The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released detailed guidelines for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Prospective candidates are strongly advised to begin preparations now, particularly with respect to their documentation.
Key Registration Dates
While JAMB has released the guidelines, the specific start date for the UTME 2026 registration is confirmed as follows:
- Form Sale Commencement: The JAMB 2026 UTME form will be on sale from Friday, January 31st, 2026.
- Registration Deadline: The exercise is scheduled to close on Saturday, March 8th, 2026.
Step-by-Step Registration Procedure
The registration process is heavily reliant on the National Identification Number (NIN).
1. National Identification Number (NIN) Linkage (Mandatory)
- Ensure that your personal details (name, date of birth, state/LGA of origin) on your NIN match exactly with your school documents. Any discrepancies must be corrected with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) before generating your profile code.
- Generate Profile Code: Send the acronym NIN, followed by a space, and then your 11-digit NIN (e.g.,
NIN 00000011111) to either 55019 or 66019. This SMS costs N50. - Important Warning: Once the 10-digit profile code is generated, the biodata retrieved from NIMC cannot be changed, and the phone number used is permanently linked.
2. Purchasing the e-PIN
- Candidates should purchase the JAMB e-PIN only from authorised channels, such as commercial banks, recognised online payment platforms, or vendors at accredited CBT Centres.
- The e-PIN cost is N3,500. Additionally, there is a compulsory fee for the CBT centre and an optional fee for the Mock-UTME.
3. Registration at an Accredited CBT Centre
- After successfully generating the profile code and purchasing the e-PIN, candidates must proceed to any JAMB-accredited CBT Centre to complete the registration.
- Data Submission: You will be given a registration template to fill out. Ensure all details, including your O-level/A-level results (if available), are accurately entered. Candidates awaiting results are allowed to register but must upload the results on the portal before admission concludes.
- Biometrics and Photo: Your biometric data and passport photograph will be captured using a dual-screen system, allowing you to verify the details in real time before final submission.
Eligibility and Important Tips
- Age Limit: Only candidates who are at least 16 years old by September 30th, 2026, are generally eligible to apply for the full UTME.
- Required Documents: You need your NIN slip, a valid email address, and your O’level/A’level result (or be awaiting result).
- Novel: The recommended novel for the English Language component of the examination is “Life Changer” by Khadija A. Jalli.
Staffwriter at Techawkng.com
Digital Marketing Professional/Social Media Expert/Content Writer
Latest posts by Mohammed Mane (see all)
