If you are planning to sit for the 2026 UTME, this is not something you should skim through or postpone. The registration stage is where many candidates unknowingly ruin their chances, long before they step into an exam hall.
JAMB has now released the official 2026 UTME registration guidelines, and the goal is clear. The board wants to reduce registration errors, eliminate fraud, and stop avoidable mistakes that have cost candidates admission in previous years.
This is not about fear. It is about clarity. When you understand what JAMB expects and how the system works, registration becomes smooth, predictable, and stress-free.
This guide explains everything you need to know, step by step, so you can register once and move forward with confidence.
Why JAMB Registration Mistakes Are So Costly
Many candidates assume that JAMB registration is a simple form-filling process. That assumption has ended many admission dreams.
Registration errors do not always show immediately. Some only appear when admission lists are out. Others surface on CAPS, during clearance, or when schools begin verification.
A wrong detail entered today can follow you for months, sometimes for an entire year. That is why JAMB places so much emphasis on accuracy, verification, and approved procedures.
Understanding the guidelines early gives you an advantage many candidates do not have.
NIN and Profile Code: Where Everything Begins
Before you can do anything with JAMB, you must generate your profile code. This step connects your identity to JAMB’s database and pulls your biodata directly from the National Identity Management Commission.
To generate your profile code, you must send your 11-digit NIN to 55019 or 66019 in this format:
NIN: 12345678901
Once sent, you receive a profile code by SMS. This code is unique to you and becomes your permanent identity in JAMB’s system for the 2026 UTME.
You cannot change this profile code once it is generated.
Before sending your NIN, pause and confirm something very important. Your NIMC biodata must match your academic records exactly. This includes your full name spelling, date of birth, gender, and state of origin.
If there is any mismatch, your registration may fail or your admission may later be affected. Many candidates discover too late that the name on their WAEC certificate does not match their NIMC record.
If you notice any error, visit a NIMC office and correct it before attempting JAMB registration. This step saves you stress later.
Why Your Phone Number Matters More Than You Think
The phone number you use to generate your profile code becomes your official contact with JAMB.
JAMB sends profile codes, exam details, CAPS notifications, and important updates to that number. If you use someone else’s SIM card or a line not registered in your name, you risk losing access to your profile.
Always use a personal SIM card that is properly linked to your NIN. Avoid borrowed lines, shared numbers, or café operators’ SIMs.
Your phone number is not just for registration. It follows you throughout the entire admission process.
Using Only Accredited Centres and Genuine e-PINs
After generating your profile code, the next stage is registration at an approved location.
JAMB allows registration only at accredited CBT centres and JAMB offices. These centres have been inspected and approved to handle biometric capture, photo upload, and secure data submission.
Avoid unapproved cyber cafés, roadside vendors, or agents who promise “faster registration.” Speed without accuracy often leads to invalid records.
You must also purchase your JAMB e-PIN from authorised channels. These include licensed banks, approved vendors, and official JAMB online platforms.
Some vendors advertise cheaper e-PINs or discounts. Those offers often result in fake or already-used pins. When that happens, your registration fails, or worse, appears successful but gets invalidated later.
Always insist on official receipts and confirmation messages.
Filling the Registration Template Without Errors
At the CBT centre, you will be given a registration template. This document guides the data that will be entered into JAMB’s system.
Do not rush this stage. Sit close to the operator and confirm every detail before submission.
Check your name spelling letter by letter. Confirm your gender, state of origin, and local government. Verify your O-level result details, including exam year and result type.
JAMB now recommends dual-screen verification. This allows you to see your passport photograph and biodata on a screen before final submission.
If anything looks wrong, insist on correction immediately. Once submitted, corrections become stressful and may require additional payments or long waiting periods.
Common JAMB Registration Errors and How to Avoid Them
Many registration problems follow a pattern. Understanding them helps you avoid repeating them.
Some candidates receive messages like “Unable to verify NIN” or “Record not found.” This usually means the NIMC record has not fully propagated or contains errors. The solution is to visit NIMC for verification before registration.
Others get “Number already registered.” This happens when a SIM card has been used for another JAMB profile. JAMB does not allow SIM reuse. Always use a unique personal line or recover your old one.
Biometric or photo mismatch is another serious issue. Poor capture can invalidate your registration. Always verify your photo and fingerprints before leaving the centre.
Fake e-PINs and unapproved centres also cause silent failures. The system may accept the data initially but reject it later during processing.
Prevention is always easier than correction.
2026 UTME Registration Period and Fees
According to the official timetable released by JAMB, the 2026 UTME registration period is structured to give candidates enough time, provided they act early.
The sale of UTME forms and e-PINs is scheduled to begin on January 31, 2026. Registration is expected to close on March 8, 2026.
Candidates who choose to participate in the optional mock examination will pay a slightly higher fee.
Based on information from candidate support platforms, the expected fees are:
UTME only: ₦7,200UTME with mock: approximately ₦8,200
These figures cover the form, CBT service charge, and other required components. Always confirm exact costs at the point of purchase.
Why Early Registration Gives You an Advantage
Early registration does more than beat deadlines. It gives you control.
Candidates who register early have more CBT centre options. Popular centres fill up quickly. Late registrants often get posted to unfamiliar or inconvenient locations.
Early registration also reduces pressure. Systems work better, centres are calmer, and operators have more time to double-check entries.
Waiting until the last week increases the risk of mistakes, delays, and limited choices.
What You Should Do Right Now
Preparation does not start when registration opens. It starts now.
Confirm your NIMC biodata and ensure it matches your academic records. Resolve any discrepancies immediately.
Make sure your SIM card is properly registered and linked to your NIN.
Plan where you will purchase your e-PIN and which accredited CBT centre you will use.
Keep your documents organised and accessible. This includes your NIN slip, O-level results, and personal details.
When registration day comes, stay alert. Verify everything. Ask questions. Do not rush.
Why This Matters for You as a Candidate
Every year, candidates lose admission opportunities not because they failed JAMB, but because of registration mistakes that could have been avoided.
The 2026 guidelines are clear, and JAMB has provided enough structure to help candidates succeed. What matters now is how well you follow these instructions.
When you register correctly, you remove unnecessary obstacles from your path. You give yourself a fair chance to focus on preparation, performance, and admission.
This is your starting point. Handle it well, and the rest of the journey becomes much easier.
