JAMB 2026 UTME/DE Registration Form Instructions and Guidelines

Eligibility Checker

Candidates are advised to check their eligibility for chosen programmes and institutions on ibass.jamb.gov.ng. It is important that candidates check the requirements before commencing the application process. The eligibility checker assists candidates with options of programmes (courses) based on their qualifications. Check the requirements before commencing the application process. The eligibility checker assists candidates with options of programmes (courses) based on their qualifications. Visit https://www.jamb.gov.ng select Quicklinks, and then IBASS to access the e-Brochure/e-Syllabus. They are also available on the Android Mobile App (JAMB IBASS) from the Google Play Store.

How to Use the JAMB Eligibility Checker

The JAMB IBASS Eligibility Checker is an online tool that helps candidates verify their eligibility for specific courses and institutions.

This tool considers factors like your mode of entry, O’level results, UTME subject combination, and other requirements.

Follow these steps to check your course and institution eligibility:

1. Visit the JAMB IBASS Eligibility portal: https://eligibility.jamb.gov.ng/checker/
2. Click on “Check Programme Eligibility”.
3. Choose your Mode of Entry (UTME or DE).
4. Select the Institution Type (Degree Awarding Institution, NCE, ND, NID).
5. Choose your Institution Category (Federal University, State University, or Private University).
6. Select your institution’s Name from the dropdown list.
7. Pick your desired Course of Study.
8. Enter your O’level subjects and grades for credits and passes.
9. Tick your UTME subject combination to match your chosen course.
10. Click “Check” to view your eligibility status.

This tool ensures that you meet all the requirements for your selected course and institution, making your application process smoother and more informed.

General Entry Requirements for 2026 JAMB Registration

The general entry requirements for 100 level (Year one) for admission into the First Degree, National Diploma (ND), National Innovation Diploma (NID) and Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes are:

1. DEGREE: Minimum of five (5) credit passes in English and other relevant subjects obtained in not more than 2 sittings. Mathematics is mandatory for Science, Technology and Social Science Programmes.

2. ND/NCE: Minimum of four (4) credit passes i n relevant subjects, including English for non-science and Mathematics for science programmes.

Direct Entry Requirements

Candidates with any of the following qualifications may be considered for admission by Direct Entry:

1. A minimum of O’Level credit pass in five (5) SSCE subjects at not more than two sittings with at least two prescribed subjects for each programme (course of study) at the Principal or Advanced level. Other acceptable qualifications instead of A’LEVELs are:

First Degree (Nigerian Universities), University Diploma, National Diploma (henceforth the Certificate to be accepted for up to only 2024 intake), Nigeria French Language Diploma/National Arabic Language Diploma, Higher National Diploma, NCE, A-Level Certificate from IJMB, JUPEB, NABTEB-(ANBC), NABTEB-(ANTC), First Degree (Other Countries Universities), Cambridge A-level, International Baccalaureate (foreign certificates only), Foreign GCE A-level, Trans-national Foundation Certificates AWARDING INSTITUTIONS ARE REQUIRED TO FORWARD VERIFICATION TO JAMB BEFORE REGISTRATION CAN BE COMPLETED.

At the point of registration, all DE candidates must provide the following information:

(i) Registration/Matriculation Number of the previous school attended where the qualification was obtained

(ii) Subject(s) of qualification

(iii) Awarding Institution

(iv) Affiliated Institution actually attended (where applicable)

(v) Year of graduation.

Other Vital Direct Entry Registration and Admission Rules

(a) DE candidates, who are not awaiting results, must have uploaded their A’level qualification, O’level results and DE Registration Template at the point of registration.

(b) DE candidates, will not be processed for admission until such claimed results are uploaded and verified by the awarding institutions on the JAMB e-facility platform.

(c) DE candidates, who are awaiting A’level results of UMS/UPER/NABТЕВ, must have uploaded their Admission Letter and Registration Template at the point of registration.

(d) Applicants with pre-2020 Cambridge certificates should visit Cambridge directly for verification. This verification exercise may take up to 28 days (as specified by the awarding body), after which the verification result will be forwarded to the Board. The verification will be reflected in the e-Facility profile of the DE candidate.

