The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released a detailed bulletin on the sale of application documents for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) admissions.
Following the release, several candidates and stakeholders took to social media to express concerns over the readability of the bulletin, noting that the font size was too small and difficult to read. In response to these concerns, this publication has reproduced the full contents of the bulletin verbatim to ensure clarity, accessibility, and ease of understanding for prospective candidates.
Below is the complete and unedited text of the official JAMB bulletin on the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry application process:
JOINT ADMISSIONS AND MATRICULATION BOARD NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, BWARI, ABUJA
WEBSITE: http://www.jamb.gov.ng PHONE: +234 812 365 8955, +234 816 633 5513
CONTACT Our On-Line Support (FREE TICKETING) Centre on www.jamb.gov.ng by selecting “Ticket/Support” under Quick Links for any complaints or enquiry. Enquiries/Complaints by proxy will not be entertained.
SALE OF 2026 UNIFIED TERTIARY MATRICULATION EXAMINATION (UTME) AND DIRECT ENTRY (DE) APPLICATION DOCUMENTS IN NIGERIA AND DESIGNATED FOREIGN CENTRES
1.0 2026 UTME/DE APPLICATION
1.1 Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for admission into Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria for the 2026/27 Academic Session.
1.2 Only Candidates who will not be less than 16 years old by 30th September, 2026 are generally eligible/apply to be considered.
1.2.1 However, candidates less than 16 years old by 30th September, 2026 will have to undergo an intensive evaluation to determine their eligibility for a waiver. Such must have scored not less than 80% in each of UTME/A’LEVEL, PUTME, SSCE and in the exceptional candidate assessment.
1.2.2 The UTME results of the underage candidates will be released only at the conclusion of the complete evaluation process.
1.3 Once a candidate completes 2026 registration with biodata supplied by NIMC, subsequent changes of biodata would not be effected by JAMB for the 2026 admission. NO CHANGE WILL BE TOLERATED.
1.4 RE-QUERY: FOR 2026, CHANGES IN PREVIOUS DATA BY NIMC WILL ONLY BE UPDATED ON EXISTING JAMB RECORDS ONLY IF THE AFFECTED CANDIDATES GO THROUGH A PROCESS OF RE-QUERY TO RETRIEVE THE UPDATED DATA THROUGH TEMPL 007 DURING 2026 REGISTRATION. HOWEVER, REPLACED DATA SHALL BE TRACKED AND EVER REFLECTED AS FOOTNOTE ON THE CANDIDATE’S PROFILES AND ALL SLIPS.
1.5 FEES AND CHARGES
1.5.1 The Board will maintain its cashless registration system for the 2026 UTME/DE registration in order to prevent the exploitation of candidates.
AS A RESULT, THE CENTRALISED COLLECTION OF ALL THIRD-PARTY FEES WILL CONTINUE WITH REMITTANCES MADE TO BENEFICIARIES ON WEEKLY BASIS.
- THERE WILL BE 3 CATEGORIES OF E-PINS: DIRECT ENTRY (N5,700);
- UTME ONLY WITHOUT MOCK (N7,200);
- UTME WITH MOCK (N8,700).
THE DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
- UTME/DE JAMB APPLICATION FEE – N3,500; READING TEXT – N1,000;
- CBT CENTRE REGISTRATION SERVICE CHARGE – N700;
- CBT CENTRE UTME SERVICE CHARGE – N1,500;
- BANK CHARGES – N500;
- CBT MOCK-UTME CENTRE CHARGE – N1,500.
CANDIDATES ARE TO SPECIFY THE TYPE OF E-PIN REQUIRED AT THE POINT OF PURCHASE AS NO REFUND WOULD BE MADE.
2.0 BIOMETRIC INTEGRITY, IMAGE CAPTURE AND ANTI-IMPERSONATION WARNING
2.1 Candidates are advised to ensure that only their own ten (10) fingers are captured individually and correctly at the CBT Centre.
2.2 MULTIPLE NIN USAGE AND DOUBLE REGISTRATION:
The use of multiple National Identification Numbers (NINs) by a single candidate for the purpose of double registration, impersonation, or any form of identity manipulation is strictly prohibited and will be severely sanctioned.
