The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has opened the registration window for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE), officially kicking off the admission process for the 2026/2027 academic session. The move signals the start of another admission cycle for candidates seeking placement into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and other tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
For many candidates, the registration stage is where avoidable mistakes happen, ranging from wrong biodata entries to National Identification Number (NIN) issues and incomplete documentation. These early errors often affect the entire admission journey. In this article, Tribune Online explains the confirmed dates, mandatory NIN requirements, and the step-by-step registration process candidates must follow to complete their registration successfully.
JAMB: Official UTME 2026 Registration Dates
Before making a final decision on this year’s UTME, candidates are advised to understand the official timeline released by JAMB to avoid missed deadlines.
UTME Registration
Candidates registering for UTME are expected to take note of the approved schedule. The sale of e-PINs begins on Monday, January 19, 2026, while registration officially opens on Monday, January 26, 2026. Registration will run until Saturday, February 28, 2026. The sale of e-PINs will end on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
JAMB confirmed that the optional Mock UTME will hold on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The Board said the mock examination helps candidates get familiar with the CBT environment. The main UTME examination is scheduled to take place between Thursday, April 16, and Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Direct Entry (DE) Registration
For Direct Entry candidates, JAMB announced that sales and registration will run from Monday, March 2, to Saturday, April 25, 2026. Unlike UTME candidates who register at accredited CBT centres, Direct Entry registration is done only at JAMB State and Zonal offices. The Board warned DE candidates not to attempt registration at CBT centres.
NIN: Mandatory Requirement for All Candidates
For the 2026 registration exercise, a valid NIN remains compulsory. JAMB stated that no candidate can register without it. According to the Board, every candidate’s biodata, including full name, date of birth, gender and state of origin, must match the information in the NIN record managed by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
Once a candidate generates a profile code, JAMB’s system retrieves the candidate’s details directly from the NIMC database. Candidates are advised to confirm that their NIN information is correct before starting registration, as any mismatch can cause delays, failed attempts or rejection at the CBT centre.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for JAMB 2026
The registration process follows specific steps that candidates are expected to complete carefully.
- Prepare Before Registration
Before starting registration, candidates should ensure they have the basic requirements ready. This includes having a valid NIN and confirming that the attached information is accurate. It is also important to use a personal and active mobile phone number, as the number will be linked to the candidate’s JAMB profile and future communication. Officials noted that this preparation step helps prevent common issues at CBT centres. - Generate Your JAMB Profile Code
The profile code links a candidate’s NIN to JAMB. To generate it, candidates must send an SMS in this format, NIN 12345678901, to 55019 or 66019, replacing the digits with their 11-digit NIN. Candidates should ensure there is enough airtime and that the SMS is correctly typed. After sending, the candidate will receive a 10-digit profile code via SMS.
JAMB advised candidates to use a SIM card that has not been previously used to generate another profile. Since the profile code is tied to the phone number used, candidates are urged to keep it safe and avoid sharing it.
- Buy Your JAMB e-PIN
After receiving the profile code, the next step is to purchase the JAMB e-PIN. Candidates can buy the e-PIN through approved channels such as commercial banks, licensed online vendors and accredited CBT centre vendors. JAMB disclosed that there are three categories of e-PINs for the 2026 admission exercise. Direct Entry applicants will pay N5,700, UTME candidates opting out of the mock examination will pay N7,200, while those who choose the optional mock UTME will pay N8,700. The Board explained that the charges cover the application fee, reading text, CBT centre registration services, UTME service charges, bank processing fees and mock examination fees. - Register at an Accredited CBT Centre
JAMB registration is not meant to be completed at home or through cyber cafés. Candidates are required to complete registration only at JAMB-accredited CBT centres. At the centre, candidates will enter their profile code and e-PIN, upload a passport photograph, capture fingerprints and other biometric data, and select their exam town, preferred institutions and course choices. After registration, the CBT centre will print a JAMB registration slip, which serves as proof of successful registration. JAMB advised candidates to keep all SMS messages and printed slips safely, noting that they may be required during examinations, result checking and admission screening stages by institutions. The Board also urged candidates to rely only on official information channels to avoid misinformation and fraudulent registration claims during the 2026 admission exercise across the country nationwide this year.
