Every year, thousands of students rush into cybercafés to “just register” for JAMB, only to end up with errors that block their admission chances. Wrong subject combinations, typos in names, invalid NIN issues, and unlinked phone numbers are some of the common mistakes that cost candidates their dreams.
If you’re writing JAMB 2026, don’t let this be your story. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact steps to register for JAMB 2026 successfully, from your NIN to your final exam slip. Think of it as your roadmap, follow it carefully, and you’ll avoid the common pitfalls that trap thousands of students every year.
Step 1: Get Your National Identification Number (NIN)
The very first step is your NIN, no NIN, no JAMB.
What to do:
- Visit an official NIMC centre near you.
- Go along with your birth certificate or valid school ID.
- Make sure your NIN is linked to your personal SIM card (this must be the same number you’ll use for JAMB).
Without this, you won’t be able to generate a profile code.
Step 2: Generate Your JAMB Profile Code
Once your NIN is active, generate your JAMB profile code by SMS.
Send: NIN [your 11-digit NIN] to 55019 or 66019
Example: NIN 12345678901
JAMB will reply with a 10-digit Profile Code. Save it immediately, screenshot it, write it down, and keep it safe. You’ll need it for payment and registration.
Step 3: Purchase Your JAMB e-PIN
You can’t pay cash directly at CBT centres. Instead, you’ll buy an e-PIN linked to your Profile Code.
Where to buy your JAMB e-PIN:
- Banks (UBA, Zenith, First Bank, Access, etc.)
- Online payment platforms (Remita, Interswitch, Paystack, etc.)
- USSD from your bank SIM
- JAMB-approved agents
Always ensure you use your Profile Code when paying, or your e-PIN won’t link to your account.
Step 4: Register at an Accredited JAMB CBT Centre
With your e-PIN ready, go to an accredited JAMB CBT centre (not just any cybercafé).
At the centre, you will:
- Provide your e-PIN and profile code.
- Fill in your personal details (name, date of birth, email, phone number, address).
- Capture your biometrics (fingerprints & passport photo).
- Select your institutions and courses (1st–4th choices).
- Pick your JAMB subject combination based on your chosen course.
- Declare any disability status if applicable.
Double-check every detail before submission, errors here can ruin your admission chances.
Step 5: Provide Your O-Level Results
At this stage, you’ll enter your WAEC/NECO grades.
- If you already have results, input them correctly.
- If you’re still waiting, select “Awaiting Result” and upload later.
Note: If your O-Level subjects don’t match your course requirements in the JAMB brochure, admission won’t be possible even with a high JAMB score.
Step 6: Decide on the JAMB Mock Exam (Optional)
During registration, JAMB will ask if you want to take the Mock Exam.
- Usually held in early March.
- It’s not compulsory, but it’s a great way to practice under real CBT conditions.
- Helps reduce exam anxiety and exposes your weak points before the real exam.
Step 7: Collect Your Registration Slip
Once registration is complete, JAMB will issue a Registration Slip containing:
- Your JAMB registration number
- Your subject combination
- Your chosen institutions and courses
- Your personal details and photo
Keep this slip safe, it’s proof you’re officially registered.
Step 8: Print Your JAMB Exam Slip
About two weeks before the UTME, JAMB will activate the exam slip printing portal.
Your exam slip contains:
- Exam centre location
- Exam date and session
- Candidate number
- JAMB exam instructions
Without this slip, you cannot enter the exam hall. Print at least 2 copies, one as backup.
Final Advice
Registering for JAMB is more than “just filling a form.” It’s a step-by-step process, and skipping even one step can scatter your entire admission dream.
So here’s your checklist:
✅ Get your NIN sorted first
✅ Generate your Profile Code early
✅ Buy your e-PIN only from approved outlets
✅ Register only at accredited CBT centres
✅ Double-check all details before submitting
✅ Print and safeguard every slip
This year, let’s do it smart. No “next year is my year” stories.
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