If you are a JAMB 2026 candidate this year, today feels serious. CBT centres are already calling people. Friends are saying “slots are finishing.” Parents are asking questions. Somewhere in your mind, you are wondering if you are about to make a mistake that could cost you an entire year.
As JAMB 2026 registration officially begins across Nigeria, thousands of candidates are rushing to register. Yet, every year, more candidates fail to secure admission, not because they failed UTME, but because of avoidable errors made before, during, and after registration.
This article explains the official JAMB 2026 updates, timelines, rules, and practical steps every candidate needs to know right now to avoid costly mistakes.
JAMB Releases Key Information for 2026 UTME and Direct Entry
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released official information covering the 2026/2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry admissions. These updates include registration dates, examination schedules, age requirements, fees, and rules guiding the entire admission process.
Candidates who ignore these details often run into problems later, including withheld results, invalid registrations, or admission that never appears on JAMB CAPS. Understanding these rules early gives candidates a major advantage.
Why JAMB Still Determines Every Admission in Nigeria
JAMB coordinates admissions into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other approved tertiary institutions in Nigeria. No admission becomes valid unless it appears on the JAMB Central Admission Processing System (CAPS).
Some candidates wrongly believe that once a school offers admission, JAMB approval no longer matters. In reality, JAMB remains the final authority. If CAPS does not reflect your admission, that offer has no legal value.
Because of this, mistakes made during registration can silently destroy admission chances months later.
UTME and Direct Entry Explained Clearly
Before registering, candidates must understand which admission route applies to them.
UTME suits candidates seeking admission into the 100 Level. This group includes secondary school leavers, candidates using WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, and those awaiting O-Level results. Most first-time applicants fall into this category.
Direct Entry applies to candidates with post-secondary qualifications such as National Diploma (ND), Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), IJMB, JUPEB, or A-Level certificates. Successful Direct Entry candidates gain admission into the 200 Level.
Despite common misinformation, Direct Entry candidates must still register through JAMB. Institutions cannot process Direct Entry admissions outside the JAMB system.
JAMB 2026 Age Requirement: Candidates Must Know
JAMB expects candidates to be at least 16 years old by 30 September 2026. This requirement applies to both UTME and Direct Entry candidates.
JAMB may consider underage candidates only if they demonstrate exceptional academic performance across multiple stages. These include UTME or A-Level exams, post-UTME screening, O-Level results, and a special JAMB assessment.
When candidates fail to meet these conditions, JAMB may withhold their results, regardless of performance. Parents and guardians should weigh this risk carefully before proceeding.
Official JAMB 2026 Registration Dates Announced
JAMB has released a fixed registration schedule for 2026.
The sale of UTME e-PINs began on 19 January 2026 and ends on 26 February 2026. Candidates must purchase an e-PIN before registration.
UTME registration runs from 26 January 2026 to 28 February 2026. JAMB will not extend this deadline.
Direct Entry registration starts on 2 March 2026 and ends on 25 April 2026. JAMB conducts Direct Entry registration only at State and Zonal Offices, not CBT centres.
Candidates who miss these windows must wait another year.
JAMB 2026 Examination Dates
JAMB has also confirmed the examination timeline.
The mock UTME will be held on 28 March 2026. While optional, the mock exam helps candidates understand the CBT environment and improve confidence.
The main UTME examination runs from 16 April to 25 April 2026. Each candidate receives a specific exam date, time, and centre on their examination slip.
Candidates should print and review their slips early to avoid last-minute confusion.
Official JAMB 2026 Fees Released
To protect candidates from exploitation, JAMB has fixed official fees.
Direct Entry e-PIN costs ₦5,700. UTME without mock costs ₦7,200, while UTME with mock costs ₦8,700. These fees cover registration, CBT services, and examination charges.
Candidates should avoid centres demanding extra payments, as such practices violate JAMB regulations.
How JAMB Registration Works Step by Step
Candidates begin by creating a JAMB profile using their National Identification Number (NIN). This step links personal identity permanently to the JAMB system.
After generating a profile code, candidates purchase an e-PIN from approved vendors. Using unofficial channels increases the risk of invalid registration.
Candidates then visit an accredited CBT centre for biometric capture, subject selection, and exam town choice. Errors made at this stage affect examination and admission outcomes.
After completion, candidates should print and safely keep their registration slip.
Why Early Registration Matters More Than Ever
Candidates who register early enjoy better CBT centre options, fewer technical issues, and enough time to correct errors. Early registration also reduces pressure and allows candidates to focus fully on exam preparation.
Late registration often leads to rushed decisions, crowded centres, and preventable mistakes that surface months later during admission processing.
What Candidates Should Do Now
As JAMB 2026 registration begins, candidates should act deliberately, not emotionally. Verify information from official sources, register early, and keep all documents safe.
Admission success depends on more than exam scores. It depends on understanding the system, following timelines, and avoiding mistakes that silently block opportunities.
For candidates who get it right from the start, JAMB becomes a pathway, not a problem.