(e) Statement of results (in lieu of certificate) is accepted for registration only within 3 years of the date of award except NCE that is one year.

(f) Upgrade from UTME to DE is available only to candidates, whose A-level results have not been released at the point of UTME registration and who must have indicated at the point of registration that he/she is awaiting A-level results. The particulars of which he/she must have supplied and contained in the uploaded registration template.

(g) Candidates are hereby advised to constantly check their A’ level admission status in their e-facility profiles, where it will show the status of verification by NIPEDS indicating “CLEARED” or “NOT CLEARED” with the reasons for non-clearance.

Additional Vital Registration Rules

Candidates are not permitted to register more than once. In the event of any error during the registration process, such candidates are to seek correction from the Board and not to obtain a fresh application as duplication of application vitiates all the applications.

Registration can only be done at JAMB-approved Centres across the country. Anybody who registers outside these centres does so at his/her own risk.

Non-candidates, including parents/guardians or any proxy, are NOT allowed to transact any business on any candidate’s profile. Any candidate who makes his password, profile code or other security codes available to another person (parents, friends, tutorial teachers, fraudsters etc) is liable for any alteration done by such person(s).

DO NOT GIVE YOUR PASSWORD TO ANYBODY INCLUDING JAMB OFFICIALS. These security codes are not to be demanded at any registration centre by any person for any purpose.

Compulsory Disclosure of Previous Admission Status

Candidates are henceforth required to disclose their admission (matriculation) status by indicating their previous registration details with the year of UTME/DE at the point of registration. Any false or non-declaration of previous registration/matriculation will automatically invalidate the candidate’s registration/previous admission. Having been previously admitted (matriculated) and wishing to change or start afresh in another institution or programme is allowed, however, failure to disclose such prior admission is an offence.

Order Of Choice Of Institutions

Every candidate is to note that the 1st choice can be a College of Education, University, Innovation Enterprise Institution, Polytechnic/Monotechnic, Nigerian Defence Academy or the Police Academy. (Any Institution can be first choice).

Steps for 2026 JAMB Registration

JAMB PROFILE REGISTRATION

A. CREATION OF PROFILE

i. Every candidate will require the use of a unique phone (mobile) number (SIM) for the process of registration. The unique phone number can be used by one candidate only (Note: This number (SIM) remains your unique identification for all your transactions with the board for present and future transactions/applications).

ii. Candidates who procure SIMs only for registration with JAMB (and not in use) are advised to take advantage of and use the Keep My Number (KMN) facility offered by their respective Telcos. This feature keeps the SIM alive even if unused by the candidate by ensuring that the SIM is not reissued to another customer. KMN will keep the SIM for the candidate for an initial period of 3 years, which is also renewable afterwards.

iii. Candidate will send his/her National Identification Number (NIN) by text (SMS) to 55019 or 66019 from his/her personal GSM number e.g write the word “NIN” then space and add your 11-digit NIN Number and send to 55019 or 66019 in this format (NIN 00123456789). There should be a space between the word “NIN” and your 11-digit NIN (Note that the number must not have been used by another person to register for UTME/DE in the past). Do not use postpaid or special bundle package SIM cards. They don’t work unless specially loaded with credit.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

CHECK YOUR DATA WITH NIMC TO ENSURE YOUR DETAILS AGREE WITH YOUR CLAIMS BEFORE CREATING YOUR PROFILE AS THERE WOULD BE NO CHANGE OF NAME AND DATE OF BIRTH. FOR 2026, CHANGES IN DATA BY NIMC WILL BE UPDATED ON JAMB RECORDS. HOWEVER, REPLACED DATA SHALL BE TRACKED AND REFLECTED AS FOOTNOTE ON THE CANDIDATE’S PROFILE AND ALL SLIPS.

i. A Profile Code of 10 characters will be received by the candidate on the same telephone (SIM) number. Returning Candidates from previous years will still receive the same profile code on the same number previously used. Note that the profile remains the same for the candidate for present and future applications with the Board.

ii. The phone number used for the text message is automatically tied to the candidate’s 2026 application, Examination and Admission.

