JAMB 2026 UTME registration begins: Key dates and guidelines every candidate should know

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the start of registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) candidates for the 2026/2027 academic session. Registration kicks off on Monday, 26 January 2026, and will run until Saturday, 28 February 2026 for UTME candidates. Direct Entry registration will start later, on Monday, 2 March, and close on Saturday, 25 April 2026.

JAMB assured prospective candidates that the registration process will be smooth and secure, with measures put in place to ensure efficiency and prevent manipulation of candidate data. All registration must be done at Board-approved Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide.

Eligibility for 2026 UTME

Candidates must be at least 16 years old by 30 September 2026 to be eligible for UTME registration. Those under 16 may undergo an intensive evaluation to determine if they qualify for a waiver. Such candidates must have scored at least 80% in their UTME/A-Level, PUTME, SSCE, and other exceptional assessments. UTME results for underage candidates will only be released after the completion of this evaluation.

Additionally, candidates must meet the minimum admission scores for their chosen institutions:

• Universities: 150

• Colleges of Nursing: 140

• Polytechnics, Monotechnics, Colleges of Agriculture and Colleges of Education: 100

  
  
  

• Innovation Enterprise Institutions (IEIs): 100

UTME and Direct Entry Registration Process

• UTME candidates: Registration begins 26 January – 28 February 2026

• Direct Entry candidates: Registration begins 2 March – 25 April 2026

• E-pin sales: UTME e-pins are available from 19 January – 26 February, while DE e-pins are sold from 2 March – 25 April. Forms are obtainable at JAMB zonal and state offices only.

JAMB offers three categories of e-pins this year:

1. Direct Entry e-pin

2. UTME only (without mock)

3. UTME with mock e-pin

Exam Dates and Optional Mock Exam

The 2026 UTME will be conducted from Thursday, 16 April – Saturday, 25 April 2026. The optional mock UTME is scheduled for Saturday, 28 March 2026.

New Measures to Enhance Registration Integrity

To reduce manipulation and fraudulent activity, JAMB will deploy Microsoft and Digitech live cameras to monitor all registration centres in real-time from the JAMB Headquarters in Abuja. Centres not viewable via live feed may have their registration invalidated. Additionally, these cameras will capture the second image of candidates, ensuring accurate identification and preventing misuse.

Correction of Candidate Data

Prospective candidates with errors in their biodata—such as name or date of birth discrepancies—must correct them before registering, through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). JAMB emphasized that it will not adjust or use any data outside of what NIMC provides, making prior correction essential for a valid registration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When does 2026 UTME registration start and end?
A: UTME registration begins 26 January and ends 28 February 2026.

Q: Who is eligible to register for UTME?
A: Candidates must be 16 years or older by 30 September 2026 and meet the minimum institutional scores.

Q: How can underage candidates apply?
A: Candidates under 16 must undergo an intensive evaluation and score at least 80% in UTME, A-Level, PUTME, SSCE, and other assessments.

Q: What are the 2026 UTME exam dates?
A: The main exam runs 16 – 25 April 2026, with an optional mock on 28 March 2026.

Q: Are there new registration security measures?
A: Yes, live cameras will monitor all CBT centres, and only NIMC-approved biodata will be accepted.