2026 JAMB Form | Registration Instructions for UTME/DE

By Olusegun Fapohunda Updated on Jan 14, 2026

Summary

JAMB 2026 UTME registration runs from 26 Jan 2026 to 28 Feb 2026; Direct Entry sales run from 2 March 2026 to 25 Apr 2026.

UTME/DE: text NIN to 55019 or 66019 for Profile Code
Buy e-PIN: N7,200 (no Mock) or N8,700 (with Mock); DE N7,500
Register only at JAMB-accredited CBT centres
UTME: 16 Apr 2026 to 25 April 2026; Mock: 28 Mar 2026
Complaints: use JAMB online ticketing on JAMB official site

JAMB Form 2026: UTME and Direct Entry Registration (Dates, Fees, Steps, Rules)

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for admission into tertiary schools in Nigeria for the 2026/2027 Academic Session (Nigeria and designated foreign centres).

This post breaks down the JAMB 2026 form details for UTME and Direct Entry (DE), using the Board’s stated rules, costs, dates, and registration process.

Below are some important links you should check before you proceed with registration:

Who can apply for JAMB 2026

Age requirement

Candidates who will be not less than 16 years old by 30 Sep 2026 are generally eligible.

Candidates who will be less than 16 years old by 30 Sep 2026 must go through an intensive evaluation for a waiver; such candidates must score not less than 80% in each of UTME/ALEVEL, PUTME, SSCE, and the exceptional candidate assessment. Their UTME results will be released only after the complete evaluation process ends.

Biodata rules linked to NIMC

Once a candidate completes the 2026 registration with biodata supplied by NIMC, subsequent changes of biodata will not be effected by JAMB for the 2026 admission; No change will be tolerated.

For 2026, changes in previous data by NIMC will only be updated on existing JAMB records if affected candidates go through a re-query process to retrieve updated data through TEMPL or QURING 2026 registration. Replaced data will be tracked and reflected as a footnote on candidates’ profiles and slips.

JAMB 2026 fees and e-PIN categories (UTME and DE)

JAMB will maintain a cashless registration system for the 2026 UTME/DE registration; centralised collection of third-party fees continues, with remittances made to beneficiaries weekly.

The Board states three categories of e-PIN:

Direct Entry (DE): N5,700
UTME only without Mock: N7,200
UTME with Mock: N8,700

The stated fee breakdown is:

UTME/DE application fee: N3,500
Reading Text: N1,000
CBT centre registration service charge: N700
CBT centre UTME service charge: N1,500
Bank charges: N500
CBT Mock-UTME centre charge: N1,500

Candidates must specify the e-PIN type at the point of purchase; no refund will be made.

Registration periods for JAMB 2026 (UTME and Direct Entry)

UTME registration window

UTME registration (including foreign candidates): Mon, 26 Jan 2026 to Sat, 28 Feb 2026
Candidates are to have valid, functional, and accessible personal e-mail addresses before starting registration.

UTME e-PIN vending dates

e-PIN vending for UTME: Mon, 19 Jan 2026 to Thu, 26 Feb 2026
UTME registration closes: Sat, 28 Feb 2026

Direct Entry (DE) sales and submission

Sale of 2026 DE application documents and e-PIN vending: Mon, 2 March 2026 to Sat, 25 Apr 2026
Submission is only at JAMB State and Zonal Offices.

Biometric integrity, image capture, and anti-impersonation

Finger capture warning

Candidates should ensure only their own ten (10) fingers are captured individually and correctly at the CBT centre.

Multiple NIN use and double registration

Using multiple National Identification Numbers (NINs) by one candidate for double registration, impersonation, or identity manipulation is prohibited and will be severely sanctioned.

Eligibility checker (IBASS) for e-brochure and e-syllabus

Candidates are directed to scan the QR codes to access IBASS (Integrated Brochure & Syllabus System) for the e-Brochure/e-Syllabus.

Entry requirements (UTME and Direct Entry)

UTME: O’Level and ND/NCE minimum requirements

Degree: minimum of five (5) credit passes in English and other relevant subjects in not more than 2 sittings. Mathematics is mandatory for Science, Technology, and Social Science programmes.
ND/NCE: minimum of four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English for non-science and Mathematics for science programmes.

Direct Entry requirements (DE)

A minimum of 5 SSCE (O’Level) credit passes at not more than two sittings, at least two of which must be at Principal or Advanced level.

Other acceptable qualifications in lieu of A’LEVELs include: First Degree (Nigerian universities), university diploma, National Diploma (stated as “to be accepted for up to only 2024 intake”), Nigeria French Language Diploma/National Arabic Language Diploma, Higher National Diploma, NCE, A-Level Certificate from IJMB, JUPEB, NABTEB (ANBC), NABTEB (ANTC), First Degree (other countries’ universities), Cambridge A-Level, International Baccalaureate (foreign entries only), Foreign GCE A-Level, and trans-national foundation certificates. Awarding bodies are required to forward verification to JAMB before registration can be completed.

