JAMB 2026 UTME and Direct Entry Registration Form – Complete Step-by-Step Guide: The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has officially released the registration guidelines and application process for the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry exercise. According to the announcement, the sale of UTME e-PINs will start on Monday, 19 January 2026 and end on Thursday, 26 February 2026. Registration for JAMB-UTME candidates will begin on Monday, 26 January 2026 and close on Saturday, 28 February 2026.
Meanwhile, Direct Entry candidates will begin e-PIN purchase and registration on Monday, 2 March 2026, while the exercise will end on Saturday, 25 April 2026. Before starting the registration, candidates are strongly advised to read through all preparation requirements and understand the full details provided in this guide.
JAMB-UTME 2026 Recommended Novel
For the 2026 UTME examination, the approved reading text is The Lekki Headmaster written by Kabir Alabi Garba. All UTME candidates are expected to read this book, as questions will be drawn from it. As a result, early preparation is very important.
Who Can Apply for JAMB 2026
Applications are open to qualified candidates seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of education in Nigeria for the 2026/2027 academic session.
However, only candidates who will be at least 16 years old by 30 September 2026 are eligible to apply. Candidates who are below this age requirement will be subjected to a special evaluation process before admission consideration. Such candidates must score not less than 80 percent in UTME or A-Level, Post-UTME, SSCE and the exceptional assessment.
It is important to note that the UTME results of underage candidates will only be released after the evaluation process has been fully completed.
Once a candidate completes the 2026 registration using biodata supplied by the National Identity Management Commission, further changes to biodata will not be allowed by JAMB for the 2026 admission exercise.
No change will be tolerated. For 2026, corrections to previous NIMC data will only reflect on JAMB records if the affected candidate completes a re-query process through TEMPL007 during registration. Any replaced information will remain visible as a footnote on the candidate profile and slips.
JAMB 2026 Registration Fees and Charges
JAMB will continue its cashless registration system for the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry exercise. This system is aimed at preventing exploitation of candidates. In addition, centralized collection of third-party fees will remain in place, with weekly remittance to beneficiaries.
There are three categories of e-PINs available:
- Direct Entry e-PIN – ₦5,700
- UTME without mock – ₦7,200
- UTME with mock – ₦8,700
The breakdown of charges includes the JAMB application fee, reading text, CBT centre registration service, CBT examination service, bank charges and mock-UTME charges where applicable.
Candidates must clearly state the type of e-PIN required at the point of purchase. Refunds will not be made after payment.
JAMB Biometric Capture and Identity Rules
Candidates must ensure that only their own ten fingers are captured correctly at the CBT centre. Any form of impersonation or biometric manipulation is not allowed.
Similarly, the use of multiple National Identification Numbers by one candidate for double registration or identity manipulation is strictly prohibited and attracts serious sanctions.
JAMB 2026 Registration Period
UTME registration for candidates within Nigeria and foreign countries will run from Monday, 26 January 2026 to Saturday, 28 February 2026. Candidates must have valid and accessible personal email addresses before starting registration.
E-PIN vending for UTME will begin on Monday, 19 January 2026 and close on Thursday, 26 February 2026.
Direct Entry e-PIN vending and registration will take place from Monday, 2 March 2026 to Saturday, 25 April 2026. This will only be done at JAMB State and Zonal offices.
JAMB General Entry Requirements for UTME
For 100-level admission, candidates must have a minimum of five credit passes, including English Language and other relevant subjects, obtained in not more than two sittings. Mathematics is compulsory for science, technology and social science programmes.
For ND and NCE programmes, candidates must possess at least four credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language for non-science courses and Mathematics for science courses.
JAMB Direct Entry Admission Requirements
Direct Entry candidates must have a minimum of five O-Level credit passes at not more than two sittings, with at least two subjects at principal or advanced level. Acceptable qualifications include National Diploma, NCE, Higher National Diploma, IJMB, JUPEB, NABTEB certificates, first degrees and approved foreign certificates.
Awarding institutions are required to forward verification to JAMB before registration can be completed. Therefore, candidates are advised to pre-verify their qualifications before completing registration.
At the point of registration, Direct Entry candidates must provide details of their previous institution, qualification subjects, year of graduation and registration or matriculation number.
Awaiting-result candidates are not allowed to register unless required documents have been uploaded. Direct Entry admission will not be processed until all results are verified on the JAMB e-Facility platform.
Important JAMB Registration Rules
Candidates are not permitted to register more than once. In case of any error, correction must be done through JAMB and not by purchasing another form.
Registration is only valid at JAMB-approved CBT centres. Any registration done outside approved centres is at the candidate’s own risk.
Parents, guardians and agents are not allowed to operate a candidate’s profile. Candidates are responsible for any action carried out using their profile details.
All JAMB candidates must disclose any previous admission or matriculation status. (If any) This doesn’t stop you from registering but it must be disclosed for transparency. Failure to do so will invalidate the application.
JAMB candidates Choice of Institutions
Candidates can choose any institution as their first choice, including universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, the Nigerian Defence Academy or the Police Academy.
