As JAMB 2026 registration begins today, 26th January 2026, across Nigeria, students who are registering for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination are to know these, yet many more than 240,000 candidates fail to secure admission, not because they failed the exam, but because of avoidable mistakes made before, during, and after UTME.
From wrong subject combinations to careless registration errors, these mistakes quietly destroy admission chances without students even realizing it. Sadly, most candidates only discover their errors when admission lists are already out, and it’s too late.
Many JAMB students can feel confused, stressed, and overwhelmed, especially with changing policies and tight deadlines. This detailed guide is written to break everything down in simple, clear language, so you understand exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to avoid common mistakes that cost students admission every year.
Whether you are writing JAMB for the first time or returning after a previous attempt, this article will help you prepare properly and stay ahead.
Understanding JAMB UTME and Direct Entry
JAMB offers two official pathways into Nigerian tertiary institutions, and choosing the correct one is extremely important.
The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is designed for candidates applying with O-Level results such as WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB. This option is mainly for secondary school leavers seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions at the 100-level stage.
On the other hand, Direct Entry (DE) is for candidates who already possess higher qualifications such as ND, NCE, IJMB, JUPEB, or A-Level certificates. Direct Entry candidates apply to gain admission directly into the 200 level in a university.
It is important to understand that no admission is valid in Nigeria without JAMB registration. Even candidates applying through Direct Entry must register with JAMB before any institution can offer them admission.
Age Requirement for JAMB 2026
For the 2026 admission year, JAMB has maintained its minimum age policy.
Candidates are expected to be at least 16 years old by 30 September 2026. This means that even if you perform excellently in the examination, you may still face issues if you do not meet the age requirement.
However, JAMB allows for exceptionally brilliant candidates below 16 years to register under strict conditions. Such candidates must score at least 80% in all of the following: UTME or A-Level examinations, Post-UTME screening, and O-Level results
If a candidate fails to meet any one of these conditions, JAMB may withhold their result or admission, regardless of how well they performed.
Because of this, parents and candidates are strongly advised to think carefully before registering underage.
JAMB 2026 UTME Registration Dates
JAMB has released a clear registration timeline for UTME candidates to help students plan ahead.
The sale of JAMB e-PIN will begin on Monday, 19 January 2026, and will end on Thursday, 26 February 2026.
The actual UTME registration process starts on Monday, 26 January 2026, and officially closes on Saturday, 28 February 2026.
Candidates who fail to complete their registration within this period will not be allowed to sit for the examination. Historically, many students miss JAMB each year simply because they waited too long.
Registering early helps reduce errors, stress, and unnecessary pressure.
DE, Direct Entry Registration for 2026
Direct Entry candidates follow a slightly different registration process.
Direct Entry registration will begin on Monday, 2 March 2026, and will close on Saturday, 25 April 2026.
Unlike UTME registration, Direct Entry registration is not done at CBT centres. All DE candidates must register strictly at JAMB State Offices or Zonal Offices nationwide.
Additionally, candidates are required to upload all academic documents correctly. Any mistake during document upload can later affect admission, even if the candidate qualifies academically.
JAMB 2026 Examination Dates
JAMB has also announced the official examination timetable for the 2026 UTME.
The Mock UTME will hold on Saturday, 28 March 2026. Although the mock exam is optional, it is highly recommended, especially for first-time candidates. It helps students understand the CBT environment, manage time better, and reduce exam-day anxiety.
The main UTME examination will take place from Thursday, 16 April to Saturday, 25 April 2026.
Each candidate will be assigned a specific exam date, time, and CBT centre, which will be indicated on their examination slip.
Official JAMB 2026 Fees Breakdown
To protect candidates from exploitation, JAMB has released an official fee structure.
The Direct Entry e-PIN costs ₦5,700.
The UTME fee without mock is ₦7,200, while the UTME fee with mock is ₦8,700.
These fees cover JAMB application charges, the compulsory reading text, CBT registration services, examination services, and the mock exam, where applicable.
Candidates should be careful of any centre or individual demanding extra or unofficial payments beyond what JAMB has approved.
Steps to Register for JAMB 2026/2027
The JAMB registration process begins with profile creation.
1. Candidates must send their NIN via SMS to JAMB’s official shortcode to generate a Profile Code. Without this code, registration cannot proceed.
2. After generating the profile code, candidates can purchase their e-PIN from approved vendors such as banks, online platforms, or mobile payment services.
3. The next step is visiting a JAMB-accredited CBT centre to complete registration. At the centre, candidates will undergo biometric capture, select their institutions and courses, choose subject combinations, and pick their exam town.
4. After completing registration, candidates must print and safely keep their registration slip, as it contains important details.
Why Early Registration Is Extremely Important
One of the biggest mistakes JAMB candidates make is waiting until the last minute.
When registration is delayed, CBT centres fill up quickly, network issues become more frequent, errors are harder to correct, and stress levels increase significantly.
Early registration allows candidates to carefully review their details, choose better CBT centres, and focus fully on preparation rather than panic.
Final Advice for JAMB 2026 Candidates
JAMB success is not only about reading books or scoring high marks. It is about planning early, following official guidelines, and avoiding costly mistakes.
With the right preparation, correct information, and timely action, the 2026 JAMB examination can become a smooth and successful step toward your academic future.
