If you initially applied for UTME but later obtained a higher qualification, such as ND, HND, NCE, IJMB, or JUPEB, you can improve your admission status by switching to Direct Entry.
After earning a higher qualification, you can switch your admission application from the UTME route to Direct Entry.
We will show you how to change your JAMB UTME to Direct Entry for the 2026/2027 academic year. This way, you will have all the information you need to make the switch go smoothly.
Who is Eligible for UTME to Direct Entry Conversion?
Before upgrading your UTME registration to Direct Entry, you must meet a few prerequisites.
You must have taken the UTME and have your results ready.
You must have a certificate such as an ND, NCE, IJMB, A-Level, HND, or any other qualification that JAMB accepts for Direct Entry.
Minimum grade expectations vary by university and course. For example, ND and HND holders are frequently expected to have at least Upper Credit, whereas NCE holders must have at least a Merit pass.
Your higher education should be relevant to the course you wish to study.
You must have at least five (5) credit passes in your O-Level (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB), including English Language and Mathematics. The specific subjects that you must pass will be determined by the course for which you apply.
How to Convert Your JAMB UTME to Direct Entry
If you are eligible to convert your UTME to Direct Entry, here is how you can proceed:
The first step is to purchase the JAMB Direct Entry Form. You can buy it from any JAMB-approved registration centre. Alternatively, you can purchase it online through the JAMB e-facility portal.
After purchasing the form, you must visit an accredited JAMB registration centre to complete your registration. In the centre, you will be asked to:
Provide your UTME registration number.
For verification, show proof of your higher education qualifications, such as an ND, NCE, or A-Level.
Upload your O-Level results and any additional qualifications to the JAMB portal.
Complete your biometric capture and get your photo taken.
After that, you will receive your Direct Entry registration slip.
Documents Required for UTME to Direct Entry Conversion
The documents vary depending on whether you are applying with A-level or diploma/NCE/HND results.
For A-Level holders (JUPEB, IJMB, Cambridge, etc.):
UTME result printout
O-Level result printout (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB)
Original A-Level result (not photocopy)
An admission letter from the institution where you did your A-Level programme
For Diploma/NCE/HND holders:
O-Level result printout
Diploma transcript (OND/NCE/HND, etc.)
Important: If your diploma admission was not through JAMB, you must first complete JAMB regularisation. Regularisation provides you with a valid JAMB admissions letter, which you must present before conversion.
What Happens After Converting UTME to Direct Entry
After successfully converting UTME to Direct Entry, the candidate’s admission process changes greatly. The UTME score previously obtained is no longer used for admission evaluation.
Instead, the candidate’s admission will be based on their advanced qualification and the screening process conducted by their chosen institution.
Once the conversion is completed, candidates should update their institutions and course choices if necessary to ensure that their qualifications align with the programme they intend to study.
The next step usually involves participating in the direct entry screening exercise organised by the university. Some universities conduct online screening, while others require physical verification of credentials.
Candidates should also regularly monitor their admission status through the JAMB Central Admission Processing System (CAPS). This platform allows candidates to accept or reject admission offers once they are released.
Completing these steps correctly ensures that the conversion from UTME to Direct Entry leads to a successful admission outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Has JAMB Direct Entry registration started?
A: Yes, JAMB has commenced the 2026 Direct Entry (DE) registration process, with the sale of application documents and E-PIN vending starting on March 2, 2026, and ending on April 25, 2026.
Q: How much does a direct entry form cost?
A: The 2026 JAMB Direct Entry (DE) registration fee is ₦5,700, which includes the application fee, service charges, and other associated costs.
Q: Can I go for direct entry without a JAMB?
A: No, you cannot apply for Direct Entry (DE) admission into a Nigerian university without registering with JAMB.
Q: Do direct entry students write exams?
A: Yes, starting with recent admission cycles (2025/2026), JAMB now requires Direct Entry (DE) applicants to sit for a mandatory Computer-Based Test (CBT) aptitude test.
Q: Can I use direct entry to enter university?
A: Yes, you can use Direct Entry (DE) to enter a university, typically gaining admission directly to the 200 level (second year) without starting at the 100 level.
Q: Can you register for JAMB and direct entry in the same year?
A: No, you cannot apply for both JAMB UTME and Direct Entry (DE) in the same year, as they are considered separate applications, and registering for both can lead to disqualification.
