JAMB 2026 Registration Begins: UTME/DE Form Dates, Prices, and Complete Application Guide

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the guidelines for the Sale of 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) application documents.

If you are planning to gain admission into a Nigerian tertiary institution in the 2026/2027 academic session, this guide contains every date, price, and requirement you need to know.

Key Dates for JAMB 2026

JAMB has released a strict timeline for the 2026 exercise. Missing these dates means waiting another year, so mark your calendars:

UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination)

• e-PIN Vending Begins: Monday, 19th January 2026
• Registration Portal Opens: Monday, 26th January 2026
• e-PIN Vending Ends: Thursday, 26th February 2026
• Registration Closes: Saturday, 28th February 2026
• Mock-UTME Exam: Saturday, 28th March 2026
• Main UTME Exam Dates: Thursday, 16th April 2026 – Saturday, 25th April 2026

Direct Entry (DE)

• Registration Period: Monday, 2nd March 2026 – Saturday, 25th April 2026
• Note: DE registration takes place only at JAMB State and Zonal Offices.

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JAMB 2026 Form Price: How Much is Registration?

For 2026, JAMB has maintained a cashless policy. All payments are collected centrally.

Cost Breakdown

1. UTME with Mock-UTME: ₦7,700
2. UTME without Mock-UTME: ₦6,200
3. Direct Entry (DE): ₦6,200

What does this fee cover?

• JAMB Application Fee: ₦3,500
• Reading Text (The Lekki Headmaster): ₦1,000
• CBT Centre Service Charge: ₦700
• Bank Charges: ₦500
• CBT Mock-UTME Charge (Optional): ₦1,500

Note: Candidates are warned NOT to pay any extra money to CBT centers. The fees above cover center service charges.

Eligibility Requirements

Before purchasing the form, ensure you meet the following criteria:

1. NIN Requirement: You must have a National Identification Number (NIN).
2. Age Limit: You must be at least 16 years old by 30th September 2026.
   • Exception: Candidates who score less than 80% in the evaluation assessment may be denied despite age waivers.
3. O’Level Results: You need 5 Credits (including English and Mathematics) in not more than two sittings.

How to Create Your Profile Code (Step-by-Step)

This is the most critical step. Do not make a mistake here.

Step 1: Ensure your SIM card is not on a Postpaid or “Do Not Disturb” (DND) plan.
Step 2: Send your NIN to 55019 or 66019 via SMS.

• Format: Type the word NIN followed by a space, then your 11-digit NIN.
• Example: NIN 00123456789
  Step 3: You will receive a 10-character Profile Code on the same telephone number.

Important Rules:

• The phone number used must be unique to you. Do not share it with another candidate.
• The Profile Code received is valid for subsequent years (e.g., if you registered in 2025, the code remains the same, but you must still send the SMS to retrieve it).

Important Rules:

• The phone number used must be unique to you. Do not share it with another candidate.
• The Profile Code received is valid for subsequent years (e.g., if you registered in 2025, the code remains the same, but you must still send the SMS to retrieve it).

The 2026 Compulsory Reading Text

All candidates will sit for questions based on the mandatory reading text.

• Title: The Lekki Headmaster
• Author: Kabir Alabi Garba

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use my parents’ phone number to register?
A: No. Every candidate must provide a unique mobile phone number. This number acts as your unique identification for all transactions with the Board.

Q: I registered last year. Do I need to create a new profile?
A: No, your Profile Code remains the same. However, you must send NIN [Space] [Your NIN] to 55019 or 66019 to retrieve the code and use it to purchase a new 2026 e-PIN.

Q: I sent the SMS but didn’t get a Profile Code. What should I do?
A: Ensure you have at least ₦50 airtime. If the issue persists, send the word RESEND to 55019 or 66019 as a text message from the same mobile number.

Q: Can I apply for Direct Entry (DE) while awaiting my A-Level or NCE results?
A: DE candidates who are awaiting results should supply “Awaiting Result” on the portal. However, JAMB will only consider recommendations from institutions if the results are uploaded within the stipulated timeframe.

Q: Is the Mock Exam compulsory?
A: No, it is optional. However, it is highly recommended as it helps you get familiar with the CBT software and the exam environment.

Q: Where can I register?
A: Registration can only be done at JAMB Accredited CBT Centres and JAMB State Offices. Do not use “Cyber Cafes” as they are not authorized.

Q: What happens if I have lost my profile code?
A: To retrieve a lost Profile Code, send the word RESEND to 55019 or 66019 from the mobile number you used to register.