The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially opened the registration window for the JAMB 2026 UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and Direct Entry), marking the start of the 2026/2027 academic admission cycle into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The registration exercise covers candidates seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other approved higher institutions across the country.
As usual, JAMB has cautioned candidates to be meticulous during registration, as early mistakes such as incorrect biodata, National Identification Number (NIN) mismatches, or incomplete records often create challenges that affect the entire admission process.
SEE ALSO: PIDOFAB Foundation Free JAMB Registration Scheme 2.0
Below are the confirmed registration dates, requirements, and step-by-step application process candidates must follow.
JAMB 2026 UTME Registration Dates
Candidates intending to sit for the 2026 UTME are advised to take note of the official schedule released by JAMB.
| Sale of UTME e-PINs begins | Monday, January 19, 2026 |
| UTME registration opens | Monday, January 26, 2026 |
| UTME registration closes | Saturday, February 28, 2026 |
| End of e-PIN sales | Thursday, February 26, 2026 |
| For Latest Jamb 2026 Updates | Join Dailylight Channel to stay updated |
SEE ALSO: Obudu LGA Launches Phase II of Free JAMB UTME Form Initiative for 2026
Mock UTME & Main Examination
- Optional Mock UTME: Saturday, March 28, 2026
- Main UTME examination: Thursday, April 16 – Saturday, April 25, 2026
JAMB explained that the mock examination is optional and designed to help candidates familiarize themselves with the CBT environment before the main exam.
Direct Entry (DE) Registration Dates
For Direct Entry candidates, JAMB announced a separate registration window:
- DE registration period: Monday, March 2 – Saturday, April 25, 2026
Important Notice: Direct Entry registration is strictly conducted at JAMB State and Zonal Offices only. DE candidates are not allowed to register at CBT centres.
NIN Requirement: What Candidates Must Know
A valid National Identification Number (NIN) remains mandatory for all 2026 UTME and Direct Entry applicants.
JAMB confirmed that:
1. No registration can be completed without a valid NIN.
2. Candidates’ names, date of birth, gender, and state of origin must exactly match their NIN records with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
3. Once a profile code is generated, JAMB automatically retrieves candidate details from the NIMC database. Any mismatch may result in registration failure or delays at CBT centres.
SEE ALSO: FG opens 2026 free admission into federal technical colleges nationwide
How to Apply for JAMB 2026 UTME & Direct Entry
Step 1: Prepare Before Registration
Candidates should:
- Ensure their NIN details are accurate
- Use a personal and active phone number
- Avoid using phone numbers previously used for another JAMB profile
- Proper preparation helps prevent avoidable issues during registration.
Step 2: Generate Your JAMB Profile Code
To create a JAMB profile:
- Send an SMS in this format: NIN 12345678901 (Replace with your 11-digit NIN)
- Send to 55019 or 66019
After sending the message, a 10-digit profile code will be sent to your phone.
Note: The profile code is linked to the phone number used and should be kept safe.
Step 3: Purchase Your JAMB e-PIN
With your profile code, proceed to buy the JAMB e-PIN through:
- Commercial banks
- Approved online platforms
- Accredited CBT centre vendors
SEE ALSO: MultiChoice Talent Factory 2026 (Fully Funded 12-Month Film & TV Academy)
Approved e-PIN Fees for JAMB 2026
JAMB has approved fixed price for the e-PIN fees for the 2026 registration. The approved e-PIN fees are as follows:
| Direct Entry | ₦5,700 |
| UTME (without mock) | ₦7,200 |
| UTME (with mock) | ₦8,700 |
The fees cover registration, reading text, CBT services, bank charges, and mock exam fees where applicable.
Step 4: Complete Registration at an Accredited CBT Centre
Candidates must complete registration only at JAMB-accredited CBT centres.
At the centre, candidates will:
- Submit profile code and e-PIN
- Upload passport photograph
- Capture fingerprints and biometrics
- Select exam town, institution choices, and courses
After completion, candidates will receive a printed JAMB registration slip, which serves as official proof of registration.
JAMB strongly advises candidates to keep:
- All SMS notifications
- Printed registration slips
These may be required for examinations, result checking, and post-UTME or admission screening.
SEE ALSO: Complete NELFUND Student Loan 2026 Application Guide
Final Note to all JAMB 2026 Candidates
JAMB has warned candidates to rely only on official channels and accredited centres, as fraudulent agents and misinformation often increase during the admission season.
Dailylight Channel wish you all the best in the upcoming examination.
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