The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has revealed the plans for preparations in preparation for 2026’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)—the examination that is mandatory for admission to Nigerian polytechnics, universities, and colleges of education.
The JAMB 2026 UTME form will be on sale from Friday, January 31st, 2026, until Saturday, March 8th, 2026.
If you’re planning to take JAMB 2026, this article offers the complete guide to registration with the official date of start and requirements, as well as fees and the best way to submit your application without committing any mistakes.
What Is JAMB UTME 2026?
The JAMB 2026 UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Exam) is a CBT that assesses applicants who are seeking admission to 100-level programs in tertiary schools across Nigeria.
All candidates must sign up through accredited JAMB CBT centers with the NIN (National Identification Number) and an individual profile code.
JAMB 2026 Registration Date
The JAM 2026 registration is scheduled to begin on January 15, 2026, and will end on February 26, 2026.
Candidates will have approximately six weeks to complete registration at any approved CBT centre.
Early registration is strongly advised to avoid last-minute issues.
Activity | Expected Date | Status |
Registration Opens | Friday, January 31st, 2026 | Upcoming |
Registration Closes | Saturday, March 8th, 2026 | Upcoming |
Mock Exam | March 2026 | Pending |
Main UTME Exam | April 25 – Early May 2026 | Scheduled |
Result Release | May 5–7, 2026 | Expected |
JAMB 2026 Form Price
The official JAMB 2026 registration fee remains ₦4,700, which includes:
Item | Fee (₦) | Description |
JAMB Form | ₦3,500 | UTME application fee |
CBT Service Charge | ₦700 | Paid to CBT centre |
Reading Text (Novel) | Free | Given after registration |
Mock Exam (Optional) | ₦1,000 | Paid at CBT centre |
Total (Without Mock Exam) | ₦4,700 | Official total |
Total (With Mock Exam) | ₦5,700 | Optional mock |
Payment can be made at banks, POS centres, online platforms, or JAMB offices.
Requirements for JAMB 2026 UTME Registration
Before registering, be sure to have these items ready:
- valid NIN (National Identification Number)—compulsory for all applicants.
- active phone number as well as email addresses—used for account creation and communications.
- O’level results (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB)—or “Awaiting Result.”
- Personal information—complete name, birth date, gender, age, and place of birth.
- Passport image—white background.
- Selection of schools and courses—up to four options permitted.
- E-PIN or payment receipt—used for confirmation of registration.
NOTE: All information provided must be consistent with your NIN number. Any discrepancies could result in errors or even disqualification.
How to Register for JAMB 2026 UTME
Follow these steps for official registration to be registered successfully:
Step 1: Generate Your Profile Code
- Send an SMS in the following format: NIN [Your Number] Send an SMS in the format: NIN [Your NIN Number]
Example: NIN 12345678901 - Send to 55019 or 66019.
- You’ll be sent a 10-digit profile code by SMS.
Step 2: Purchase Your JAMB e-PIN
You can purchase an electronic PIN with the Profile Code at:
- Banks that have been approved (e.g., UBA, Zenith, Access, and FirstBank).
- Platforms online such as Remita, Quickteller, or Interswitch.
- Agents at point-of-sale (POS) locations and mobile operators authorized by JAMB are also available.
- JAMB Offices all over Nigeria.
After you’ve paid, you’ll receive your JAMB electronic pin by SMS.
Step 3: Visit an Approved CBT Center
Bring your e-PIN and the profile number to an accredited JAMB CBT center in order to finish your application.
At the heart, at the center, you’ll see:
- Complete all sections regarding your academic and personal details.
- Choose which institutions and courses you wish to take.
- Select the subject for your UTME.
- Record the details of your biometrics and snap a picture.
- Verify and review all information prior to submitting.
Step 4: Collect Your Registration Slip
After registering, the center will make your JMB e-slip that includes:
- Your Registration Number
- The subjects as well as the institutions chosen
- Exam town
Make sure you keep this slip secure—you’ll need it for printing the examination slip later on.
JAMB 2026: Reading a Novel
Officially, the JAMB 2026 novel on the use of English is likely to be the novel The Life Changer, written by Khadijat Abubakar Jalli.
Each student receives a complimentary copy of the novel at the time of registration. The novel’s questions carry approximately 15 marks on the use in the English paper.
How to Choose the Right UTME Subjects
Your JAMB subject combination must correspond to the course you have chosen.
For instance:
- Medicine & Surgery: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Law: English, Literature, Government, CRS
- Engineering: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
- Mass Communication: English, Literature, Government, CRS
Utilize an Official JAMB Brochure 2026 to confirm the correct subjects.
Common Registration Mistakes to avoid.
- Registration at non-approved cafes in lieu of CBT centers.
- Utilizing another’s NIN or telephone number.
- Inputting wrong subject-subject combinations.
- Register before the deadline.
- Failure to post the O’level result on the JAMB CAPS.
After Registration—What’s Next?
- Exam slips are printed as soon as JAMB publishes the timetable.
- You can participate in the simulation test (optional).
- The principal UTME test will occur at the time you are scheduled.
- Find your results by SMS or on the internet.
- Track your admission status on the JAMB CAPS.
Important JAMB 2026 Warnings
- NIN is a must, and no applicant is registered without it.
- Do not register multiple times—duplicate registrations could result in exclusion.
- Late registration is not allowed. Once the portal is closed, it will be closed for the next time.
- All transactions are required to be done through authorized JAMB methods.
FAQs on JAMB 2026 UTME Registration
Q1: When will JAMB 2026 registration start?
A: Expected to start on January 15, 2026, and close on February 26, 2026.
Q2: How much is the JAMB form for 2026?
A: ₦4,700 (₦5,700 if you register for the mock exam).
Q3: Can I register without NIN?
A: No. A valid NIN is compulsory.
Q4: Can I register at cybercafés?
A: No. Only at approved CBT centres.
Q5: When will the JAMB 2026 exam hold?
A: From April 25 to early May 2026.
Q6: How do I check my exam centre?
A: JAMB will release the exam slip two weeks before the exam date.
Q7: Can I change my course or institution later?
A: Yes, through the JAMB Change of Course/Institution portal after the exam.
Conclusion
It is expected that JAMB 2026 registration for UTME will officially start in January 2026.. The candidates must begin preparing by getting the NIN as well as verifying their personal details and paying fees for registration.
Start early, and choose only accredited CBT centers. Check the information you provide prior to submission. The earlier you start the preparation, the better chance you have of scoring well and getting admission to the program in 2026/27.
Keep an eye on universities.ng for real-time information on JAMB 2026 and exam tips and admissions updates.