3.0 REGISTRATION PERIODS
3.1 The period of registration for UTME candidates, including those from Foreign Countries, is from Monday, 26th January, 2026 to Saturday, 28th February, 2026 (Candidates are to have valid, functional and accessible personal e-mail addresses before commencing the process of registration).
3.2 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.
3.3 Sale of 2026 Direct Entry (DE) application documents and E-PIN vending would commence from Monday, 2nd March, 2026 and end by Saturday, 25th April, 2026 and would only be at the Board’s State and Zonal Offices.
4.0 ELIGIBILITY CHECKER
Candidates should: SCAN THE QR CODES BELOW TO ACCESS IBASS FOR THE e-BROCHURE/e-SYLLABUS
4.1 GENERAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
4.1.1 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR 100 LEVEL DEGREE / ND / NCE (UTME)
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.
ND/NCE: Minimum of four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English for non-science and Mathematics for science programmes.
4.2 DIRECT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
4.2.1 A minimum of 5 SSCE (O’level) credit passes at not more than two sittings, at least two of which must be at the Principal or Advanced level. Other acceptable qualifications in lieu 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 Certificates 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.
4.2.2 Candidates are advised to pre-verify their DE qualification before completing their DE registration.
4.2.3 At the point of registration, all DE candidates must provide the following information:
a) Registration/Matriculation Number of the previous school attended where the qualification was obtained;
b) Subject(s) of qualification;
c) Awarding Institution;
d) Affiliated Institution actually attended (where applicable);
e) Year of graduation.
4.2.4 OTHER VITAL DE 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. No candidate is allowed to register or upgrade to DE with awaiting result-status of O-level 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 JAMB e-facility platform.
c) A DE candidate, who at the point of registration is awaiting A-level results of IJMB/JUPEB/NABTEB, must have uploaded the Admission Letter and Registration Template at the time 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 as “CLEARED” or “NOT CLEARED”.
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 maintained in the uploaded registration template.
g) Candidates are hereby advised to constantly check their A’ level status in their e-facility profiles, where it will show the status of verification by NIPEDS indicating “CLEARED” or “NOT CLEARED” with the reason(s) for non-clearance.
4.3 ADDITIONAL VITAL REGISTRATION RULES
4.3.1 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.
4.3.2 Registration can only be done at JAMB-approved Centres across the country. Any candidate who registers outside the approved centres does so at his/her own risk. List and addresses of approved CBT centres are on the official website of the Board (www.jamb.gov.ng).
4.3.3 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 other person(s).
4.3.4 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.
4.4 ORDER OF CHOICE OF INSTITUTIONS
Every candidate is to note that his/her 1st choice can be any of the institutions that is, College of Education, University, Polytechnic/Monotechnic, Nigerian Defence Academy or Nigeria Police Academy.
5.0 STEP BY STEP (PROCEDURE) FOR THE PURCHASE OF 2026 UTME/DE REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS
5.1 CREATE A PROFILE
A. Every candidate would 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).
B. 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.
C. Candidate will send his/her National Identification Number (NIN) by text (SMS) to either 55019 or 66019 from his/her personal GSM number. For instance, 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 Post-paid or special bundle package lines. They do not work unless specially loaded with credit.
D. A Profile Code of 10 characters will be received by the candidate on the same telephone (SIM) number. Returning Candidates for previous years will still receive same profile code on the same number previously used. Note that the profile remains the same for the candidate for present and future application with the Board.
E. CANDIDATES SHOULD NOTE AND ALWAYS REMEMBER THEIR E-MAIL ADDRESSES AND PHONE (SIM)-NUMBER USED. IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE FOR SUBSEQUENT COMMUNICATION WITH THE BOARD.
BY OBTAINING UTME APPLICATION DOCUMENTS, A CANDIDATE HAS ACCEPTED TO RECEIVE TEXT MESSAGES FROM JAMB (55019 or 66019) EVEN WHEN THE “DO NOT DISTURB” (DND) IS ACTIVATED.
