JAMB registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination has officially started today, Monday, January 26, 2026. This registration applies to candidates seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria, including Direct Entry applicants. For many students, this process determines whether they will move forward academically this year, so getting it right from the start is very important.
JAMB Registration Kicks Off Today
The registration window will remain open until February 28, 2026, while the sale of e-PINs will end on February 26. Candidates who wish to sit for the optional mock examination must indicate their interest before February 16, with the mock exam scheduled for March 28. The main UTME will be conducted between April 16 and April 25, 2026. Direct Entry registration will run from March 2 to April 25. Waiting until the last minute is not advised, as delays and technical issues are common near deadlines.
JAMB has maintained a clear fee structure for this year’s exercise. Candidates registering for UTME with the mock examination will pay ₦8,700, while those opting out of the mock will pay ₦7,200. Direct Entry candidates are required to pay ₦5,700. These fees already include the application form, the compulsory reading text, and CBT centre service charges. Candidates should be cautious of any centre attempting to charge extra.
Also Read: Affordable Study Destinations for Africans in 2026
Before starting the registration process, candidates must have a valid National Identification Number. The NIN is compulsory and must match the candidate’s school records exactly to avoid future complications. To generate a JAMB profile code, candidates are required to send their NIN via SMS to 55019 or 66019 using their personal phone number. The correct format is typing “NIN”, followed by a space and then the 11-digit NIN. A profile code will be sent to the same phone number and should be kept safe.
After obtaining the profile code, candidates can purchase their e-PIN from authorized banks, POS agents, or approved online platforms such as Remita. Once payment is confirmed, the e-PIN will be sent via SMS. With the e-PIN, candidates must then proceed to a JAMB-accredited CBT centre to complete their registration. Cyber cafés are not allowed to handle JAMB registration. At the CBT centre, candidates’ fingerprints and photographs will be captured, and all registration details will be finalized.
There are a few new rules candidates should be aware of in 2026. The minimum age requirement has been set at 16 years by September 30, 2026, with stricter evaluation for underage applicants. JAMB has also mandated the use of dual-screen systems at CBT centres so candidates can see exactly what is being entered during registration. This helps reduce errors in names, subjects, and course selection. The official reading text for this year’s examination is “The Lekki Headmaster,” which candidates are expected to study.
Before heading to a CBT centre, candidates should ensure their phone number is active, their NIN details are correct, and their O’Level subjects align with their chosen course and institution. Registering early not only reduces stress but also helps candidates secure preferred examination centres and avoid unnecessary mistakes that could affect their admission chances.
