JAMB 2026 UTME Registration Begins — What Every Candidate Should Know

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially opened registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). All candidates seeking admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and other tertiary institutions can now register at accredited CBT centres nationwide.

According to JAMB, registration is strictly physical and must be done only at approved centres. Online self-registration is not allowed.
👉 Official portal: https://portal.jamb.gov.ng

Registration Dates and Timeline

Here are the key dates candidates should note:

UTME Registration: 26 January – 28 February 2026
e-PIN Sales: 19 January – 26 February 2026
Direct Entry (DE) Registration: 2 March – 25 April 2026
Mock UTME: 28 March 2026
Main UTME Exam: 16 – 25 April 2026

JAMB warned that no extension should be expected, urging candidates to complete registration early.

How Much Is JAMB 2026 Registration?

JAMB has maintained a tiered pricing system for 2026:

UTME only (without mock): ₦7,200
UTME with mock exam: ₦8,700
Direct Entry (DE): ₦5,700

These fees cover:

Application form
CBT centre charges
Reading text
Bank charges
Mock test (if selected)

Step-by-Step: How to Register for JAMB 2026

1. Generate Your JAMB Profile Code

Send your NIN like this:

Send to 55019 or 66019

You will receive a 10-digit profile code.

2. Buy Your JAMB e-PIN

Purchase your e-PIN from:

Banks
Mobile money agents
Online platforms approved by JAMB

List of authorised vendors is available here:
https://portal.jamb.gov.ng/Efacility

3. Go to an Accredited CBT Centre

Take along:

Your profile code
e-PIN
NIN slip

Find approved centres here:
https://www.jamb.gov.ng/Accredited-Centres

4. Biometric Capture & Data Verification

At the CBT centre:

Your fingerprint and photo will be captured
You will select your course, school and subjects
Print your registration slip

Compulsory Disclosure Rule (Very Important)

JAMB has introduced a strict rule for 2026:

All candidates must declare any previous admission or matriculation history.

This includes:

Past UTME registrations
Previous admissions
Withdrawn or abandoned admissions

Failure to disclose automatically invalidates your registration.

Official Novel for 2026 UTME

The official Use of English novel is:

The Lekki Headmaster – Kabir Alabi Garba

All candidates are entitled to a free copy at CBT centres. If not given, request it.

Direct Entry (DE) Candidates

DE registration:

Does not happen at CBT cafés
Must be done at JAMB State/Zonal Offices

Official DE portal:
https://efacility.jamb.gov.ng/login

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many candidates lose admission yearly because of these errors:

Wrong subject combination
Incorrect O’level grades
Typo in names or date of birth
Choosing wrong institution
Not verifying registration details before fingerprint

Always cross-check your choices with the official brochure:
https://www.jamb.gov.ng/IBASS

What Candidates Should Do Next

Once registered:

Start preparing immediately.
Download past questions.
Study the official novel.
Monitor your CAPS status regularly.

Final Advice for Students & Parents

JAMB 2026 registration is the first gate into tertiary education. Any mistake at this stage can delay admission by one full year.

For official updates, always rely on:
https://www.jamb.gov.ng
https://portal.jamb.gov.ng

Bottom line:
If you want to enter any Nigerian higher institution in 2026, JAMB registration is not optional — it is mandatory.

JAMB 2026 UTME Registration Now Open — Key Deadlines, Fees, Novel & What Candidates Must Do