If you plan to sit for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, this detailed guide explains eligibility rules, registration steps, fees, deadlines, age policy, Direct Entry requirements, and preparation tips.

About JAMB

Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board is the official body responsible for conducting UTME and coordinating admissions into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Important 2026 JAMB Dates

UTME e-PIN sales begin: 19 January 2026
UTME registration period: 26 January to 28 February 2026
Direct Entry registration: 2 March to 25 April 2026
Mock UTME: 28 March 2026
Main UTME exam: 16 April to 25 April 2026

Always register early. Preferred exam towns fill up quickly.

JAMB Requirements for 2026 (UTME Candidates)

Here are the official requirements you must meet:

1. National Identification Number (NIN) is Mandatory

You must have a valid 11 digit NIN issued by National Identity Management Commission.

Your name and date of birth on NIN must match your O’Level results exactly. Once registration is completed, biodata changes are extremely difficult.

To generate your profile code:
Send
NIN 12345678901
to 55019 or 66019 using your personal SIM.

You will receive a 10 character profile code.

2. Age Requirement for JAMB 2026

You must be at least 16 years old by 30 September 2026.

Candidates below 16 may be considered only under special exceptional evaluation and must meet very high academic performance benchmarks.

For the 2025/2026 admission session, the approved minimum admission age remains 16 years.

3. O’Level Result Requirement

You must have:

Minimum of five credit passes
Including English Language
Mathematics is compulsory for science, social science, and technology courses
Maximum of two sittings
Accepted exams: WAEC, NECO, NABTEB

Awaiting results can be uploaded later, but results must be uploaded before admission processing.

4. JAMB Subject Combination

You will write four subjects:

Use of English (compulsory for all)
Three other subjects related to your intended course

Choosing the wrong subject combination can disqualify your admission.

5. Valid Email and Personal Phone Number

You must use:

A personal and active email address
A unique phone number not used by another candidate

Your SIM becomes your permanent ID for future JAMB transactions.

6. Biometric Capture is Compulsory

All ten fingers must be captured at an accredited CBT centre.

No fingerprint verification on exam day means you will not sit for the exam.

JAMB 2026 Registration Fees

There are three categories of e-PIN:

Category	Total Fee
UTME without Mock	₦7,200
UTME with Mock	₦8,700
Direct Entry	₦5,700

Fee Breakdown

Application fee: ₦3,500
Reading text: ₦1,000
CBT registration charge: ₦700
CBT exam charge: ₦1,500
Bank charges: ₦500
Mock charge: ₦1,500

No refund after payment.

Step by Step JAMB 2026 Registration Process

Step 1: Get Your NIN

Visit an official NIMC centre if you do not have one.

Step 2: Generate Profile Code

Send your NIN via SMS to 55019 or 66019.

Step 3: Purchase e-PIN

Pay at approved banks, POS outlets, or financial institutions.

Step 4: Visit Accredited CBT Centre

Go physically with:

Profile code
e-PIN
Active email

Complete biometric capture and print your registration slip.

Registration is only valid at JAMB accredited CBT centres.

Direct Entry (DE) Requirements for 2026

DE candidates must have:

Five O’Level credits in not more than two sittings
A-Level, ND, NCE, HND, IJMB, JUPEB or equivalent qualification
Registration or matriculation number from previous institution
Uploaded certificates at registration

Awaiting A-Level results must upload admission letter and registration template.

Verification is compulsory before admission processing.

Important JAMB Policies You Must Know

Multiple NIN usage leads to disqualification
Double registration invalidates all entries
No cybercafé registration allowed
Admission must be processed through CAPS
No regularization of illegal admission

Admission is only valid if printed from JAMB e-Facility.

How to Start Preparing for JAMB 2026

Smart preparation includes:

Start reading your O’Level textbooks early
Study the official JAMB syllabus
Practice CBT based questions
Master time management
Read the recommended novel carefully
Practice with past questions daily

Consistency beats last minute cramming.

FAQs

What is the new policy for JAMB 2026?

The key policies include mandatory NIN, minimum age of 16 years by September 2026, biometric verification, and strict enforcement against multiple registrations.

How much is JAMB registration for 2026 in Nigeria?

₦7,200 without mock
₦8,700 with mock
₦5,700 for Direct Entry

What is the age requirement for JAMB 2025–2026?

Candidates must be at least 16 years old by 30 September of the admission year.

Can I register JAMB without NIN?

No. NIN is compulsory before profile creation.

Can I register twice to correct a mistake?

No. Double registration leads to cancellation. Errors should be corrected through official support channels.

When will JAMB 2026 exam hold?

The UTME will take place from 16 April to 25 April 2026.

JAMB UTME/DE Requirements for 2026: Registration, Age Limit, Fees, Dates & Full Guide

Complete guide to JAMB requirements for 2026. See age limit, registration fees, UTME & Direct Entry rules, subject combinations, important dates, and step by step registration process.