JAMB registration 2026: The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is the official body that conducts the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) for students seeking admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Each year, more than 1.9 million candidates register for the UTME, according to JAMB’s official statistics for 2024.
Proper registration is the first and most important step. Mistakes during registration can cost a candidate admission chances, cause issues with results, or even prevent participation in the examination. This guide provides a clear step-by-step approach to registering for JAMB 2026, whether you are sitting for the UTME or applying through Direct Entry.
Requirements for JAMB 2026 Registration
Before heading to an accredited CBT (Computer-Based Test) center, every candidate must prepare the following:
1. National Identification Number (NIN)
Since 2020, JAMB has made NIN mandatory for all candidates. You cannot complete your registration without it. To get a NIN:
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Visit any NIMC enrollment center with your birth certificate or declaration of age and a valid means of identification.
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After registration, you’ll be issued a unique 11-digit NIN.
2. Active Email Address
JAMB uses your email to send your profile details, registration slip, and examination updates. Candidates without a personal email can create one on free platforms like Gmail or Yahoo.
3. Phone Number
A single phone number is linked to your JAMB profile. This number will be used for profile creation, OTP codes, and communication. Avoid using someone else’s number.
4. JAMB e-PIN Payment
Candidates must purchase a JAMB e-PIN before completing registration at a CBT center. The e-PIN can be bought from:
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Banks (First Bank, Access, Zenith, etc.)
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Mobile money operators
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Online platforms like Remita or Interswitch
5. Biometric Data and Passport Photograph
Biometric fingerprint capture and a clear passport photograph will be taken at the CBT center during registration.
JAMB Registration 2026: Step-by-Step UTME Registration Process
For students applying through UTME, here is the standard procedure for JAMB 2026: Also read: How to Prepare for Post-UTME in 30 Days – Proven Strategies for Success
Step 1: Create Your JAMB Profile
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Send an SMS with your NIN to 55019 or 66019. Example: “NIN 12345678901.” It is important to note here that the service cost the sum of N50. So ensure to recharge your phone before you will proceed with the above steps.
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Afterward, you will receive a confirmation message with your JAMB profile code (10 digits). Keep this code safe.
Step 2: Purchase the JAMB e-PIN
To purchase your JAMB e-PIN, you will need to do the following:
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Visit a bank, mobile money outlet, or Remita to pay the registration fee.
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Next, you will need to provide them with your profile code and phone number.
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Once you have done the above steps accordingly, the e-PIN will be sent to your phone via SMS.
Step 3: Visit an Accredited CBT Center
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Present your e-PIN, profile code, and personal details.
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Your photograph and biometric details will be captured.
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Fill in your personal information (name, address, date of birth, etc.).
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Select your preferred institutions and courses. For example, UNILAG (Medicine), UNIBEN (Engineering), or FUTA (Agriculture).
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Select your four UTME subjects according to your chosen course. Example: Medicine requires English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Step 4: Collect Registration Slip
Once the process is complete, you will receive a printout containing:
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Your personal details
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UTME subject combination
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Examination town and center preferences
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Your unique registration number
Step-Step Guide On How to Create JAMB Profile Through Online Method
If you are a tech-savvy person and wish or want to create your JAMB profile account on your own, here are the steps you can successfully follow to create an account using JAMB efacility portal without stress.
First off, you will need to open your browser and go to the JAMB E-Facility portal: https://efacility.jamb.gov.ng/login and then click “Create an Account” at the bottom right of the page.
Next, you will need to fill out the registration form by entering your email address and phone number and confirm them by entering again in the spaces provided. Afterward, click on the “Verify e-Mail” at the bottom right of the form to continue.
Now, proceed to your inbox locate a verification link sent by JAMB. Click on the link to proceed
Once you have done the above steps correctly, you will be taken to a page where you will need to fill out your personal information. Bear in mind to fill the form carefully ensuring to include your name, date of birth, gender, and nationality.
Afterward, choose your password for accessing your profile account
Lastly, locate and click on the “Register” button to finish your profile creation process.
Step-by-Step Direct Entry Registration Process
Direct Entry is for candidates who already hold a diploma, NCE, IJMB, JUPEB, or equivalent qualification and wish to enter university at 200-level.
Step 1: Obtain Your Profile Code
Similar to UTME, send your NIN to 55019 or 66019 to get your profile code.
