The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced its plans in preparation for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) registration exercise.
If you’re interested in gaining admission to any polytechnic, university, college of education, or other innovation enterprise in Nigeria, this guide will provide everything you need to know about applying for the JAMB 2026 UTME/DE with regard to deadlines, charges, prerequisites, and step-by-step procedures.
What Are JAMB UTME and DE?
The UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Exam) is the entrance test administered by JAMB for those who wish to be admitted into 100-level courses in Nigerian higher education institutions.
Direct Entry (DE) registration Direct Entry (DE) registration, however, is intended for applicants who have higher qualifications like ND, NCE, JUPEB A-Level or ND certificates and want to get the right to be admitted directly into 200-level courses.
Each of the UTME AND DE registration processes are conducted simultaneously. Candidates must adhere to the same fundamental procedure using JAMB’s officially approved registration routes.
JAMB 2026 UTME/DE Registration Dates (Expected Schedule)
Although JAMB has not yet released the official timetable, based on previous years, here’s the expected registration calendar:
Activity | Expected Date | Status |
Registration Begins | January 15, 2026 | Upcoming |
Registration Closes | February 26, 2026 | Upcoming |
Mock Exam | March 2026 | Pending |
Main UTME Examination | April 25 – Early May 2026 | Estimated |
DE Registration Deadline | Same as UTME Closing Date | Upcoming |
Note: The official JAMB 2026 registration timeline will be confirmed in December 2025 or early January 2026 on www.jamb.gov.ng.
JAMB 2026 Registration Fee
The official registration fee remains ₦4,700 for both UTME and Direct Entry (DE) candidates.
Item | Fee (₦) | Description |
JAMB Form | ₦3,500 | UTME or DE form |
CBT Centre Service Charge | ₦700 | For biometric and registration services |
Reading Text (Novel) | Free | Provided after registration |
Mock Exam (Optional) | ₦1,000 | Paid at CBT centre |
Total | ₦4,700 – ₦5,700 | Depending on mock exam choice |
Requirements for JAMB 2026 UTME/DE Registration Before you begin registration, make sure you have the following ready:
For UTME Candidates
- Valid National Identification Number (NIN) — Mandatory.
- active phone number as well as email addresses.
- Results from O’level (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB).
- Choose from four institutions, which include a university, a polytechnic, a college of education, and an innovation enterprise.
- Passport image – White background.
- E-PIN/payment receipt.
- Correct personal information – name and gender, birth date, birth and address.
For Direct Entry (DE) Candidates
- Valid NIN (same as UTME).
- Previous qualification certificates — ND, NCE, IJMB, JUPEB, or A-Level result.
- academic transcript, or a statement of the result.
- Information about the institution — The school where you attended, the date of graduation and the course of study.
- University of your choice offering DE admittance.
All DE candidates need to go to JAMB offices or CBT-approved centres to submit their credentials and to complete biometric verification.
Step-by-Step Guide for JAMB 2026 UTME/DE Registration
Step 1: Create Your JAMB Profile
Text a message to the number 55019 or 66019 by using the following format: NIN [Your NIN Number] Your NIN Number (Example: NIN 12345678901)
You’ll be sent an SMS with an account number via SMS. This is required to purchase your electronic PIN.
Step 2: Purchase Your JAMB e-PIN
Purchase your JMB e-PIN by using your Profile Code on one of the following platforms:
- Banks that have been approved (UBA, Zenith, Access, FirstBank, etc.)
- Payment channels online (Remita, Quickteller, or Flutterwave)
- Agents at POS and mobile money operators who have been approved by JAMB.
Step 3: Visit an Approved CBT Centre
Visit the authentic JAMB CBT centre using your profile code and your e-PIN.
In the centre you’ll find:
- Enter your academic and personal details.
- Choose the institutions and programs.
- Select your combination of subjects to take the UTME.
- Take a photo of all of your biometrics and take a photo.
- Check all details before submitting.
Step 4: Collect Your Registration Slip
After you’ve completed registration and submitted your information, you’ll be sent a JAMB E-slip which contains:
- Your Registration Number
- Exam institutions and subjects
- Personal information and a photo
Make sure you keep this slip secure – you’ll need it for printing your test slip in the future.
JAMB 2026 Mock Exam Information
- Date: March 2026 (expected)
- Fee: N1,000 (optional)
- Goal: To help candidates become familiar with how to use the computer-based test (CBT) format.
You may choose to take part in a mock test when you register at the CBT centre.
JAMB 2026 Reading Novel
JAMB expects to keep the book The Changer as the official novel. Changer was written by Khadijat Abubakar Jalili in its official book for the use of the English topic. Every registered candidate will receive an unrestricted copy of the novel.
The novel’s questions will be included on the English Language paper with 10 to 15 marks.
Important Warnings from JAMB
- Register only at authorised CBT centres Avoid cybercafes.
- Do not divulge your profile code or e-PIN to anyone.
- Ensure your NIN details match your registration details.
- Do not sign up twice — a duplicate registration could result in being disqualified.
- Upload your DE or O’level credentials through the JAMBER CAPS portal.
- Visit the official website of JAMB frequently for updates that are verified.
After Registration — What Next?
After you have successfully registered:
- Begin to study using an overview of the JAMB curriculum as well as previous questions.
- Make sure you print your examination slip at the time JAMB publishes the exam schedule.
- Participate in the mock test (if you’ve applied).
- Make sure you take your primary UTU as well as the De screening on the date you have scheduled.
- Verify your results within 24 hours of the test.
- Keep track of your admissions status through the JAMB CAPS.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Registration at centres that are not approved.
- Making the wrong combination of subjects in your course.
- We are waiting for the end of the week to sign up.
- You entered an incorrect email address or telephone number.
- Not remembering to pick up your form of registration.
FAQs on JAMB 2026 UTME/DE Registration
Q1: When will JAMB 2026 UTME/DE registration start?
A: Expected to begin on January 15, 2026.
Q2: How much is the JAMB 2026 registration form?
A: ₦4,700 (₦5,700 with mock exam).
Q3: Can I register for both UTME and DE?
A: No. You can register for only one per year.
Q4: What qualifications are needed for DE registration?
A: ND, NCE, JUPEB, IJMB, or A-Level certificates.
Q5: Will there be a mock exam for UTME 2026?
A: Yes, in March 2026.
Q6: Can I use awaiting results for JAMB 2026?
A: Yes, but upload them once available.
Q7: Where can I register?
A: Only at JAMB-approved CBT centres nationwide.
Q8: When is registration closing?
A: Expected to close by February 26, 2026.
Q9: Can DE candidates apply online?
A: Yes, but they must visit CBT centres or JAMB offices for document verification.
Q10: Is NIN compulsory for both UTME and DE?
A: Yes, it is mandatory for all candidates.
Conclusion
It is expected that the JAM 2026 registration for UTME and DE is likely to start on January 15, 2026, and will close on February 26th, 2026. Anyone who is interested in applying should have your number of digits, their email address, telephone number, and other information in advance.
Make sure you register only at CBT centres with accreditation and make sure your information is correct in order to avoid disqualification. Early preparation and registration are crucial to having a pleasant and enjoyable JAM 2026 experience.
Keep an eye on universities.ng for verified updates on JAMB 2026 as well as mock exam information and admission news from the entire range of Nigerian institutions.
