For the 2026/2027 admission cycle, JAMB has released clear guidelines covering registration dates, examination timelines, age requirements, and official fees for both UTME and Direct Entry candidates.
This guide explains everything in simple language, so you know exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to avoid mistakes.
The JAMB UTME and Direct Entry?
JAMB offers two major admission pathways into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is for candidates applying with O-Level results such as WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB. This applies mainly to secondary school leavers.
The Direct Entry (DE) option is for candidates who already have higher qualifications like ND, NCE, IJMB, JUPEB, or A-Level certificates and want to gain admission directly into 200 Level in a university.
Without registering through JAMB, no candidate can gain admission into any recognized institution in Nigeria.
Age Requirement for JAMB 2026
JAMB has maintained its minimum age policy for the 2026 admission year.
Candidates are expected to be at least 16 years old by 30 September 2026.
However, JAMB allows exceptionally brilliant candidates below 16 to register, but only if they meet strict conditions. Such candidates must score at least 80% in:
- UTME or A-Level exams
- Post-UTME
- O-Level results
- JAMB’s special assessment
If any of these conditions are not met, the candidate’s result may be withheld, even if they perform well.
Parents and candidates should think carefully before registering underage.
JAMB 2026 UTME Registration Dates
JAMB has clearly outlined the registration timeline for UTME candidates.
- Sale of e-PIN begins: Monday, 19 January 2026
- Sale of e-PIN ends: Thursday, 26 February 2026
Registration itself starts shortly after.
- UTME registration begins: Monday, 26 January 2026
- UTME registration closes: Saturday, 28 February 2026
Candidates who fail to register within this period risk missing the examination completely.
Early registration is strongly advised.
Direct Entry Registration for 2026
Direct Entry candidates follow a different registration process.
- Direct Entry registration starts: Monday, 2 March 2026
- Direct Entry registration ends: Saturday, 25 April 2026
Unlike UTME, Direct Entry registration is done only at JAMB State Offices or Zonal Offices.
CBT centres are not allowed to register Direct Entry candidates.
All academic documents must be uploaded correctly to avoid future admission issues.
JAMB 2026 Examination Dates
JAMB has also announced the official examination timetable.
For Mock UTME
- Date: Saturday, 28 March 2026
The mock exam is optional but highly recommended. It helps candidates understand the CBT system and reduce exam-day anxiety.
For the Main UTME
- Date: Thursday, 16 April – Saturday, 25 April 2026
Each candidate will receive a specific exam date, time, and CBT centre on their exam slip.
Official JAMB 2026 Fees Breakdown
JAMB has released an official fee structure to prevent exploitation.
- Direct Entry e-PIN: ₦5,700
- UTME (without mock): ₦7,200
- UTME (with mock): ₦8,700
These fees cover:
- JAMB application charges
- Reading text
- CBT registration services
- Examination services
- Mock exam (if chosen)
Candidates should be cautious of any centre demanding extra or unofficial charges.
How the JAMB Registration Process Works
The process starts with profile creation.
Candidates must send their NIN via SMS to JAMB’s official shortcode to generate a Profile Code.
With the profile code, candidates can purchase their e-PIN from approved vendors.
After that, candidates must visit a JAMB-accredited CBT centre to complete registration. This includes:
- Biometric capture
- Choice of institutions and courses
- Subject combination selection
- Exam town selection
After registration, candidates must print and keep their registration slip safely.
Why Early Registration Matters
Late registration is one of the biggest mistakes candidates make.
When candidates wait too long:
- CBT centres fill up quickly
- Network issues increase
- Errors are more likely
- Stress levels rise
Early registration gives you better centre options, enough time to verify details, and peace of mind.
