JAMB 2026 Registration Guidelines, Dates, Requirements & Step-by-Step Process

JAMB has officially released the registration guidelines for 2026 UTME! If you're planning to write JAMB this year or apply through Direct Entry, here's everything you need to know about the registration process.

Registration starts January 31, 2026, that's just about 6 weeks from now. Let's make sure you're fully prepared.

JAMB 2026 Registration Dates

JAMB announced these dates via their official X (Twitter) handle on December 8, 2025:

Don't wait until the last week to register. The final days are always chaotic with server crashes, long queues at CBT centres, and everyone scrambling.

JAMB 2026 Registration Fee

What You Need Before Registration

Before you even think about registering, make sure you have these ready:

1. National Identification Number (NIN)

This is 100% compulsory. JAMB pulls your full name, date of birth, gender, state of origin, and photo directly from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database.

If you notice any errors in your NIN data:

1. Visit the nearest NIMC office immediately

2. Request corrections (name, date of birth, etc.)

3. Wait for the changes to reflect on NIMC portal

4. Verify the corrections before attempting JAMB registration

Don't have NIN yet? Visit any NIMC enrollment centre to get enrolled. It takes about 2-4 weeks to receive your NIN slip after enrollment.

2. Valid Email Address

• Must be active and accessible

• You'll receive important notifications here

• Don't use someone else's email

• Write it down somewhere safe

3. Phone Number

• Must be the phone number linked to your NIN

• Keep this SIM card safe throughout the registration process

• Don't lose it or change the number

4. O'Level Results (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB)

You can register for JAMB 2026 while awaiting your O'level results. You don't need to have your results before registration. However, you must upload them later before admission processing.

If you already have your results:

• WAEC certificate

• NECO certificate

• NABTEB certificate

• Any two sittings (maximum)

5. A-Level Results (For Direct Entry Only)

If you're applying through Direct Entry, you need:

• NCE certificate

• OND certificate

• ND certificate

• IJMB/JUPEB results

• Cambridge A-Level

• Or any other acceptable qualification

6. Recent Passport Photograph

• Will be captured at the CBT centre during registration

• Must match the photo on your NIN

• Dress appropriately (no caps, no sunglasses)

How to Register for JAMB 2026

Step 1: Generate Your Profile Code

This is the first and most important step. You cannot register without a profile code.

How to generate profile code:

1. Make sure you have the phone number linked to your NIN

2. Open your phone's message app

3. Type: NIN [space] Your 11-digit NIN

   • Example: NIN 12345678901

4. Send to: 55019 or 66019

5. You'll receive a 10-digit profile code within minutes

6. Cost: Approximately ₦50 (deducted from your airtime)

Common Errors When Generating Profile Code (And Solutions)

Step 2: Purchase JAMB e-PIN

After generating your profile code, you need to buy the JAMB e-PIN to pay for the form.

Where to buy e-PIN (Authorized channels only):

• Any commercial bank

• Online through bank apps

• Approved JAMB CBT centres

• Remita payment platform

• Quickteller

Step 3: Visit an Approved JAMB CBT Centre

You must physically go to a JAMB accredited CBT centre to complete your registration.

What to bring to the CBT center:

1. Your 10-digit profile code

2. Your e-PIN

3. Your NIN (written down)

4. Printout of NIMC slip (recommended)

5. Your O'level scratch cards/statement of results

6. Original O'level certificates (if available)

Step 4: Complete Registration at CBT Centre

At the CBT centre, the operator will help you:

1. Verify your profile code

2. Confirm your biodata from NIMC (name, date of birth, photo, state of origin)

3. Capture your biometrics (fingerprints)

4. Take your passport photograph

5. Select your exam subjects (4 subjects)

6. Choose your institutions (Up to 3 universities, 1 polytechnic, 1 COE)

7. Upload your O'level results (if available)

8. Print your registration slip

The CBT centre must use dual screens during registration so you can see and confirm your passport photograph and biometrics are captured correctly in real time.

Step 5: Verify Your Registration

After registration:

1. Keep your registration slip safe

2. Go to www.jamb.gov.ng

3. Click "Check Registration Status"

4. Enter your registration number

5. Confirm all details are correct

JAMB Subject Combination

You'll register for 4 subjects based on your desired course:

Note: Use of English is compulsory for everyone.

Institution Choices

During registration, you can choose:

• 1st Choice: One university (your top preference)

• 2nd Choice: Another university or polytechnic

• 3rd Choice: Another university, polytechnic, or college of education

Your first choice is the most important. Most students get admitted to their first choice if they meet the requirements.

Minimum age: 16 years old as of the time of UTME

Awaiting Results Policy

Yes, you can register while awaiting WAEC/NECO results. However:

• You must upload your results later when they're released

• Failure to upload O'level results will disqualify you from admission

• You can't be admitted without complete O'level results

Mock UTME Examination

The mock exam is optional but highly recommended.

Benefits of writing mock:

• Familiarizes you with the CBT system

• Helps you understand exam format

• Shows you where you need to improve

• Reduces exam day anxiety

• Costs only ₦1,500-₦2,000 extra

Mock exam date: Expected in March 2026

Biometric Verification Issues

If you encounter biometric problems during registration:

• Don't panic

• Report directly to the nearest JAMB office (not the CBT centre)

• No CBT centre can compel you to register if there are technical issues

• JAMB will provide alternative solutions

Change of Course/Institution

After registration, you can change:

• Your course

• Your institution choices

But you cannot change:

• Your name

• Your exam subjects

• Your biodata (these come from NIN)

Changes are typically allowed a few weeks before the exam. Check JAMB website for the change of course/institution period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When exactly does JAMB 2026 registration start?
A: Friday, January 31, 2026 for UTME. March 10, 2026 for Direct Entry.

Q: Can I register online from home?
A: No. You must visit an approved JAMB CBT center to complete registration.

Q: How much is JAMB form 2026?
A: Approximately ₦4,700-₦6,200 depending on your state and whether you include mock exam.

Q: Is NIN compulsory for JAMB 2026?
A: Yes, 100% compulsory. No NIN, no registration.

Q: Can I change my subjects after registration?
A: No, you cannot change your subjects once registered. Choose carefully.

Q: What if my name on NIN doesn't match my O'level certificate?
A: You must correct it at NIMC office before registration. JAMB is very strict about this.

Q: Can I register for JAMB without O'level results?
A: Yes, awaiting result is accepted. But you must upload results before admission.

Q: How many times can I write JAMB?
A: Unlimited. You can write JAMB as many times as you want until you gain admission.

Q: Can I choose all universities as my choices?
A: No. You can only choose one university as first choice, then universities/polytechnics/COEs as 2nd and 3rd.

Q: What if I lose my registration slip?
A: You can reprint it from JAMB website using your registration number.

Q: Is mock exam compulsory?
A: No, it's optional. But it's highly recommended for practice.

Q: Can I register at any CBT center nationwide?
A: Yes, you can register at any JAMB-accredited CBT center in any state.