When Is JAMB 2026 Registration Starting? - Full Timeline & Updates

If you’re planning to take your Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) 2026 , one of the first things you’ll be thinking about is, “When is JAMB 2026 registration starting?“

The governing body has not officially announced the official date to register for JAMB 2026. However, based on prior timelines for registration, JAMB 2026 registration will begin on Friday, January 31st, 2026 and is likely to last for 6 weeks and will close by Saturday, March 8th, 2026.

This article provides information on the anticipated dates for registration, crucial deadlines, registration procedures and the most important information each UTME or Direct Entry (DE) candidate needs to be aware of before JAMB officially opens its 2026 portal in 2026.

Table of Contents

What Is the JAMB 2026 Registration About?

The registration process for JAMB is the only official method to enrol in the (UTME) or Direct Entry (DE). Anyone who wishes to be admitted into the polytechnic or university or other college in Nigeria must apply through an authorized JAMB website or at any certified CBT centre.

The registration process involves the creation of a profile for JAMB by buying an electronic pin, giving information about your personal and academic data, and selecting your most preferred schools or courses.

Expected JAMB 2026 Registration Date

While it is true that the JAMB 2026 examination date 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 2

What You Need Before JAMB 2026 Registration Starts

To avoid any last-minute delays, candidates must prepare the following prior to registering:

Current National Identification Number (NIN) It is mandatory for all applicants.
Active number and email address used to get your profile number and any updates.
Personal information includes name Date of birth, address, gender, etc.
O’Level Results Results from HTML0 O’Level WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB (can be later uploaded if there is a wait).
Courses and institutions that are preferred Select between four (university, polytechnic or schools of higher education).
Recent passport photo – white background.
Registration cost is approximately N4,700, incl. the CBT service fee.

How to Register for JAMB 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide)

The registration process officially begins in January 2026; be sure to follow these steps:

Create your JAMB profile:
- Send an SMS containing the number of your NIN at the number 55019 or 66019 (e.g., NIN 12345678901).
- You’ll get an account code.
Buy your JAMB e-PIN:
- Purchase from banks that are accredited, POS agents, or online platforms with your account number.
Visit a CBT-accredited centre:
- Enter your electronic PIN, profile code and your personal information.
- Your biometrics and photos will be taken.
https://universities.ng/category/jamb-syllabus/Select the exam town institutions, subjects, and towns.
Check your information carefully before submitting.
Take the registration form which confirms that you have registered successfully.

Important Warnings

Do not register in cybercafes – only CBT centres that have been approved by JAMB are licensed.
Do not give away your profile code or E-PIN to anyone.
Make sure that your NIN and registration information are in line exactly.
Registration is required early Latecomers frequently have issues with their networks or are unable to access test towns.
Make sure your phone is active to receive SMS notifications from JAMB.

Why You Should Register Early

Early registration can help you:

Choose an easy city for your exam.
Beware of crowds at the last minute at CBT centres.
Solve any issues that arise with NIN and profile creation or making payments on time.
Take part in the mock test (usually scheduled on the first day of March).

Conclusion

The application for the JAMB 2026 exam is anticipated to begin on Friday, January 31st, 2026 and end on Saturday, March 8th, 2026. While these dates aren’t yet confirmed by the official, they do follow the usual schedule of previous years. Candidates, you must start preparing your NIN and email address and other required documents as soon as possible to ensure smooth registration when the portal is opened.

Be sure to check universities.ng for official JAMB announcements as well as registration guides and admissions advice for the 2026/2027 academic session.