The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released detailed guidelines for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) registrations, marking a critical step for thousands of Nigerian students seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Registration for UTME opens on February 3, 2026, and runs until March 8, 2026, while Direct Entry candidates have from March 10 to April 7, 2026. The optional Mock UTME is scheduled for March 7, 2026, with a registration deadline on the same day, and printing of exam slips begins April 10, 2026. Profile creation for all candidates started on January 31, 2026, emphasizing the need for early preparation to avoid last-minute rushes.
Candidates opting for UTME with Mock-UTME pay a total of ₦8,700, while those without the mock pay ₦7,200; Direct Entry registration costs ₦5,700. This includes the ePIN at ₦3,500, ₦1,000 for the reading text, ₦700 CBT centre service charge (now collected by JAMB), ₦1,500 UTME service charge, and ₦500 bank charges, with an extra ₦1,500 for the mock exam. Foreign candidates pay $30, and all payments must go through JAMB-accredited channels like banks or USSD codes to ensure validity.
Prospective registrants must possess a National Identification Number (NIN), an active email address, personal phone number, O’Level or A’Level results, and a completed JAMB profile. The process begins with creating a profile on the JAMB portal using valid email and phone details, followed by email verification, biodata entry (including name, date of birth, gender, state of origin, local government, passport photo, biometrics, and signature), and uploading results without nicknames. JAMB stresses biometric verification and adherence to guidelines for a smooth process.
JAMB registration serves as the gateway to tertiary education opportunities, connecting candidates to Nigerian institutions, so timely ePIN purchase from authorized banks is crucial as each is valid for one use only.
Candidates should verify profiles promptly upon receiving the email link and ensure all documents match official records to prevent disqualifications. With the board collecting fees like the ₦700 CBT charge directly, the updated system aims to streamline operations and reduce malpractices.
