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| JAMB |
Every January, millions of Nigerian students start typing the same question into Google: "How do I register for JAMB?" The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has tightened its process year after year, and 2026 brought its own specific dates, fees, and a strict warning that catches thousands of candidates out every cycle. Here's everything you need, in one place.
2026 Registration Timeline
- UTME e-PIN sales: Monday, 19 January – Thursday, 26 February 2026
- UTME registration window: Monday, 26 January – Saturday, 28 February 2026 (applies to all eligible candidates, including those outside Nigeria)
- Direct Entry (DE) e-PIN sales and registration: Monday, 2 March – Saturday, 25 April 2026, processed only at JAMB state and zonal offices
- Optional Mock UTME: Saturday, 28 March 2026
- Main UTME examination window: Thursday, 16 April – Saturday, 25 April 2026
Candidates must be at least 16 years old by 30 September 2026 to be eligible for admission; younger candidates can still sit the exam but face an additional evaluation process before admission is confirmed.
2026 Registration Fees
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Direct Entry (DE) e-PIN | ₦5,700 |
| UTME without mock exam | ₦7,200 |
| UTME with mock exam | ₦8,700 |
JAMB has kept fees at the same level as the previous cycle, with no reported hikes for 2026. The board also continues its cashless, centralised registration system, with third-party fees (bank charges, CBT centre service fees) collected centrally and remitted to beneficiaries weekly — designed specifically to reduce the overcharging that used to happen at some registration centres.
Step-by-Step: How to Register
Step 1: Generate Your Profile Code
This is the step every candidate must get right the first time. Send your 11-digit NIN by SMS to 55019 or 66019, in the exact format:
NIN 00000011111(Replace the digits with your actual NIN — leave a single space between "NIN" and the number.) You'll receive your profile code by SMS shortly after.
This is irreversible. Once your profile code is generated, JAMB automatically pulls your biodata from the NIMC database, and the profile code itself cannot be changed. If your name, date of birth, or other details are wrong on your NIN record, fix them with NIMC before you send this SMS.
Buy your JAMB e-PIN only from authorised channels: approved banks, official online platforms, or accredited vendors at registration centres. Never buy from an unauthorised reseller, there are no refunds if you select the wrong e-PIN category, and unauthorised e-PINs carry a real fraud risk.
Step 3: Visit an Accredited CBT Centre
Take your profile code and e-PIN to a JAMB-accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre. Your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) will be captured here, so a dual-screen setup is used to let you confirm your photo and biometrics are captured correctly in real time.
Step 4: Choose Your Subjects and Institutions
Select your four UTME subjects (English is compulsory for every candidate) along with your preferred institution and course.
Step 5: Print and Keep Your Registration Slip
Once registration is complete, print your confirmation slip immediately and keep both a digital and physical copy.
Common Registration Errors (and How to Fix Them)
JAMB has published the specific error messages candidates run into most often:
- "Unable to Verify NIN" usually a temporary network or server issue on JAMB's end. Wait and try again later.
- "Record Not Found" your NIN doesn't match anything in the NIMC database. Visit the nearest NIMC office to validate your details.
- "Number Already Registered" the phone number has already been used to generate a profile code. You'll need to retrieve and use that original SIM.
The Recommended Reading Text
For the 2026 UTME Use of English paper, the compulsory recommended text is "The Lekki Headmaster" by Kabir Alabi Garba, which will be provided to candidates during registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does 2026 JAMB UTME registration start and end? UTME registration runs from 26 January to 28 February 2026; Direct Entry registration runs from 2 March to 25 April 2026.
How much is the JAMB UTME form in 2026? ₦7,200 without the optional mock exam, or ₦8,700 with it. Direct Entry costs ₦5,700.
Can I change my profile code after generating it? No. Once generated, it's permanent, and your biodata is pulled directly from NIMC this is exactly why fixing NIN errors before registration matters so much.
What is the JAMB 2026 exam date? The main UTME exam window runs from 16–25 April 2026, with specific dates, times, and venues released on individual examination slips closer to the date.
Do I need a NIN to register for JAMB? Yes, a valid, NIMC-verified NIN is mandatory to generate your JAMB profile code.
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