The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially kicked off the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) registration exercise, setting out clear timelines, age eligibility rules, fee structures, and examination schedules for candidates aspiring to gain admission into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions for the 2026/2027 academic session.
This announcement marks a pivotal moment for thousands of students preparing to take one of Nigeria’s most competitive examinations. Whether you’re a first-time UTME candidate, a DE applicant, or guiding a ward through the process, here’s everything you need to know — clearly explained and professionally organized.
JAMB 2026 Registration Officially Begins
JAMB confirmed via its official statement that the sale of application documents for UTME and Direct Entry (DE) is now active for the 2026 admissions cycle. The board reiterated that participation in this exercise is the gateway to gaining admission into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
The Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, emphasized that only suitably qualified candidates should apply, and the announcement was shared through the Board’s verified social media channels and official communications.
Key Registration & E-PIN Sale Dates
JAMB has outlined a structured schedule to help candidates plan ahead effectively:
- UTME E-PIN Vending: Begins January 19, 2026 and closes on February 26, 2026.
- UTME Registration Window: Opens January 26, 2026 and closes February 28, 2026.
- Direct Entry (DE) Form Sales & E-PIN Vending: From March 2, 2026 to April 25, 2026.
These dates apply to candidates within Nigeria as well as eligible candidates registering from foreign countries where applicable.
Age Eligibility & Special Evaluation Criteria
To ensure fairness and compliance with Board regulations:
- Only candidates who will be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026 are generally eligible to register for UTME.
- Candidates younger than 16 can still apply, but must pass a special intensive evaluation that verifies exceptional performance across multiple academic assessments.
- UTME results for underage candidates will only be released after the complete evaluation process is concluded.
This evaluation provision underscores JAMB’s commitment to academic standards while allowing room for exceptional young talents to be considered.
Fee Breakdown & E-PIN Categories
JAMB has also outlined the cost structure associated with registration and related services. Candidates should prepare for the following:
- Base UTME/DE Application Fee: ₦3,500
- Reading Text: ₦1,000
- CBT Centre Registration Service Charge: ₦700
- CBT Centre UTME Service Charge: ₦1,500
- Bank Charges: ₦500
- Mock UTME Centre Charge (optional): ₦1,500
JAMB also offers three categories of e-Pins:
- Direct Entry (DE): ₦5,700
- UTME Without Mock: ₦7,200
- UTME With Mock: ₦8,700
This tiered structure allows candidates to choose registration options based on their needs.
Examination & Mock Test Dates
Understanding the exam calendar helps candidates tailor their preparation timeline:
- 2026 UTME Examination: Scheduled from Thursday, April 16, 2026 to Saturday, April 25, 2026.
- Optional Mock UTME: To be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Candidates are encouraged to participate in the Mock UTME to familiarize themselves with the Computer-Based Test (CBT) environment and question formats.
Important Tips for Candidates
To ensure a smooth registration experience:
- Confirm that your National Identification Number (NIN) is active and accurately linked before starting the registration process.
- Avoid using multiple NINs or attempting double registrations, as this may lead to disqualification.
- Prepare early by reviewing past questions, recommended texts, and exam guidelines shared by JAMB.
- Ensure all personal and academic details are correctly supplied during registration to prevent costly errors.
