This is to inform the general public that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the date for the commencement of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) registrations.
The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), conducted by JAMB, is a uniform entry-level examination for candidates seeking tertiary education.
2026 JAMB UTME Registration Date
According to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will commence from Monday, 26th January 2026, to Saturday, 28th February 2026.
JAMB E-PIN vending for UTME begins on Monday, 19th January 2026, and ends on Thursday, 26th February 2026, while registration closes on Saturday, 28th February 2026.
Candidates are enjoined to take note of these dates and other advisories issued by the Board in relation to the examination administration. They are also required to visit the Board’s official website at www.jamb.gov.ng for any other information.
Please note that registration for JAMB UTME can only be performed only at JAMB-accredited centres and JAMB State-Offices. For your safety, don’t patronize any Cybercafé or computer centres other than the ones published by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
2026 JAMB Direct Entry Registration Date
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Direct Entry registration and E-PIN vending will commence from Monday, 2nd March 2026, to Saturday, 25th April 2026.
All Direct Entry candidates are required to provide the following information: Registration/Matriculation Number of the previous school attended where the qualification was obtained; Subjects of qualification; Awarding Institution; Institution attended; and Year of graduation as well as admission letters where necessary.
Please note that registration for JAMB Direct Entry can only be performed only at JAMB State-Offices. For your safety, don’t patronize any Cybercafé or computer centres other than the State-Offices published by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
2026 JAMB UTME Examination Date
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has fixed Thursday, 16th April 2026, for the conduct of the 2026 UTME which is expected to end on Saturday, 25th April 2026.
The board also fixed Saturday, 28th March 2026, for the conduct of its optional mock UTME.
2026 JAMB Examination Timeline
Check the table below for the 2026 JAMB timeline:
| JAMB Timeline | Starting Date | Closing Date |
| UTME Registration | Monday, 26th January 2026 | Saturday, 28th February 2026 |
| UTME Mock Registration | Monday, 26th January 2026 | Monday, 16th February 2026 |
| UTME e-Pin Vending | Monday, 19th January 2026 | Thursday, 26th February 2026 |
| Direct Entry Registration | Monday, 2nd March 2026 | Saturday, 25th April 2026 |
| Direct Entry e-Pin Vending | Monday, 2nd March 2026 | Saturday, 25th April 2026 |
| Mock Examination | Saturday, 28th March 2026 | Saturday, 28th March 2026 |
| UTME Examination | Thursday, 16th April 2026 | Saturday, 25th April 2026 |
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. READ: JAMB Brochure for All Courses and Institutions
2026 JAMB UTME General Entry Requirements
The general entry requirements for admission into the First Degree, National Diploma (ND), National Innovation Diploma (NID), and Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes in Universities, other degree-awarding Institutions, Monotechnics, Polytechnics, Innovation Enterprise Institutions and Colleges of Education are five (5) O’Level Credit passes including Mathematics and English Language. ALSO READ: JAMB Subject Combination for All Courses.
JAMB Age Limit Requirements
To be eligible to sit for the UTME and gain admission into universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education, candidates must be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026.
The board will strictly enforce the 16-year age requirement for the 2026 UTME registration. However, exceptionally gifted candidates under the age of 16 may be granted an exception.
To qualify for admission, gifted candidates must achieve not less than 80% in each of UTME/A’Level, PUTME, SSCE and in the exceptional candidate assessment.
Thus, demonstrating an outstanding academic performance in both their senior secondary certificate examinations and post-UTME assessments.
READ ALSO: All You Need to Know About JAMB UTME Mock Exam
Types and Categories of e-PINs for 2026 JAMB Registration
There are three categories of e-PINs available for the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry (DE) registration:
1. Direct Entry (DE) Registration e-PIN – This is for candidates applying through the Direct Entry route.
2. UTME Registration e-PIN (WITHOUT Mock) – This is for candidates registering for the UTME without opting for the Mock Examination.
3. UTME Registration e-PIN (WITH Mock) – This is for candidates registering for the UTME and opting to take the Mock Examination.
Applicants are advised to purchase their e-PINs based on their specific needs and financial capability.
ALSO READ: JAMB Breakdown of Approved Fees for UTME/Direct Entry Registration
Payment and Registration Guidelines
The registration exercise for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will be conducted exclusively at JAMB Professional Registration Centres (PRCs). All registration payments remain cashless.
Candidates must follow the approved payment methods, as the Board will strictly sanction any acts of non-compliance. By adhering to these guidelines, applicants can ensure a smooth and hassle-free registration process.