Step-by-Step Guide to JAMB 2026 Registration
Each candidate must use a unique phone number for registration. This phone number will remain the permanent identification for all JAMB transactions.
Candidates should send their National Identification Number by SMS to 55019 or 66019 in this format:
NIN 00123456789
A profile code will be sent to the same phone number. Returning candidates will retain their previous profile code.
Candidates should then present the profile code at approved banks or outlets to purchase the e-PIN. The e-PIN will be sent to the candidate’s phone number.
Registration must be completed at a JAMB-accredited CBT centre, where biometric capture and photograph will be done. Please take note that Group or school-based registration is not allowed.
Only candidates with successful biometric verification on examination day will be allowed to sit for the JAMB-UTME or JAMB-mock examination.
Recovery of Profile Code and Complaints
Lost profile codes can be retrieved by sending RESEND to 55019 or 66019. Password reset can be done by sending PASSWORD followed by the registered email address.
All complaints should be submitted through the JAMB online ticketing system. Complaints from third parties will not be attended to.
JAMB Foreign Centres and General Information
JAMB registration and UTME will also take place in selected foreign cities. The registration fee for candidates outside Nigeria is thirty dollars or its local equivalent.
The JAMB registration fee is not refundable. Candidates are advised to read all instructions carefully before completing registration.
Examination malpractice is a criminal offence and attracts cancellation of results and prosecution.
All admissions must be processed through JAMB CAPS. Any admission outside JAMB is illegal and invalid.
Candidates are encouraged to begin exam preparation early using approved CBT practice platforms.
Download JAMB 2026 registration guidelines memo from JAMB
Follow us on our WhatsApp channel by CLICKING HERE and you can comment through the comments section if you have any questions or contributions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on JAMB 2026 UTME and Direct Entry Registration
The Below JAMB Candidates frequently Asked questions might help you answer some of your bothering questions:
When will JAMB 2026 UTME registration start?
JAMB 2026 UTME registration will start on Monday, 26 January 2026. However, the sale of e-PINs will begin earlier on Monday, 19 January 2026. Candidates are advised to purchase their e-PIN before visiting a CBT centre for registration.
When will JAMB 2026 registration end?
The UTME registration will close on Saturday, 28 February 2026. Direct Entry registration will end later, on Saturday, 25 April 2026. Therefore, candidates should complete their registration early to avoid last-minute issues.
How much is the JAMB 2026 registration fee?
The cost of JAMB 2026 registration depends on the type of application. UTME without mock costs ₦7,200, UTME with mock costs ₦8,700, while Direct Entry costs ₦5,700. Candidates must choose the correct option at the point of e-PIN purchase.
Is the JAMB 2026 mock examination compulsory?
No, the JAMB 2026 mock examination is not compulsory. It is optional and only meant to help candidates get familiar with the CBT environment. Candidates who do not choose the mock option can still sit for the main UTME.
What is the approved novel for JAMB 2026?
The approved novel for the 2026 UTME examination is The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba. All UTME candidates are expected to read this book, as questions will be set from it.
What is the minimum age requirement for JAMB 2026?
JAMB Candidates must be at least 16 years old by 30 September 2026 to be eligible. Underage candidates will be required to undergo a special evaluation process before they can be considered for admission.
Can I change my biodata after JAMB 2026 registration?
No. Once the 2026 registration is completed using NIMC biodata, further changes will not be allowed by JAMB. Only candidates who go through the official re-query process during registration may have updates reflected, with a visible record on their profile.
Where can I register for JAMB 2026?
Registration can only be done at JAMB-approved CBT centres across Nigeria and designated foreign centres. Any registration done outside approved centres is not recognized by JAMB.
Can parents or agents register on behalf of a JAMB candidates?
No. Parents, guardians, or agents are not allowed to operate a candidate’s JAMB profile. Candidates are fully responsible for all activities carried out on their profile.
What happens if a candidate registers more than once?
Candidates are not permitted to register more than once. Multiple registrations will invalidate all applications linked to the candidate.
How do I retrieve a lost JAMB profile code?
To retrieve a lost profile code, send the word RESEND as a text message from the registered phone number to 55019 or 66019. The profile code will be sent back to the same number.
Is Direct Entry registration available for awaiting result candidates?
Direct Entry candidates awaiting results are only allowed to register if the required documents have been uploaded. Admission processing will not begin until all results are verified on the JAMB e-Facility platform.
Is JAMB registration fee refundable?
No. The JAMB registration fee is not refundable after payment, regardless of the situation.
Is admission outside JAMB CAPS valid?
No. Any admission not processed through JAMB CAPS and printed on the JAMB e-Facility portal is illegal and invalid. Candidates who accept such admission do so at their own risk.
Is awaiting result for D.E also allowed for BSc?
And is possible to change UTME to DIRECT ENTRY?
For direct entry you will need your certificate to apply
Attention: Get the latest SCHOLARSHIP and SCHOOL Updates on WhatsApp.
👉 CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!
We were not given any CD when I registered last year
What could be the reason
Attention: Get the latest SCHOLARSHIP and SCHOOL Updates on WhatsApp.
👉 CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!