JAMB 2026 UTME & Direct Entry (DE): Complete Guide for Candidates. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the sale of application documents for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) for candidates in Nigeria and approved foreign centres.
This guide presents a full and accurate breakdown of the official notice, covering eligibility, registration steps, fees, timelines, special considerations, and critical warnings for candidates.
JAMB RESOURCES – Jamb Syllabus For This Session
Sale of 2026 UTME and Direct Entry Forms
Eligibility Requirements
UTME Candidates
- Must be at least 16 years old by 30 September 2026
- Candidates below 16 may register but will not be considered for admission
- O’Level results are required
- Candidates awaiting results may apply but must upload results before admission processing
Direct Entry (DE) Candidates
- Must possess one of the following qualifications:
NCE, ND, HND, IJMB, NABTEB, or other approved equivalents - All DE results must be uploaded on JAMB CAPS
Application Fees and Charges
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| UTME Application Fee | ₦3,500 |
| Direct Entry Application Fee | ₦4,700 |
| Reading Text | ₦500 |
| CBT Registration Service Charge | ₦700 |
| Mock Examination (Optional) | ₦1,500 |
| Total (UTME with Mock) | ₦7,700 |
| Total (UTME without Mock) | ₦6,200 |
All payments must be made electronically. Cash payments at CBT centres are not allowed.
Important Dates and Timeline
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Sale of UTME/DE Forms Begins | Monday, 26 January 2026 |
| UTME & DE Registration Closes | Saturday, 28 February 2026 |
| UTME Mock Examination | Thursday, 26 February 2026 |
| UTME Examination | Friday, 6 March – Sunday, 15 March 2026 |
| Printing of Examination Slip | From Monday, 2 March 2026 |
Registration Procedure
- Create a Profile Code by sending your NIN via SMS to 55019 or 66019
- Purchase the JAMB e-PIN
- Visit a JAMB-accredited CBT centre
- Complete biometric capture (ten fingerprints and passport photograph)
- Select institution(s), course(s), and examination town
- Print and keep the registration slip
The SIM card used must belong to the candidate.
Biometric and Security Regulations
- No candidate can register without biometric verification
- Biometric data cannot be transferred
- CBT centres are restricted to their approved locations
- Any biometric issue must be resolved at a JAMB office
Foreign Examination Centres
Available in selected countries including:
- United Kingdom
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
- South Africa
- Ghana
- Cameroon
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Benin Republic
- Qatar
- Spain
Registration fee for foreign candidates is $50.
Candidates with Special Needs
JAMB provides accommodations for candidates with disabilities including:
- Visual or hearing impairment
- Physical disabilities
- Albinism
- Down Syndrome
- Autism
- Dyslexia
- Cerebral palsy
Candidates must indicate their condition during registration. Support is coordinated through the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG).
O’Level Result Requirements
- A maximum of two sittings is allowed
- Subjects must align with the chosen course
- Awaiting result candidates must upload results once available
- Admission will not be processed without uploaded O’Level results
Mock Examination
- Participation is optional
- Designed to familiarise candidates with the CBT environment
- Mock examination results do not count toward admission
Examination Slip and Identification
Candidates must print their examination slip, which contains:
- Examination date
- Time
- Venue
No candidate will be allowed into the examination hall without this slip.
Critical Warnings to Candidates
- Multiple registrations are prohibited
- Third-party registration is not allowed
- Profile codes and e-PINs must not be shared
- CBT centres are not permitted to alter candidate choices without consent
- JAMB does not refund registration fees
Any violation may result in cancellation of results, disqualification, or prosecution.
Final Advisory
Candidates are strongly advised to:
- Register early
- Use accurate personal details
- Retain all registration documents
- Rely only on official information from www.jamb.gov.ng
Signed:
Registrar
Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)
