The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the full schedule, fees, and compulsory guidelines for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), setting the stage for what is expected to be one of the most competitive admission cycles in recent years. The Board has urged all prospective candidates to take note of every detail as registration opens early next year.
Registration to Begin January 31, 2026
According to JAMB, the 2026 UTME registration exercise will open on Friday, January 31, 2026, and run until Wednesday, March 5, 2026. This five-week window is the only official period for candidates to enroll for the exam, and the Board has repeatedly warned that there will be no extension once the portal closes.
The Direct Entry (DE) registration will follow shortly after, commencing on March 10 and ending on April 7, 2026.
This early announcement gives students ample time to prepare the required documents, arrange their NIN, and get ready for what remains the most important examination for tertiary admission in Nigeria.
Full Schedule for JAMB 2026
JAMB has released a comprehensive timeline to guide candidates from registration to result release. Below is the detailed schedule:
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| UTME Registration | January 31 – March 5, 2026 |
| Direct Entry Registration | March 10 – April 7, 2026 |
| Mock Exam Slip Reprinting | April 5, 2026 |
| Mock UTME Examination | April 10, 2026 |
| Main Exam Slip Reprinting | April 18, 2026 |
| Main UTME Examination | April 25 – May 5, 2026 |
| Release of UTME Results | May 7, 2026 |
This structured calendar is designed to help candidates follow the process without confusion and to avoid last-minute delays that often lead to mistakes or missed deadlines.
Registration Fees for 2026 UTME and DE
For the 2026 exam cycle, JAMB has maintained a relatively stable fee structure:
- UTME (without Mock Exam): ₦7,200
- UTME (with Mock Exam): ₦8,200
- Direct Entry (DE): ₦5,700
The mock exam remains optional, but candidates who choose it must pay the additional fee during registration. JAMB has emphasized that the mock exam is only meant to give candidates an early feel of the CBT environment and not a requirement for sitting the main UTME.
Compulsory Novel for 2026 UTME Candidates
As part of JAMB’s effort to promote literature appreciation, all 2026 UTME candidates will be required to read “The Lekki Headmaster” by Kabir Alabi Garba. The novel forms part of the Use of English examination and will feature in comprehension, analysis, and interpretation sections.
Candidates are strongly encouraged to obtain and read the book early to avoid last-minute panic.
Important Registration Guidelines for All Candidates
JAMB has also outlined strict rules and procedures to ensure a smooth and fraud-free registration process for 2026. These include:
1. Registration Must Be Done at Accredited CBT Centres
Only approved JAMB CBT centres are authorized to conduct registration. Cyber cafés, business centres, and unaccredited operators are completely banned. This measure protects candidates against errors, extortion, and invalid registrations.
2. A Unique Mobile Number Is Mandatory
Every candidate must use one unique phone number from start to finish. This number will be tied to their profile creation, exam details, result access, and admission processing. JAMB warns candidates not to use a number previously used for another registration cycle.
3. NIN Will Be Required Without Exception
The National Identification Number (NIN) remains compulsory for all registrations. Candidates must ensure the name on their NIN matches the name they intend to use for JAMB to avoid discrepancies that may affect admission processing.
Those who do not yet have a NIN are advised to enroll early at NIMC centres nationwide.
A Crucial Year for Candidates
With the announcement of the 2026 UTME schedule, thousands of students across the country now have a clear roadmap ahead. JAMB has advised candidates to begin preparations immediately—especially regarding NIN, reading materials, and choice of institutions.
The Board also emphasized the importance of early registration, as failure to comply strictly with deadlines or guidelines could automatically disqualify a candidate from the admission race.
As the 2026 cycle approaches, candidates, parents, and schools are expected to intensify preparations to ensure a smooth and successful examination season.
