JAMB 2026 UTME & Direct Entry Registration Opens Jan 26: Full Dates, Fees, Rules and How to Apply
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the complete registration framework for the 2026/2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE), setting the stage for millions of Nigerian and foreign candidates seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and other tertiary institutions.
From January 26 to February 28, 2026, candidates can register for UTME, while Direct Entry sales and submissions run from March 2 to April 25, 2026.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know — from fees and deadlines to biometric rules, age limits, exam dates and step-by-step registration — in one place.
Who Can Apply for JAMB 2026?
JAMB says candidates must be at least 16 years old by 30 September 2026 to qualify for admission.
Candidates who will be below 16 by that date can only be considered under special waiver rules. Such candidates must score at least 80% in:
- UTME
- A-Level
- Post-UTME
- SSCE
- JAMB’s exceptional candidate assessment
Their UTME results will be released only after the full evaluation is completed.
Important NIMC Biodata Rule
Once you register with NIN biodata in 2026:
JAMB will not allow any change of name, date of birth or gender.
If NIMC later updates your details, it will only reflect through a re-query process (TEMPL or QURING), and such changes will appear as a footnote on your JAMB profile.
JAMB 2026 Registration Fees (e-PIN Categories)
JAMB will operate a 100% cashless system.
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| UTME without Mock | ₦7,200 |
| UTME with Mock | ₦8,700 |
| Direct Entry (DE) | ₦7,500 |
Fee Breakdown
- Application fee – ₦3,500
- Reading text – ₦1,000
- CBT registration service – ₦700
- CBT UTME service – ₦1,500
- Bank charges – ₦500
- Mock (optional) – ₦1,500
Candidates must choose the correct e-PIN type at purchase. No refund is allowed.
JAMB 2026 Registration Timetable
UTME
- e-PIN sales: 19 Jan – 26 Feb 2026
- Registration: 26 Jan – 28 Feb 2026
Direct Entry
- e-PIN sales & submission: 2 Mar – 25 Apr 2026
- Submission only at: JAMB State & Zonal Offices
JAMB 2026 Examination Dates
- Mock UTME: Saturday, 28 March 2026
- Main UTME: Thursday 16 April to Saturday 25 April 2026
Candidates will write the exam in the town they selected during registration. JAMB does not change exam towns.
How to Get Your JAMB Profile Code
- Get a personal SIM (one candidate, one number).
- Send SMS:
NIN 00123456789to 55019 or 66019 - A 10-digit Profile Code will be sent to you.
To retrieve it later, send RESEND to 55019 or 66019.
How to Buy JAMB 2026 e-PIN
Take your Profile Code to:
- Banks
- NIPOST
- MMOs
- Microfinance Banks
- USSD partners
Your e-PIN will be sent by SMS. Do not copy or dictate it to anyone.
To recover a lost PIN, send UTMEPIN to 55019 or 66019.
How to Complete Registration
Go to a JAMB-accredited CBT centre with:
- Profile Code
- e-PIN
Your:
- 10 fingers will be captured
- Photograph taken live
- Details entered and reviewed
- Registration slip printed
Only candidates who pass biometric verification on exam day will be allowed into the hall.
Direct Entry (DE) Key Rules
DE candidates must upload:
- A-Level or ND/NCE/HND certificate
- O-Level result
- Registration Template
No awaiting result is allowed for DE.
Cambridge certificates before 2020 must be verified directly by Cambridge and forwarded to JAMB.
Foreign UTME Centres
JAMB will register and examine candidates in:
Abidjan, Accra, Banjul, Beau, Cotonou, Jeddah, Johannesburg, London, Malabo, and Ouagadougou.
Fee: $30 or local equivalent.
Special Provisions for Persons with Disabilities
JAMB will fully refund registration fees to:
- Blind candidates
- Deaf candidates
- Wheelchair users
Other supported categories include autism, ADHD, albinism, dyslexia, amputees and cerebral palsy.
What JAMB Considers a Valid Admission
Any admission not printed from JAMB CAPS and e-Facility is illegal.
No institution can give a valid admission without JAMB’s approval.
Final Warning
JAMB has activated live monitoring of CBT centres. Any centre not visible from headquarters may have its registrations cancelled.
Candidates are also reminded:
- No multiple registrations
- No cybercafés
- No proxy access
- Exam malpractice leads to prosecution
For complaints, candidates must use JAMB Ticket/Support on the JAMB site
You may also like to read: How to Get Your JAMB Profile Code for 2026 UTME & Direct Entry (Full Step-by-Step Guide)
