For JAMB 2026/2027, if you are planning to sit for the exam, you already know how competitive it is. More than 1.7 million candidates register yearly, yet only a fraction secure admission. Some miss out because of low scores, but a surprising number lose their chances simply because they miss deadlines or fail to follow JAMB’s process correctly.
Imagine spending months reading past questions, burning the midnight candle, and then missing your exam slip reprint. Or failing to register because you waited until the last day, and the servers crashed. These small mistakes can cost you a whole academic year.
That’s why this guide is more than just an update on “JAMB 2026 registration is out.” It’s a complete handbook:
- All JAMB 2026 calendar dates (registration, mock, exam, results).
- Step-by-step registration guide with pro tips.
- Mistakes students make every year (and how to avoid them).
- FAQs answered for peace of mind.
- A final checklist to keep you admission-ready.
JAMB 2026 Calendar & Key Dates (Expected Schedule)
Timing is everything with JAMB. Based on JAMB’s past schedules, here’s the expected timetable for 2026.
1. JAMB 2026 Registration Begins – Expected January 15, 2026
Registration usually lasts 4–5 weeks. The earlier you register, the safer you are.
Steps to Register:
- Get Your NIN Ready, No NIN, no JAMB. If you don’t have one, visit a NIMC centre as soon as possible.
- Generate Your Profile Code – Send NIN (your NIN 11 digit) to 55019 or 66019. You’ll receive a 10-digit profile code.
- Buy Your JAMB e-PIN – Purchase from banks, online platforms, or accredited vendors.
- Visit an Accredited CBT Centre – Only CBT centres approved by JAMB can complete your registration.
2. Registration Deadline – Expected February 20, 2026
Once JAMB closes registration, that’s it. No extensions.
Why this deadline matters:
- Servers crash near the closing date.
- Many students miss out every year.
- JAMB rarely reopens registration.
Golden Rule: Treat the first week as your personal deadline. Read Here On WAEC News
3. JAMB 2026 Mock Exam – Expected March 7, 2026
The mock exam is optional, but it could be a game-changer for you.
Benefits of the Mock Exam:
- Familiarise yourself with CBT navigation.
- Reduce exam-day panic.
- Test your speed and accuracy.
Only candidates who selected “YES” for the mock during registration will be scheduled.
4. Exam Slip Printing – Expected March 25, 2026
Your exam slip is your ticket to the exam hall.
It contains:
- Exam date.
- Exam time.
- Exam centre.
- JAMB’s official instructions.
Print at least 2 copies, one for yourself, one as backup.
5. JAMB 2026 UTME Exam – Expected March 30 – April 11, 2026
This is the big day. JAMB conducts the exam in 3 daily sessions:
- Morning (7:00 AM)
- Midday
- Afternoon (~3:00 PM)
Exam Structure:
- 180 questions in 4 subjects.
- English is compulsory.
- Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours).
- Strict biometric verification, no shortcuts.
Miss your session? You’re marked ABSENT. No makeup exams.
6. Release of UTME Results – Within 48–72 Hours
Results are usually released 2–3 days after the exam begins.
How to Check:
- Send SMS “UTME RESULT” to 55019.
- Or log in to the JAMB portal.
7. Post-UTME & Screening – June – August 2026
After JAMB, schools run their admission processes:
- Some conduct Post-UTME exams.
- Others use online screening.
Upload your O-Level results early on JAMB CAPS. Don’t wait until schools announce their screening.
8. JAMB CAPS Admission Updates – From July 2026/2027
On CAPS, you can:
- Accept or reject admission.
- Track admission progress.
- See if JAMB changed your course.
9. Final Admission List – October – December 2026/2027
By year-end, most schools finalise admissions. If you don’t get in, begin preparing for JAMB 2027.
Why Students Fail JAMB Before Writing the Exam
JAMB isn’t just about reading; it’s about strategy. Here are common mistakes:
- Late Registration – Waiting until the last day.
- Wrong Subject Combination – E.g., a medicine aspirant skipping Chemistry.
- Poor Exam Technique – Not practising the CBT format.
- Ignoring CAPS – Many don’t even log in to check updates.
- Not Uploading O-Level Results – This single error has cost thousands of admissions. Don’t let this be you. Follow the process carefully.
JAMB 2026 Registration Checklist
Before registration, make sure you have:
- Valid NIN.
- Personal phone number & email.
- JAMB profile code.
- e-PIN (from bank/vendor).
- O-Level results (or awaiting results).
- Passport photo (at CBT centre).
How to Prepare Smart for JAMB 2026
- Use Past Questions – 70% of JAMB questions are repeated in concept.
- Time Yourself – Practice with 2-hour sessions.
- Focus on Weak Subjects – Don’t just revise what you like.
- Take Mock Exam Seriously – Treat it like the real deal.
- Sleep & Eat Well Before Exam Day – A tired brain = poor performance.
JAMB 2026/2027 FAQs
Q: Is the JAMB 2026 registration form out?
A: Yes, the expected release is January 15, 2026.
Q: How much is the JAMB 2026 form?
A: JAMB form costs around ₦4,700–₦6,000 depending on the mock option.
Q: Can I use “awaiting result” for JAMB?
A: Yes, but upload your results on CAPS once released.
Q: Can I change my course after JAMB?
A: Yes, JAMB allows a change of course/institution.
Q: When will JAMB results be out?
A: Within 48–72 hours of writing the exam.
JAMB is more than an exam; it’s a process. To win, you must:
- Register early.
- Take the mock exam seriously.
- Print your slip on time.
- Show up early on exam day.
- Monitor your CAPS for admission.
Stay sharp, stay focused, and soon you’ll be celebrating, not complaining.