F. JAMB does not entertain any request for change of SIM number after profile creation.
G. Candidate will present the profile code at the point of procurement of application document (from Banks, MMOs, MFBs, Switches, USSD Partners). An e-PIN is then sent as text message to the candidate’s phone.
H. Candidate will present the Profile code and e-PIN at any JAMB accredited CBT Centre for registration.
I. The application cannot be completed until the candidate’s biometrics (all ten fingers) are captured and photograph taken physically (No submission of passport photograph). Successful capture of biometrics and photograph will authorise a candidate to print his/her e-registration slip (the objective of use of least five 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.
J. GROUP/SCHOOL BASED REGISTRATION OF CANDIDATES IS NOT ALLOWED! MOST CANDIDATES REGRET IT THEREAFTER.
K. Only candidates, whose biometric verification is successful on completion of registration are permitted to sit the UTME or Mock.
L. Candidates with peculiar biometric challenges can only register at JAMB National and State offices. Arrangements would be made for them to sit the UTME in Abuja.
5.2 RETRIEVAL (IN CASE OF MISTAKE/LOSS) OF PROFILE CODE AND SELF-SERVICE
a. To retrieve a lost Profile Code, send the word [RESEND] from the same mobile number to 55019 or 66019 as a text message.
b. Candidates can reset lost or forgotten Profile Password on their registered cell phone number by sending the word “PASSWORD” [space] [the email address] from the same mobile number as a text message to 55019 or 66019.
5.3 TICKETING (FREE COMPLAINTS)
For ALL complaints on JAMB processes including NIN and Profile code issues, the candidate should create a support ticket at https://www.jamb.gov.ng by selecting the Quicklinks, and then Ticket/Support with his/her e-mail address with the Board. The candidate then provides his/her name, phone number as well as the nature of the complaint, and 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 AS WE DO NOT DISCUSS OUR CLIENTS (CANDIDATES) WITH OTHERS. WRITING OF LETTERS IS NOT NECESSARY. RATHER, ALL COMPLAINTS SHOULD BE CHANNELLED THROUGH THE ONLINE TICKETING SYSTEM FOR PROMPT ACTION AND DOCUMENTATION.
5.4 JAMB e-PIN SELLING POINTS
The e-PIN outlets are:
NIPOST, Banks, MMOs, MFBs and other participating financial institutions.
5.5 DUTIES OF PARTICIPATING BANKS/OUTLETS
Participating financial outlets are responsible for collecting the profile code directly from the candidate’s phone, collect payment and vend the e-PIN electronically via SMS (no dibbling or copying the code), facilitate payment through a POS system and provide evidence of payment.
5.6 STEPS FOR PAYMENT
(a) Payment for e-PIN Code and pay any of N5,700 (DE); N7,200 (UTME WITHOUT MOCK); or N8,700 (UTME WITH MOCK)
(b) The e-PIN is then delivered to the candidate’s unique telephone number.
5.7 PROCEDURE FOR REGISTRATION AT THE 10 FOREIGN CENTRES:
5.7.1 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 cities (countries) can be contacted for guidance on the registration and examination.
5.7.2 Registration fee for candidates from the 10 foreign countries is Thirty United States Dollars ($30) in each of the 10 foreign countries or its local equivalent.
5.8 DONATION OF FREE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
Any person or organisation that wishes to distribute free application documents to prospective applicants should contact the Board on +2348027641663 Or e-mail: [email protected] for special offer.
5.9 HOW TO RECOVER LOST e-PIN AFTER PAYMENT
a. If e-PIN is not Received or Lost, send [UTMEPIN] from the unique number to 55019 or 66019 for UTME respectively.
b. The e-PIN would then be retrieved and delivered to the candidate’s unique phone number.
AFTER SUCCESSFUL PAYMENT AND OBTAINING e-PIN, CANDIDATE SHOULD PROCEED TO ANY OF THE JAMB-ACCREDITED CBT CENTRE TO COMPLETE HIS/HER REGISTRATION.
