The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has revealed registration guidelines for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, detailing crucial steps candidates must follow and potential challenges they may encounter.

JAMB announced the guidelines through its official X handle on Sunday to help prospective candidates prepare for the 2026 registration process.

According to the announcement, candidates must ensure their personal details, including National Identification Number, email, and A-Level results, are accurate before generating a profile code.

Prospective candidates are urged to send their 11-digit NIN to 55019 or 66019 (for instance, NIN 00000011111 to 55019/66019).

JAMB emphasized that once a profile code is generated, it cannot be changed, and biodata is automatically retrieved from NIMC. Candidates should then proceed to the nearest JAMB office or any approved CBT Centre to begin registration.

The board explained that E-PINs must be purchased only from authorized channels, such as banks, online platforms, or vendors at registration centres.

Candidates must ensure that the correct registration template is provided and all details are accurate before final submission at the centre.

JAMB emphasized the importance of accurate data, warning that mismatched information could lead to complications.

"Candidates should make all necessary corrections with NIMC early and confirm that the changes have been reflected on their portal before registration (For instance, Name, Date of Birth, Gender, State of Origin)," the statement reads.

"GSM numbers and email addresses are unique identifiers; they cannot be changed or shared and must be functional before registration."

JAMB noted that candidates who encounter biometric issues during registration should visit the nearest JAMB office, adding that no CBT centre should register a candidate forcefully.

Prospective candidates should ensure a dual screen is used during registration and confirm that their passport photograph and biometrics are captured correctly.

JAMB highlighted issues candidates may experience during profile code generation:

"Error 550/66019: Indicates an incorrectly formatted request; candidates should use the correct command (e.g., NIN 00000011111 to 55019/66019).

"Number Already Registered: Suggests the phone number is linked to another profile; candidates should retrieve the SIM card or use a new number.

"Unable to Verify NIN: Candidates are advised to wait and retry later."

The JAMB 2026 UTME form will be on sale from Friday, January 31, 2026, until Saturday, March 8, 2026.