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.
For many candidates, the registration stage is where avoidable mistakes happen; from wrong biodata to NIN issues and incomplete documentation.
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 your decision on this year’s UTME, you should be sure of what the timeline looks like:
UTME Registration
Candidates registering for UTME are expected to take note of the following timeline:
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, and the sale of e-PINs ends on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
Meanwhile, the optional Mock UTME is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, while the main UTME examination will take place between Thursday, April 16, and Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Direct Entry (DE) Registration
For Direct Entry (DE) candidates, sales and registration are scheduled to 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, not at CBT centres.
NIN: Mandatory Requirement for All Candidates
For the 2026 registration exercise, a valid National Identification Number (NIN) remains a compulsory requirement. This means candidates cannot register without it.
JAMB has made it clear that every candidate’s biodata, including full name, date of birth, gender, and state of origin, must match what is contained 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. Because of this, candidates are advised to confirm that their NIN information is correct before starting registration, as any mismatch can lead to delays, failed registration attempts, or rejection at the CBT centre.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for JAMB 2026
Everyone needs a guide to do things better, especially if you’re doing it for the first time:
1. Prepare Before Registration
Before starting the process, candidates should ensure they have the basics ready. This includes having a valid NIN and confirming that the information attached to the NIN is correct.
It is also important to use a personal and active mobile phone number, as the number will be tied to the candidate’s JAMB profile and future communication. This simple preparation step will go a long way in preventing many of the issues candidates face later at CBT centres.
2. Generate Your JAMB Profile Code
The profile code is one of the most important parts of the registration process because it is what links your NIN to JAMB.
To generate it, candidates are required to send an SMS in this format:
NIN 12345678901
The message should be sent to 55019 or 66019, replacing the digits with the candidate’s 11-digit NIN.
Ensure there is enough airtime for SMS, and the SMS should be correctly typed (no extra characters, spaces only between NIN and the number)
After sending, the candidate will receive a 10-digit profile code via SMS.
Candidates are advised to use a SIM card that has not been previously used to generate another JAMB profile. Also, since the profile code is tied to the phone number used, it should be kept safe and not shared carelessly.
3. Buy Your JAMB e-PIN
After receiving the profile code, the next step is to purchase the JAMB e-PIN, which serves as the registration token.
Candidates can buy the e-PIN through approved channels such as commercial banks, licensed online vendors, and accredited CBT centre vendors.
It is also important to note that there are three categories of e-PINs for the 2026 admission exercise :
Direct Entry applicants will pay N5,700, while UTME candidates opting out of the mock examination will pay N7,200. Those who choose to participate in 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 where applicable.
4. Register at an Accredited CBT Centre
JAMB registration is not meant to be completed at home or through cyber cafés. The board requires candidates to complete registration only at a JAMB-accredited CBT centre, where their details will be entered properly and their biometrics captured.
At the CBT centre, candidates will be guided to complete key parts of the registration, including entering their profile code and e-PIN, uploading their passport photograph, capturing fingerprints and other biometric data, and selecting their exam town, preferred institutions and course choices.
After successful registration, the CBT centre will print out a JAMB registration slip, which serves as proof that the candidate has registered correctly. Candidates are advised to keep this slip safe, as it will be needed throughout the examination and admission process.
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