CANDIDATES SHOULD NOTE AND ALWAYS REMEMBER THE SIM NUMBER USED. IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE FOR SUBSEQUENT COMMUNICATION WITH THE BOARD.

BY OBTAINING UTME/DE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS, A CANDIDATE HAS ACCEPTED TO RECEIVE TEXT MESSAGES FROM JAMB (55019 or 66019) EVEN WHEN THE “DO NOT DISTURB” (DND) IS ACTIVATED.

JAMB Registration Important Notice

Candidates who obtain SIM cards solely for JAMB registration and do not use them regularly are advised to utilize the KEEP MY NUMBER (KMN) facility offered by their respective telecom providers. This feature ensures that the SIM remains active and is not reissued to another customer, even if unused.

Key Points About KMN

1. The KMN service keeps the SIM active for an initial period of three years, with the option to renew afterwards.
2. JAMB is not involved in this process, and it is entirely optional. Candidates must ensure the registered SIM remains active throughout their dealings with JAMB, including graduation and the service year.
3. Candidates interested in KMN should request this service directly from their telecom provider when purchasing the SIM.

NOTE: JAMB does not accept requests for a change of SIM number once a profile has been created. Candidates are strongly advised to secure their registered number to avoid disruptions in their communication with JAMB.

JAMB e-Pin Purchase Using Profile Code

i. Candidate will present the profile code at the point of procurement of form (Banks, MMOs, MFBs, Switches, USSD Partners). An e-PIN is then sent as a text message to the candidate’s Phone number.

ii. Candidate will present the e-PIN and profile code at any JAMB-accredited CBT Centre for registration.

iii. The application cannot be completed until the candidate’s biometrics (all ten fingers) are captured and the photograph taken physically (No submission of passport photograph). The successful capture of biometrics and photographs will authorise a candidate to print his/her e-registration slip (Candidate must use at least two fingers; any of the two can be used to print his/her registration slip. The fingerprint verification shall be required for any further transaction with JAMB on the candidate’s profile.

NOTE: GROUP/SCHOOL-BASED REGISTRATION OF CANDIDATES IS NOT ALLOWED. MOST CANDIDATES REGRET IT THEREAFTER.

iv. Only candidates whose biometrics verification is successful on examination day will be permitted to sit the UTME. No parent or any proxy is allowed to make any transaction on the candidates’ profile.

v. Candidates with biometric challenges can only register at JAMB headquarters in Abuja. Arrangements would be made for this through JAMB-state offices.

WARNING: 

“No two persons must use a single GSM number in commencing the registration process as it will not be acceptable. The way it is configured is one individual to one telephone number that will remain exclusive to that single individual for the entire examination process. Not even siblings are allowed to share a particular telephone number for this purpose.” – JAMB Head of Media, Dr Fabian Benjamin.

B. RETRIEVAL IN CASE OF MISTAKE/LOSS OF PROFILE CODE

i.  To retrieve a lost Profile Code, send [RESEND] to 55019 or 66019 as a text message from the same mobile number.

iii. Candidate can reset lost or forgotten Profile Password on their registered cell phone by sending [PASSWORD] space [email address] from the same mobile number as a text message to 55019 or 66019.

C. TICKETING (FREE COMPLAINT)

For ALL complaints on JAMB processes, candidates should create a support ticket at (https://www.jamb.gov.ng) by selecting the quick link ad and then ticket/Support with his/her email address with the board. The candidate then provides his/her name, phone number and the nature of the complaint, selects a complaint area on a drop-down and then summarises the nature of the complaint. He/She should also attach supporting documents (if available).

Complaints from 3rd parties are merely noted. Letter writing is not encouraged. Rather all complaints should be channeled through the ticketing system for prompt attention and documentation.

2026 JAMB Registration e-PIN Selling Points

The e-PIN outlets are:

i. NIPOST
ii. Banks
iii. MMOs
iv. MFBs
v. Other participating financial institutions.

Duties Of Participating Banks/Outlets

i. Collection of Profile Code from candidate’s phone

ii. Collect payment and vend e-PIN by SMS to the candidate’s phone (Not dictating or copying)

iii. Facilitation of payment through POS, if necessary

iv. Issuance of Evidence of Payment

v. Delivery of e-PIN to candidates electronically. (This should not be Handwritten).

