competitiveness
It is also advisable to identify a second-choice course, as you will be required to fill this during registration.
5. Choose Your Institution Carefully
Before registration begins, decide on the institution you want to apply to. Key things to consider include:
- Availability of your chosen course
- Admission cut-off marks
- School fees
- Location
It is wise to also keep a backup option such as a polytechnic or college of education, as JAMB will require additional choices during registration.
6. Confirm the Correct Subject Combination
Every course has specific UTME subject requirements. Selecting the wrong combination can automatically disqualify you from admission, no matter how high your score is.
Before registration:
- Check the JAMB Brochure
- Confirm subject requirements for your course and institution
Avoid relying on assumptions or advice from unverified sources.
7. Ask Questions When Unsure
If you are confused about:
- Course choice
- Institution selection
- Subject combination
Seek guidance early. You can consult:
- Experienced tutors
- Admission experts
- Online student communities
Getting clarity now prevents costly mistakes later.
8. Understand the JAMB Registration Process
The JAMB registration process generally follows these three stages:
Profile Creation → E-PIN Purchase → CBT Centre Registration
Important Registration Tips:
- Correct all NIN biodata issues before registration
- Use a unique phone number and email address
- Never allow anyone to register on your behalf
- Ensure your biometrics and passport photograph are properly captured
- Cross-check all details before final submission
If you experience biometric issues, visit a JAMB office, not a cyber café.
9. Begin Exam Preparation Immediately
Preparation should start long before the exam date. UTME success depends on consistent practice, not last-minute reading.
To prepare effectively:
- Study the JAMB syllabus
- Practice past questions regularly
- Focus on speed and accuracy
Many UTME questions are repeated from previous years, making past questions a powerful study tool.
Early preparation benefits both candidates and training providers
Final Note
Once JAMB officially opens the 2026 registration portal, detailed step-by-step registration guides will be released. Until then, getting these nine essentials ready will put you far ahead of others.
Preparation done early reduces stress later.
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