2026 UTME, the forms sale January 26, sets registration, exam dates
Forms sale January 26, sets registration, exam dates
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the comprehensive timetable for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) registration. This announcement is a vital roadmap for thousands of candidates seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions for the 2026/2027 academic session.
If you are a student, parent, or educator, staying updated on these dates is crucial to ensuring a smooth application process. Below is everything you need to know about the JAMB 2026 sales of forms, exam dates, and new eligibility criteria.
JAMB 2026 Registration Timeline: Key Dates to Remember
JAMB has structured the registration process to ensure efficiency. It is important to note the difference between the E-PIN vending period and the actual registration window.
- E-PIN Vending (UTME): Starts Monday, January 19, 2026, and ends Thursday, February 26, 2026.
- UTME Registration Window: Begins Monday, January 26, 2026, and closes Saturday, February 28, 2026.
- Direct Entry (DE) Registration: This will run from Monday, March 2, 2026, to Saturday, April 25, 2026. Note that DE registration is strictly conducted at JAMB State and Zonal offices.
JAMB 2026 Examination Dates
- Optional Mock-UTME: Saturday, March 28, 2026.
- Main UTME Exam: Thursday, April 16, 2026, to Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Eligibility and the 16-Year Age Limit
A major highlight of the 2026 JAMB session is the strict enforcement of the age policy. According to the Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, candidates must be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026, to be eligible for admission.
Waiver for Exceptional Underage Candidates
JAMB has provided a window for exceptionally gifted students who are younger than 16. However, this comes with rigorous conditions:
- Evaluation: Candidates must undergo an intensive evaluation to determine eligibility for a waiver.
- Performance Standard: The candidate must score at least 80% in the UTME/A-Level, Post-UTME, and SSCE.
- Result Release: Results for underage candidates will only be released after the complete evaluation process is finalized.
Cost of JAMB 2026 Forms (E-PIN Categories)
The Board has clarified the financial requirements for registration. The total cost depends on whether the candidate chooses to sit for the optional Mock examination.
Fee Breakdown:
To ensure transparency, JAMB provided a breakdown of the ₦7,200/₦8,700 fees:
- Application Fee: ₦3,500
- Reading Text: ₦1,000
- CBT Centre Registration Charge: ₦700
- CBT Centre Service Charge (Exam): ₦1,500
- Bank Charges: ₦500
- Optional Mock Charge: ₦1,500 (Only for those taking the Mock)
How to Prepare for JAMB 2026
Success in JAMB requires more than just registering; it requires strategic planning.
- Get Your Profile Code: Ensure your National Identification Number (NIN) is ready, as it is mandatory for generating the profile code.
- Choose the Right Subjects: Consult the JAMB Brochure to ensure your subject combination matches your intended course of study.
- Study the Reading Text: The ₦1,000 for the reading text is mandatory because the questions are drawn directly from the prescribed book.
- Avoid Double Registration: JAMB has warned against multiple registrations and biodata alterations, as these can lead to disqualification
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