The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) 2026 exam is one of many of the events that are most anticipated by Nigerian students who want to be admitted to universities for the academic session 2026/2027. Every year, millions of students apply to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which determines their eligibility to be admitted into polytechnics, universities, and colleges of higher education in Nigeria.
Currently, the date for the 2026 JAMB examination has not yet been confirmed by the organization. However, based on the JAMB’s regular schedule and past patterns, the main exam is scheduled to take place between the end of April and early in the month of May in 2026. This article provides information on the expected exam schedule as well as the mock test date, the registration window, and other important information that every candidate must know about.
What ‘s the JAMB 2026 UTME?
The JAMB UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Exam) is a computer-based test (CBT) organized annually by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). It is the national examination for the admission process to higher education universities in Nigeria.
Each candidate who is registered is tested on four subjects, generally the use of English and three additional subjects relevant to their chosen course. The scores are then utilized by institutions in their selection process via the JAMB Central Admission Processing System (CAPS).
JAMB 2026 Exam Date (Expected Schedule)
While it is true that the JAMB examination date of 2026 is not yet officially released, reliable estimates suggest that the following timeframe is likely to be used:
- Mock Exam: Expected around March 2026
- Main Examination for UTME: Likely to hold beginning on Friday, April 25 April until early May 2026.
- Results will be published within a couple of days after the final paper.
This is consistent with this pattern, which is consistent with the 2024 and 2025 timelines for UTME, in which JAMB was conducting exams between the middle of April and early May.
JAMB 2026 Registration and Exam Centers
Candidates must fill out the JAMB registration 2026 prior to receiving an exam time or a center. The registration is scheduled to begin at the beginning of the month of January in 2026 and close in February 2026.
Requirements for Registration
- Valid National Identification Number (NIN)
- A live email address as well as a telephone number
- Personal information (name, day of birth, etc.)
- You can choose from the four colleges and schools.
- Passport photo (white background)
- The verification of your biometric data at a certified JAMB CBT center
After registration is completed, the candidates will be issued a JMB form with their
- Examination center
- Date and Time
- Seat number
Important Dates & Deadlines
Activity | Expected Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
JAMB Registration Opens | January 2026 | Upcoming |
JAMB Mock Exam | March 2026 | Pending |
JAMB Main Exam | 25 April – Early May 2026 | Estimated |
JAMB Result Release | May 2026 | Expected |
How to Check Your JAMB 2026 Exam Date and Center
Once you’ve registered successfully, JAMB will announce when the exam slips are available for printing. You can confirm the date of your exam date and the center in these ways:
- Visit the official JAMB portal—https://www.jamb.gov.ng
- Click Print Examination Slip.
- Enter your registration number for JAMB or email address.
- Hit the Print Slip to view the details of your exam date, the time, the location, and the exam date.
It is important to note that your exam slip is your official exam result. Please ensure you print it before the exam and retain several copies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t believe fake date announcements: Always verify from the official JAMB website.
- Registration that is late: Late registration may cause you to miss your preferred exam city.
- The loss of your slip: You won’t be permitted to enter the halls without your slip of examination.
- Using the wrong NIN or mismatched details: These can disqualify your registration.
- Fake centers: Register only at certified JAMB CBT centers.
Frequents asked Questions
Q1: Has JAMB announced the 2026 exam date?
A: No official date yet, but it’s expected to hold around April 2026.
Q2: Can I choose my JAMB exam date?
A: No, JAMB automatically assigns your date and time based on availability.
Q3: When will the mock exam hold?
A: Likely in March 2026, about a month before the main exam.
Q4: Will all candidates write on the same day?
A: No. The UTME runs for several days, and each candidate’s date is unique.
Q5: How can I confirm my exam date?
A: By printing your exam slip from the JAMB portal once the board announces it.
Q6: What should I take to the exam centre?
A: Your JAMB slip, a valid photo ID, and no electronic devices.
Q7: Can I change my exam centre after registration?
A: No, once assigned, your exam centre cannot be changed.
Q8: How soon are results released?
A: Usually within 24–72 hours after writing the exam.
Q9: What happens if I miss my exam date?
A: You will not be rescheduled; missing it means forfeiting the exam.
Q10: How can I stay updated on JAMB 2026?
A: Follow universities.ng and official JAMB social media handles.
Conclusion
The exam date of the JAMB 2026 will likely be between the end of April and May 2026. Mock exams are to be scheduled in March. Although the board hasn’t yet officially announced the entire exam schedule, students should begin their preparation, make sure to register in time, and keep track of updates from the official website of JAMB as well as trusted education platforms such as universities.ng.
