The wait is finally over for candidates aspiring to gain admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions for the 2026/2027 academic session. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the commencement of the sale of application documents for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE).
In a release signed by the JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, on Tuesday, the Board outlined crucial dates, fee structures, and strict new guidelines regarding age limits.
If you are preparing for the 2026 exams, here is a complete breakdown of everything you need to know to avoid mistakes during your registration.
JAMB 2026 Official Registration Timelines
JAMB has released distinct schedules for UTME and Direct Entry candidates. Please mark these dates on your calendar to avoid missing the deadline.
For UTME Candidates:
- E-PIN Vending Begins: Monday, January 19, 2026
- Online Registration Begins: Monday, January 26, 2026
- E-PIN Vending Ends: Thursday, February 26, 2026
- Registration Portal Closes: Saturday, February 28, 2026
For Direct Entry (DE) Candidates:
- Registration & E-PIN Sales Begin: Monday, March 2, 2026
- Registration Ends: Saturday, April 25, 2026
- Important Note: Direct Entry registration will only be carried out at JAMB State and Zonal Offices nationwide.
2026 Examination Dates
Once registration is complete, candidates should prepare for the following examination schedules:
- Mock-UTME (Optional): Saturday, March 28, 2026
- Main UTME Examination: Thursday, April 16 – Saturday, April 25, 2026
Cost of 2026 JAMB Registration form
The Board has categorized the fees into three distinct groups. It is important to decide early if you intend to write the Mock exam, as this affects the price.
- Direct Entry (DE): ₦5,700
- UTME (Without Mock Exam): ₦7,200
- UTME (With Mock Exam): ₦8,700
Breakdown of the Fees
Where does the money go? JAMB provided a transparent breakdown of the charges:
- Application Fee: ₦3,500
- Reading Text: ₦1,000
- CBT Registration Charge: ₦700
- CBT Examination Service Charge: ₦1,500
- Bank Charges: ₦500
- Mock Exam Charge (Optional): ₦1,500
New Eligibility & Age Limit Guidelines
JAMB has reiterated its stance on the minimum age for admission.
- General Rule: Candidates must be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026, to be eligible.
What About Underage Candidates?
The Board has made provisions for “gifted” candidates who fall below the age limit, but the conditions are strict. To be considered for a waiver, an underage candidate must undergo an intensive evaluation and score not less than 80% in:
- The UTME
- A-Level / Post-UTME / SSCE
- Exceptional Candidate Assessment
Note: The UTME results of underage candidates will be withheld until this evaluation process is completed.
Important Warnings for Candidates
JAMB has issued a strong warning regarding Double Registration.
- Candidates are not permitted to register more than once.
- If you make a mistake during registration, do not buy a fresh form. Instead, visit a JAMB office to seek a correction.
- Duplication of applications is a violation of the rules and will attract sanctions.
Follow Us on Social Media
Next Steps
Now that the dates are out, ensure you have your National Identity Number (NIN) ready, as it is a compulsory requirement for creating your profile code.
Good luck to all 2026 JAMB candidates!
Have questions about the 2026 UTME registration process? Drop a comment below and let’s discuss!
