The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced January 26, 2026, as the official start date for registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) admissions into Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education for the 2026/2027 academic session.
The board also released a detailed timetable covering E-PIN sales, registration windows, mock exams and the main UTME.
UTME Registration Timeline
- UTME E-PIN sales begin: January 19, 2026
- UTME registration period: January 26 – February 28, 2026
- Mock UTME: March 28, 2026 (optional)
- Main UTME examination: April 16 – April 25, 2026
Candidates must obtain their E-PINs before completing registration at accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide. JAMB stressed that only candidates with valid and properly linked National Identification Numbers (NIN) are eligible to register.
Direct Entry (DE) Registration
- DE E-PIN sales and registration: March 2 – April 25, 2026
Direct Entry candidates, such as holders of ND, NCE, IJMB, JUPEB or university degrees, are to register at JAMB state or zonal offices and other designated centres.
Key Requirements and Advice
JAMB urged candidates to:
- Ensure their NIN is correctly linked before starting registration
- Enter personal data, subject combinations and institution choices carefully
- Register early to avoid last-minute challenges
- Use only accredited CBT centres
Ensure accuracy, as post-registration corrections may be limited.
Fees Remain Unchanged
The examination body confirmed there is no increase in UTME or DE registration fees for 2026, assuring candidates and parents of stable costs.
Age Requirement
Candidates are generally expected to be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026. Younger candidates may be subjected to special evaluation.
Final Note
With clearly defined timelines for registration and examinations, JAMB advised prospective candidates to act promptly and prepare adequately to improve their chances of securing admission in the 2026/2027 academic session.
An E-PIN is the electronic Personal Identification Number required to access and complete JAMB registration online.