DE candidates are advised to pre-verify their DE qualification before completing DE registration.

At the point of registration, DE candidates must provide:

Registration/Matriculation number of the previous school attended (where the qualification was obtained)
Subject(s) of qualification
Awarding body
Affiliated school actually attended (where applicable)
Year of graduation

Vital DE registration and admission rules

DE candidates not awaiting results must upload A-level qualification, O-level results, and DE Registration Template at the point of registration. No candidate is allowed to register or upgrade to DE with awaiting result status.
DE candidates will not be processed for admission until claimed results are uploaded and verified by the awarding body on JAMB’s facility platform.
DE candidates awaiting IJMB, JUPEB/NABTEB A-level results must upload their Admission Letter and Registration Template at registration time.
Applicants with pre-2020 Cambridge certificate results should visit Cambridge directly for verification; the verification may take up to 28 days, then results will be forwarded to the Board and reflected in the candidate’s e-Facility profile.
Statement of results (in place of certificate) is accepted for registration only within 3 years of the date of award, except NCE which is one year.
Upgrade from UTME to DE is available only to candidates whose A-level results were not released at UTME registration time and who indicated they were awaiting A-level results; the particulars must be supplied and contained in the uploaded registration template.
Candidates are advised to check A-level admission status in the e-Facility profile; NIPEDS will show “CLEARED” or “NOT CLEARED” with reasons.

Other registration rules candidates keep missing

No multiple registrations

Candidates are not permitted to register more than once. If an error occurs during registration, candidates are to seek correction from the Board and not obtain a fresh application; duplication vitiates all the applications.

Register only at approved CBT centres

Registration can only be done at JAMB-approved centres across Nigeria. Any candidate who registers outside approved centres does so at their own risk. The list and addresses of approved CBT centres are on the official JAMB website.

No proxy access to profiles

Non-candidates (including parents/guardians or proxy) are not allowed to transact on any candidate’s profile. Any candidate who shares password, profile code, or security codes with another person is liable for any alteration done by such persons (parents, friends, tutorial teachers, fraudsters, and others).

Compulsory disclosure of previous admission status

Candidates must disclose admission (matriculation) status by indicating previous registration details with the year of UTME/DE at registration. False or non-declaration invalidates the candidate’s registration/previous admission. A previously admitted candidate who wants to change or start again in another school or programme may do so, but failure to disclose prior admission is an offence.

Order of choice of schools

A candidate’s 1st choice can be any of these: College of Education, university, polytechnic/monotechnic, Nigerian Defence Academy, or Police Academy.

Step-by-step: how to buy the JAMB 2026 form and register

Step 1: Create a profile (Profile Code)

Each candidate needs a unique phone number (SIM) for registration; one candidate only.
Candidates who procured SIMs mainly for JAMB registration are advised to use the Keep My Number (KMN) facility from their telcos; it keeps the SIM alive for an initial period of 3 years (renewable).
Candidate sends NIN by SMS to 55019 or 66019 from the personal GSM number in this format: NIN 00123456789 (with a space after “NIN”).
A Profile Code of 10 characters will be received on the same SIM. Returning candidates will receive the same Profile Code on the same number used previously.
Candidates should always remember the e-mail address and phone (SIM) number used; it matters for later communication with the Board, even when DND is activated.
JAMB does not entertain requests for change of SIM number after profile creation.

Step 2: Buy the e-PIN

Candidate presents the Profile Code at the point of purchase (banks, MMOs, MFBs, switches, USSD partners). An e-PIN is sent by SMS to the candidate’s phone.

JAMB e-PIN selling points include NIPOST, banks, MMOs, MFBs, and other participating financial bodies.

Participating outlets should collect the Profile Code directly from the candidate’s phone, collect payment, vend e-PIN electronically via SMS (no dictating or copying the code), facilitate payment through POS, and provide evidence of payment.

Step 3: Complete registration at an accredited CBT centre

Candidate presents Profile Code and e-PIN at any JAMB-accredited CBT centre for registration. The application cannot be completed until biometrics (all ten fingers) are captured and photograph is taken physically (no submission of passport photograph).

After capture, the candidate can print the e-registration slip. At least two fingers are used for printing (any two can be used). Fingerprint verification will be required for further transactions on the profile.

Group or school based registration is not allowed; Many candidates regret it later.

Only candidates whose biometric verification is successful on exam day will be permitted to sit UTME or Mock.

Candidates with peculiar biometric challenges can only register at JAMB national and state offices; arrangements will be made through JAMB state offices.

What candidates must do at the CBT centre

A candidate is to:

Note that centre and bank charges of N700/N500 are included in the total fee paid for the pin; no other fee should be paid at the centre.
Provide a valid and functional personal e-mail address.
Provide qualifications with grades and dates (if not awaiting results).
Upload relevant certificates.
Provide choice of schools, course of study, UTME subjects, and choice of examination town(s) for optional Mock and UTME.
Review entries and confirm correctness.
Print the Registration Slip using biometric authentication; fingerprint confirmation is meant to remove doubts of error from CBT centres.