Different Modes/Methods of Payments/Purchase of e-PIN for JAMB

MODES OF PAYMENT OF e-PIN:
(i) Banks
(ii) Mobile Money Operators
(iii) Financial Switches

STEPS FOR PAYMENT

1. Present Profile Code and pay any of N5,700 (DE); N7,700 (UTME WITHOUT MOCK); N8,700 (UTME WITH MOCK).

2. The e-PIN is then delivered to the candidate’s unique telephone number (Links to participating financial institutions and other interested outlets such as NIPOST, Banks, MMOs, and MFBs are available on the Board’s website).

Procedure for 2026 JAMB Registration at the Ten Foreign Centres

The procedure for Registration at the nine foreign centres only is as follows:

(a) Registration fee for candidates from the nine foreign countries is Thirty United States Dollars ($30) in each of the ten (ten) countries local currencies

(b) Candidates from the nine foreign countries are to download the application documents from the Board’s website (https://www.jamb.gov.ng), complete and submit it with the fee (or pay online) at the designated centres in the country as indicated on the website.

(c) The Board conducts registration and UTME in the following cities: Abidjan, Accra, Banjul, Beau, Cotonou, Jeddah, Johannesburg, London, Malabo, and Ouagadougou. The Nigerian Mission (Embassies) in each of the centres can be contacted for guidance on the registration and examination.

Donation of Free Application Documents

Any government, person or organisation that wishes to distribute free application documents to prospective applicants should contact the Board at +2348027641663 OR e-mail: [email protected] for special offer.

How to Recover Lost e-PIN After Payment

i. If e-PIN is not Received or Lost, send [UTMe-PIN] or [De-PIN] to 55019 or 66019 for UTME or DE respectively from the unique number.

ii. The e-PIN would then be retrieved and delivered to the candidate’s unique phone number.

AFTER SUCCESSFUL PAYMENT AND OBTAINING e-PIN, THE CANDIDATE SHOULD PROCEED TO ANY OF THE JAMB ACCREDITED CBT CENTRES TO COMPLETE HIS/HER REGISTRATION.

2026 JAMB Registration Centres

i. Registration is carried out only at the accredited Computer Based Test Centres (CBT) and Professional Registration Centres (PRC).

ii. Each candidate should visit any accredited CBT centre. The list of accredited centres is on the board’s website (https://www.jamb.gov.ng) and JAMB offices with his/her profile code and e-PIN.

Live View of Registration Exercise at CBT Centres

All centres participating in the 2026 registration exercise must be monitored live from the headquarters.

Any centre whose registration activities are not viewed from the headquarters will not be paid and such registration may be invalidated.

2026 JAMB Registration Process at CBT Centres

A candidate must PERSONALLY present his/her profile Code and e-PIN at any JAMB-accredited CBT Centre for registration. A candidate’s photograph and biometrics (all ten fingerprints) would be captured at the CBT centre.

Candidates are to:

i. Note that Centre and bank charges of N700/ N500 respectively have been included in the total fee paid for the pin which JAMB remits to the centres, therefore, no other fee should be paid at the centre.

ii.  Provide valid and functional personal e-mail address that the candidate can always access.

iii. Provide qualification with grades and dates (if not awaiting results).

iv. Upload relevant certificates.

v. Provide choice of institutions, course of study (programme), UTME subjects and choice of examination town(s) for the optional Mock examination and Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) (actual examination).

vi. Review entries and confirm correctness, and

vii. Print Registration SIip USING BIOMETRIC AUTHENTICATION to confirm valid fingerprint (UTME/DE). Note that authentication with your fingerprint removes blames of error from CBT centres. Candidates are to check before confirming with their fingerprint.

Candidates, who are awaiting results, should supply (upload) the results online on the JAMB portal as soon as they are available. No recommendations from any Institution will be considered by JAMB if the candidate does not upload his/her result on the portal of JAMB. No institution is allowed to take a new picture/photograph, biometrics or require any other upload of result. All results are downloadable by institutions from the Board’s website (and the download is tracked to avoid abuse).

Candidates are to note that their particulars on their NIN should tally with information on their other supporting documents.

Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)

To ensure inclusivity, the following categories of candidates are to indicate their disability for special attention:

Blind/Muted (Deaf) Candidates

Candidates who are blind are to indicate by selecting BLIND from the dropdown options and also pick the closest designated JEOG centre and preferred mode of examination. A special indicator for the deaf/mute has been created to identify them for special attention duri ng the examination.

To promote inclusivity, the Board fully refunds registration fees to the blind, the deaf and those on wheelchairs who possess the required 5 credits at the point of registration.

Others

Candidates with Albinism, Down Syndrome, Autism, Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are to indicate by clicking on the appropriate box to be identified and assigned to the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) for special attention.

Biometric Challenge

i. No candidate will be allowed to enter the examination hall or sit the examination if their biometrics is not verified.
ii. Candidates with biometric abnormalities can only register and take examination at the Abuja Headquarters of the Board. The Board will facilitate their travels.

JAMB Dates and Venue For 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination

The 2026 UTME will commence on Thursday, 16th April 2026 and end on Saturday, 25th April 2026.

The venue of the examination will be ANY centre in the candidate’s chosen examination town(s).

JAMB DOES NOT POST ANY CANDIDATE TO ANY EXAMINATION TOWN (OR GROUP OF TOWNS) OTHER THAN THE ONE CHOSEN BY THE CANDIDATE AT THE POINT OF REGISTRATION. CANDIDATES ARE, HOWEVER, ADVISED TO REGISTER ON TIME BEFORE THE AVAILABLE SPACES IN THEIR TOWN OF CHOICE OR GROUP OF TOWNS ARE EXHAUSTED. DUE TO DISCOVERED CONSPIRACY AMONG SOME CBT CENTRES, NO EXAMINATION TOWN WITH FEW CENTRES IS ALLOWED. MANY TOWNS HAVE BEEN MERGED. NOTE THAT THE CHOICE OF A GROUP OF TOWNS IMPLIES THAT YOU CAN BE POSTED TO ANY OF THE TOWNS IN THE CHOSEN GROUP.

2026 JAMB Registration Procurement of e-PINS

Candidates should note that e-PINS purchased are tied to individual profiles and are not transferable.

Candidates are advised to keep private and confidential their security details such as registration numbers, password/numbers of ATM Cards, email addresses and e-PINs. No centre is allowed to request or accept a candidate’s password.

Optional JAMB Mock Examination

The Board will conduct a Mock Examination in all the accredited CBT centres to prepare and familiarise INTERESTED Candidates with the CBT environment. Interested candidates are advised to indicate interest in the Mock Examination during the registration provided they register early enough.

The date for the mock examination shall be Saturday, March 28th, 2026.

Important 2026 JAMB Registration General Information

1. All candidates must mandatorily register their profiles through text messages as illustrated above before proceeding to buy the e-PIN

2. The registration fee is non-refundable

3. Candidates are advised to read and understand the guidelines on admission and instructions as shown on the scanned QR Code on how to complete the online registration before commencing the process of registration. He or she is also to sign an indemnity on ethical standards.

4. Multiple registrations are not permitted. Candidates who register more than once will be identified, disqualified and prosecuted.

5. Candidates are to note that irrespective of their choice of programme, they will also be tested on a general text: “The Lekki Headmaster” by Kabir Alabi Garba. All Candidates are also expected to read the text.

6. Candidates/Officials would not be allowed to enter the examination centre with earphones, wristwatches, mobile phones, electronic devices, or any pen/biro. Only a common pencil is allowed.

7. Candidates are warned that the Board does not require nor authorise the services of ANY cybercafé, school or establishment other than the accredited CBT centres for this exercise

8. Examination malpractice is a criminal offence that attracts, in addition to the cancellation of results, publication of names and prosecution of such offenders.

9. NO REGULARISATION OF ILLEGAL ADMISSION.

Procedure for Valid Admission

All admissions offered by institutions MUST be from the JAMB website. Any offer of admission from any tertiary institution without a JAMB Admission letter is illegal and irredeemably null and void. Any candidate, who accepts admission outside CAPS does so at his/her own risk as the Board would not recognize such admission nor condone it.

Download the JAMB Registration Guidelines PDF