Step 2: Buy the JAMB Direct Entry e-PIN
Payment can be made at banks, mobile outlets, or online platforms.
Step 3: CBT Center Registration
At the CBT center, you will provide:
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O’Level results (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB)
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A-level or equivalent qualification (IJMB, JUPEB, NCE, ND, HND transcripts)
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Choice of universities and preferred courses
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Biometric data and passport photograph
Also read: How to Pass WAEC 2026 in One Sitting – Study Guide for Nigerian Students
Step 4: Submit Credentials
Some universities require Direct Entry candidates to forward their transcripts directly to the institution. Ensure this is done on time to avoid rejection.
10 Mistakes to Avoid During JAMB Registration
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Using the wrong subject combination – Many students are denied admission due to incorrect UTME subject selection.
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Entering an invalid email or phone number – These details are vital for all updates.
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Multiple profile creation – Registering with more than one profile causes disqualification.
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Wrong spelling of names – Your JAMB record must match your O’Level documents.
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Failure to upload O’Level results – This leads to incomplete registration.
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Using another person’s phone number – Always use your personal contact.
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Late registration – Centers get congested as the deadline approaches.
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Wrong institution choice – Research admission cut-offs before selecting schools.
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Not keeping printouts – Your slip is needed for admission and screening.
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Registering at an unaccredited center – Only accredited CBT centers are valid for registration.
JAMB 2025/2026 Registration Fees and Deadline
For 2025, JAMB fixed the registration fee at:
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₦3,500 for the UTME form
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₦500 for the recommended reading text
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₦700 for CBT center service charge
Here are some other things you need to know about the 2025 UTME/DE application. Interestingly, according to JAMB, there are four application options that candidates could select from:
- UTME with Mock, N8, 700
- UTME without Mock, N7,200
- Direct Entry (DE), N5, 700 and
- Trial-Testing Mock Examination for underage candidates, N3,500.
The 2026 fees are expected to remain in this range unless announced otherwise.
Deadline
In 2025, registration lasted for six weeks (Monday, 3rd February, 2025, to Saturday, 8th March, 2025). JAMB usually follows a similar calendar each year whereas the direct entry application starts Saturday, 8th March, 2025 and end by Monday, 7th April, 2025.
For 2026, candidates should expect registration to open in February and close by the mid of March. Always confirm dates from JAMB’s official website (www.jamb.gov.ng).
Conclusion
Registering for JAMB 2026 is a straightforward process if you prepare early and avoid common mistakes. Ensure you have your NIN, a valid phone number, and email before purchasing your e-PIN. Whether you are applying for UTME or Direct Entry, following the steps above will save you stress and improve your chances of smooth registration.
Take this guide seriously, start early, and double-check every detail at the CBT center. Your journey to gaining admission into a Nigerian higher institution begins with this crucial step.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on JAMB 2026
1. Can I register for JAMB without a NIN?
No. NIN is compulsory for all candidates. Without it, your profile code cannot be generated.
2. How many times can I register for JAMB in one year?
Only once. Multiple registrations can lead to disqualification.
3. Can I change my course or institution after registration?
Yes. JAMB allows a Change of Course/Institution after results are released. You must pay a fee (usually ₦2,500).
4. What happens if I forget my profile code?
Send “RESEND” to 55019 or 66019 using the same phone number you used initially.
5. Is there an age limit for JAMB registration?
Yes. Candidates must be at least 16 years old to qualify for admission into Nigerian universities.
6. What is the recommended JAMB novel for 2026?
JAMB announces a compulsory novel each year for the Use of English exam. For 2025, it was The Life Changer by Khadija Abubakar Jalli. The 2026 text will be officially confirmed.
7. Can I write JAMB without uploading my WAEC or NECO results?
You can register with “Awaiting Results” (AR), but you must upload your O’Level results before admission processing begins.
8. Where can I find accredited JAMB CBT centers?
Visit JAMB’s official website and check the list of approved CBT centers in your state.
9. How many universities can I apply to in JAMB?
You can select a maximum of four institutions: one university, one polytechnic, one college of education, and one innovation enterprise institution.
10. How do I know my JAMB registration was successful?
Once completed, you will receive a registration slip with your details and exam number. Keep it safe, as it will be used for printing your exam slip later.