5.10 REGISTRATION CENTRES
a. Registration is carried out only at the accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centres.
b. 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.
5.11 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 monitored from the headquarters will not be paid, and such registration may be invalidated.
5.12 CONCLUDING THE 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.
5.12.1 Candidates are to:
a) Note that Centre and bank charges of N700 / N500 respectively are already 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.
b) Provide valid and functional personal e-mail address that the candidate can always access.
c) Provide qualification with grades and dates (if not awaiting results).
d) Upload relevant certificates.
e) Provide choice of institutions, course of study (programme), UTME subjects and choose examination town for (UTME) for the optional Mock examination and Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) (actual examination).
f) Review entries and confirm correctness, and
g) Print Registration Slip 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.
5.12.2 Candidates 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).
5.12.3 Candidates are to note that their particulars on their NIN should tally with information on their other supporting documents.
5.13 PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDs)
To ensure inclusivity, the following categories of candidates are to indicate their disability for special attention:
5.13.1 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 during the examination.
To promote inclusivity, the Board fully refunds registration fees to the blind, the deaf and those on wheel chairs who possess the required 5 credits at the point of registration.
5.13.2 OTHERS
Candidates with Albinism, Down Syndrome, Autism, Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Amputees, Lame, Paralysed Cerebral Palsy disfigurements, are to indicate by clicking on the appropriate box so as to be identified and assigned to the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) for special attention.
5.14 BIOMETRIC CHALLENGES
a) No candidate will be allowed to enter the examination hall or sit the examination if their biometrics is not verified.
b) Candidates with biometric abnormalities can only register and take examination at the Abuja Headquarters of the Board. The Board will facilitate their travels.
6.0 DATES AND VENUE FOR THE 2026 UNIFIED TERTIARY MATRICULATION EXAMINATION
6.1 The 2026 UTME will commence on Thursday, 16th April, 2026 and end on Saturday, 25th April, 2026.
6.2 The venue of the examination will be at ANY centre in the candidate’s chosen examination town.
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. REGISTER ON TIME SINCE YOUR PREFERRED TOWN MAY NO LONGER HAVE SPACE FOR YOU. NOTE THAT THE CHOICE OF A TOWN IS NOT THE CHOICE OF A CENTRE. YOU CAN BE POSTED TO ANY OF THE TOWNS IN THE CHOSEN GROUP.
7.0 REGISTRATION FEE/PROCUREMENT OF REGISTRATION e-PINs
7.1 Candidates should note that e-PINS purchased are tied to individual NINs and are not transferable.
7.2 Candidates are advised to keep as private and confidential their security details such as registration numbers, password/numbers of ATM cards, email addresses and e-PINs. No staff of the Board will request or accept a candidate’s password.
8.0 OPTIONAL MOCK-UTME
8.1 Mock-UTME (optional) shall hold on Saturday, March 28th, 2026.
9.0 GENERAL INFORMATION
9.1 The registration fee is non-refundable.
9.2 Candidates are advised to read and understand the various guidelines on admission as well as the set of instructions shown on the Board’s website (www.jamb.gov.ng) and online registration platform before commencing the process of registration. He or she is also to sign an indemnity on ethnic standards.
9.3 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.
9.4 Candidates/Officials would not be allowed to enter the examination centre with earphones, wristwatches, mobile phones, electronic devices, or any pen/biro. Only pencils are allowed for calculations.
9.5 Candidates are warned that the Board does not require nor authorise the services of any cybercafé, school or establishment other than its accredited CBT centres for this exercise.
9.6 Examination malpractice is a criminal offence that attracts, in addition to the cancellation of results, publication of names and prosecution of such offenders. Candidates are to ensure they read and endorse the ‘Attestation Clause’ on the registration slip.
9.7 NO REGULARISATION OF ILLEGAL ADMISSION
10.0 PROCEDURE FOR VALID ADMISSION
10.1 All admission offered by institutions MUST be from JAMB and only printed on e-Facility. Any offer of admission from any tertiary institution without 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 neither recognise such admissions nor condone it.
SIGNED
REGISTRAR
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