The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the registration procedure and guidelines for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE). Below is a simplified breakdown of everything candidates need to know.
📌 When Does JAMB 2026 Registration Start?
UTME Candidates
E-PIN Sale:
Monday, 19 January – Thursday, 26 February 2026
Registration Period:
Monday, 26 January – Saturday, 28 February 2026
Direct Entry (DE) Candidates
E-PIN Sale & Registration:
Monday, 2 March – Saturday, 25 April 2026
(Only at JAMB State and Zonal Offices)
💰 How Much Is JAMB 2026 Registration?
There are three categories of e-PINs:
Direct Entry (DE): ₦5,700
UTME without Mock: ₦7,200
UTME with Mock: ₦8,700
Fee Breakdown
JAMB Application Fee: ₦3,500
Reading Text: ₦1,000
CBT Registration Charge: ₦700
CBT UTME Service Charge: ₦1,500
Bank Charges: ₦500
Mock UTME (optional): ₦1,500
⚠️ No refund after purchase. Candidates must choose the correct e-PIN type.
📘 Official Novel for JAMB 2026
All UTME candidates, regardless of course, will be tested on the compulsory novel:
📖 The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba
👤 Who Is Eligible?
Candidates must be at least 16 years old by 30 September 2026
Underage candidates must score 80% and above in UTME/A-Level/SSCE and pass a special evaluation
UTME results for underage candidates will be released only after evaluation
🧾 Minimum Entry Requirements
UTME (100 Level)
Universities:
Minimum of 5 O’Level credits, including English
Polytechnics/Colleges of Education:
Minimum of 4 O’Level credits
Direct Entry (DE)
Five O’Level credits plus A-Level, ND, NCE, HND, IJMB, JUPEB, or equivalent
DE candidates must upload results at the point of registration
📲 Step-by-Step: How to Register for JAMB 2026
1️⃣ Create JAMB Profile
Send NIN 00123456789 to 55019 or 66019
Receive a 10-digit Profile Code
2️⃣ Buy e-PIN
Visit banks, NIPOST, MMOs, MFBs or use approved USSD channels
Payment can be made via ATM/debit card or POS
e-PIN is sent to your phone via SMS
3️⃣ Complete Registration
Visit any JAMB-accredited CBT centre
Present Profile Code and e-PIN
Capture biometrics and photograph
Print registration slip after fingerprint confirmation
🚫 Group or school-based registration is not allowed
🖥️ Where Can You Register?
Only at JAMB-accredited CBT centres
Registration outside approved centres is invalid
List of centres is available on www.jamb.gov.ng
📅 UTME & Mock Examination Dates
Mock UTME: Saturday, 28 March 2026
Main UTME:
Thursday, 16 April – Saturday, 25 April 2026
Candidates will write exams only in their chosen examination town.
⚠️ Important Warnings
Multiple registrations or use of multiple NINs attracts severe penalties
No change of biodata after registration
Parents, cybercafés, or third parties are not allowed to access candidate profiles
Admission is valid only through JAMB CAPS
♿ Special Provisions for Persons With Disabilities
JAMB provides special arrangements for:
Blind, deaf/mute candidates
Candidates with autism, albinism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, amputations, etc.
👉 Registration fees are fully refunded for eligible PWD candidates.
📞 Complaints & Support
All complaints must be submitted via the JAMB Online Ticketing System at
www.jamb.gov.ng
📌 Third-party complaints will not be treated.
📝 Final Note
Candidates are advised to register early, read the official novel, and prepare adequately using approved CBT practice platforms. JAMB warns that examination malpractice is a criminal offence punishable by law.
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