The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the much-anticipated guidelines for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) registration, providing clarity on timelines, eligibility, fees, and examination procedures for candidates within Nigeria and selected foreign centres.
According to the notice signed by the Registrar of JAMB, registration for both UTME and Direct Entry will be conducted strictly online and only at accredited CBT centres, with candidates advised to comply fully to avoid disqualification.
📅 Registration and Examination Timeline
Registration for UTME and Direct Entry will commence on Monday, 26 January 2026, and close on Saturday, 28 February 2026.
The UTME examination itself is scheduled to hold between 16 April and 25 April 2026, while the Mock UTME will take place on 28 March 2026.
For Direct Entry candidates, registration will reopen from 2 March 2026 and run until 25 April 2026. Sales of UTME E-PINs will be available from 19 January to 26 February 2026.
👤 Eligibility Conditions
UTME candidates must be at least 16 years old by 30 September 2026. While candidates below 16 may register, they will not be considered for admission. A minimum of five O’Level credits, including English Language, is required.
Direct Entry applicants must possess qualifications such as ND, NCE, IJMB, NABTEB, HND, or a university degree, and all DE candidates must register through JAMB.
💰 Fees Breakdown
The cost of registration varies depending on the category:
DE E-PIN: ₦5,700
UTME without Mock: ₦7,200
UTME with Mock: ₦8,700
The fees cover the application form, reading text, CBT registration, optional mock exam, bank charges, and CBT centre service charges. JAMB emphasized that cash payments at CBT centres are strictly prohibited.
📱 Profile Creation and E-PIN Purchase
Candidates must create a JAMB profile using their personal phone number by sending “NIN” to 55019 or 66019. E-PINs are to be purchased only from approved banks and online platforms.
🧬 Biometric and Examination Rules
JAMB has reiterated that ten fingerprints and facial capture are compulsory during registration. Biometric verification will also be conducted at examination centres, and any mismatch will result in disqualification.
The UTME will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT). Candidates must print their examination slips showing their date, time, and venue, noting that no change of centre is allowed after registration.
📚 Mock UTME
The Mock UTME remains optional but strongly recommended, especially for first-time candidates, as it helps them become familiar with the CBT environment. It will be conducted only at selected centres.
🚫 Warnings and Sanctions
JAMB warned candidates against multiple registrations, impersonation, forgery, and examination malpractice. Any violation could lead to disqualification and possible prosecution. Phones, smart devices, and other prohibited materials are banned in examination halls.
🌍 Foreign Centres
Foreign UTME centres will be available in countries including the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and South Africa. Foreign candidates are to pay $30, and all complaints must be lodged via the JAMB online ticketing platform.
With these comprehensive guidelines now public, candidates are advised to register early, follow official procedures, and stay informed through JAMB’s accredited channels to ensure a smooth 2026 admission process.