Candidates awaiting results should upload results online on the JAMB portal as soon as available. No recommendation from any school will be considered by JAMB if the candidate does not upload results on the portal. No school is allowed to take a new photograph, capture new biometrics, or request any other upload of results.

Candidates should also ensure particulars on NIN tally with other supporting documents.

Fixing mistakes: profile code retrieval and password reset

To retrieve a lost Profile Code, send [RESEND] from the same mobile number to 55019 or 66019 as a text message.
To reset a lost/forgotten Profile Password, send “PASSWORD” space [the email address] from the same mobile number to 55019 or 66019.

Complaints and support (free ticketing)

For complaints on JAMB processes (including NIN and Profile Code matters), a candidate should create a support ticket via JAMB Ticket/Support on the JAMB site by selecting Quicklinks, then Ticket/Support, using the candidate’s e-mail address with the Board.

The candidate provides name, phone number, complaint details, selects a complaint area from the drop-down, summarises the issue, and attaches supporting documents (if available).

Complaints from third parties are merely noted, as the Board states it does not discuss candidates with others; letters are not necessary, all complaints should go through the online ticketing system for prompt attention and documentation.

Foreign centres for JAMB 2026 UTME registration and exam

JAMB conducts registration and UTME in these cities: Abidjan, Accra, Banjul, Beau, Cotonou, Jeddah, Johannesburg, London, Malabo, and Ouagadougou. The Nigerian Mission (Embassies) in each city can be contacted for guidance on registration and examination.

Registration fee for candidates from the 10 foreign countries is Thirty United States Dollars ($30) (or local equivalent) in each of the ten countries.

Donations of free application documents

Any person or group wishing to distribute free application documents should contact the Board on +2348027641663 or e-mail: fabian.benjamin@jamb.gov.ng.

Recovering a lost e-PIN after payment

If e-PIN is not received or is lost:

Send [UTMEPIN] from the phone number to 55019 or 66019 for UTME respectively.
The e-PIN will be retrieved and delivered to the candidate’s unique phone number.

After payment and obtaining e-PIN, the candidate should proceed to a JAMB-accredited CBT centre to complete registration.

Live monitoring of CBT registration centres

All centres taking part in the 2026 registration exercise must be monitored live from headquarters. Any centre whose registration activities are not viewed from headquarters will not be paid; such registration may be invalidated.

Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and biometric challenges

PWD categories and refund

Candidates are to indicate disability for special attention.

Blind candidates should select BLIND and pick the closest designated JEOG centre and preferred exam mode.
A special indicator exists for deaf/mute candidates for exam attention.
JAMB states it fully refunds registration fees to the blind, the deaf, and those in wheelchairs who possess the required 5 credits at the point of registration.

Other listed categories include: Albinism, Down Syndrome, Autism, Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), amputees, lame, paralysed cerebral palsy, dysgermatites; candidates should click the appropriate box for identification and JEOG support.

Biometric abnormalities

No candidate will be allowed into the exam hall or sit the exam if biometrics are not verified.

Candidates with biometric abnormalities can only register and take the exam at the Board’s Abuja headquarters; the Board will facilitate their travels.

JAMB 2026 exam dates (UTME and Mock)

UTME will commence on Thu, 16 Apr 2026 and end on Sat, 25 Apr 2026.
Exam venue will be at any centre in the candidate’s chosen examination town.

JAMB states it does not post any candidate to any examination town (or group of towns) other than the one chosen by the candidate at registration. Register on time since the preferred town may no longer have space. Choice of a group of towns implies posting can be to any town in the chosen group.

Optional Mock-UTME date

Mock-UTME (optional) will hold on Sat, 28 Mar 2026.

Other general rules candidates should keep straight

Registration fee is non-refundable.
Candidates are advised to read and understand guidelines and instructions shown on the QR code for completing online registration.
Candidates will be tested on a general text: “The Lekki Headmaster” by Kabir Alabi Garba; all candidates are expected to read it.
Candidates/officials will not be allowed into the exam centre with earphones, wrist watches, mobile phones, electronic devices, or any pen/biro; only pencils are allowed.
JAMB warns it does not require or authorise services of any cybercafe, school, or establishment other than accredited CBT centres for registration.
Exam malpractice is a criminal offence; it attracts cancellation of results, publication of names, and prosecution. Candidates are to read and endorse the “Attestation Clause” on the registration portal.
JAMB states there is no regularisation of illegal admission.

Admission warning: what counts as valid admission

All admission offered by schools must be from JAMB and printed on e-Facility. Any admission offer from any tertiary school without a JAMB Admission Letter is illegal and null and void. Any candidate who accepts admission outside CAPS does so at their own risk; the Board states it will not recognise or condone such admission.

Tagged: Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board : JAMB Nigeria

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Meet The Author

This post is authored by Olusegun Fapohunda, the founder and editor of MySchoolGist.

Boasting over a decade of expertise in the education sector, Olusegun offers current insights into educational trends, career opportunities, and the latest news.

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