JAMB 2026 Registration Date Announced: Form Price, Deadline & New Novel
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the registration dates for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
If you are planning to gain admission into Nigerian University, Polytechnic, College of Nursing or College of Education next year, the time to prepare is now.
The JAMB 2026 Registration begins on Friday, January 31, 2026, and the deadline for registration is Saturday, March 8, 2026.
The official cost for the form is N3,500 for the e-PIN, but the total package (including the compulsory CBT centre fee and reading text) generally totals between N6,200 and N7,700, depending on whether you choose to sit for the Mock Exam.
Additionally, JAMB has introduced a new compulsory novel for the Use of English test: “The Lekki Headmaster” by Kabir Alabi Garba.
Here at masterjamb.com, we have provided you the complete step-by-step guide on how to register, how to solve NIN profile code errors, and how to secure your admission this year.
When is JAMB 2026 Registration Starting?
According to the official announcement by the board on their twitter handle, the sales of JAMB 2026 UTME forms will commence on:
- Starting Date: Friday, January 31, 2026
- Closing Date: Saturday, March 8, 2026
This gives candidates exactly five weeks (approx. 37 days) to purchase the e-PIN, complete their biometrics, and register at an accredited CBT center.
NOTE: JAMB hardly extends the deadline. We strongly advise you to register within the first two weeks to avoid the “last minute rush” that often causes server network failures.
How Much is JAMB Form 2026?
The total cost for the JAMB 2026 registration is expected to remain consistent with the previous year’s pricing structure.
| Description | Fee |
|---|---|
| UTME Registration (With Mock Exam) | ₦7,700 |
| UTME Registration (Without Mock Exam) | ₦6,200 |
| Novel Fee (Usually issued at the CBT center after registration) | Free |
NOTE: Candidates must pay via the official channels (Remita, Interswitch, or Bank Apps) using the unique Profile Code generated.
Requirements for JAMB 2026 Registration
For you to be eligible for JAMB 2026 registration, you should have the following 3 things ready:
1. NIN (National Identification Number): You cannot register for JAMB 2026 without a NIN. Ensure your names on the NIN match your O’Level result exactly.
2. Profile Code Generation: You will need to send your NIN to 55019 or 66019 to generate your 10-digit Profile Code.
- Format: Type NIN 12345678901 and send to 55019.
3. Valid Email Address: We recommend creating a fresh Google (Gmail) account specifically for your JAMB registration to ensure you don’t miss any admission emails.
Breakdown of JAMB Form Price 2026
Many students get confused about the total cash they need to hold when going to the bank or CBT centre. Here is the breakdown:
- JAMB e-PIN: N3,500
- Reading Text (Novel): Free (Issued at registration point)
- CBT Centre Service Charge: N700
- Registration Fee/Exam Fee: N1,500
- Mock Exam (Optional): N1,500
- Total if NOT writing Mock: N6,200
- Total IF writing Mock: N7,700
Note: Bank charges may apply if you pay via Remita or Interswitch.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Register for JAMB 2026
Registration is now strictly tied to your National Identity Number (NIN). Follow this exact procedure to avoid mistakes.
Step 1: Profile Code Generation
You cannot buy a form without a Profile Code. This is the first step.
- To generate your profile code, Send the word NIN followed by a space, then your 11-digit NIN number to 55019 or 66019.
- Example: If your NIN is 00000011111, you type: NIN 00000011111 and send it to 55019 using your registered Sim card.
- Ensure your biodata (Name, Date of Birth) on your NIMC record is exactly the same as your O’Level or A’Level documents. Once the profile code is generated, your data is automatically retrieved from NIMC and cannot be changed easily.
Step 2: E-PIN Vending
Once you receive your 10 digit Profile Code via SMS, proceed to buy your e-PIN.
- You can purchase this from authorized channels only, such as Banks, online platforms (like Quickteller/Remita), or vendors at the accredited CBT Registration Centres.
- Do not pay money to cyber cafe operators, website owners, or jamb pages admin promising to help you buy it. Go to authorized dealers to avoid being skammed.
Step 3: Registration at CBT Centre
Take your e-PIN and Profile Code to the nearest approved JAMB CBT Centre.
- Ensure that a dual screen is used during registration. This allows you to see what the operator is typing, so that you can correct him where he made a mistake while typing in your details.
- Kindly Confirm that your passport photograph and biometrics are captured correctly before you leave the centre.
- Cross check and verify all details are accurate before final submission; the registrant (you) is responsible for any errors submitted.
Solutions to Common JAMB Profile Code Errors
Is JAMB not sending your code? Are you getting error messages? Calm down, you have escape. Here are the official solutions to the common challenges encountered during profile code generation.
1. RECORD NOT FOUND
- The Problem: The system cannot find your NIN in the NIMC database.
- The Solution: You must visit the nearest NIMC office for validation. Your NIN might be dormant or inactive.
2. WRONG PARAMETER
- The Problem: This response indicates that the request was sent in an incorrect format.
- The Solution: You likely forgot the space or typed “NIN-Number”. Resend the correct command: NIN (Space) Your NIN Number to 55019 or 66019.
3. YOUR NIN HAS ALREADY BEEN REGISTERED WITH GSM NUMBER
- The Problem: This shows that you previously generated a profile code with that specific NIN using a different phone number. You can only receive the profile code through that original phone number.
- The Solution: You must retrieve that specific SIM card and send the request using that phone number. If the SIM is lost, you must welcome back the line.
4. UNABLE TO VERIFY YOUR NIN AT THE MOMENT [NIMC: UNKNOWN]
- The Problem: This is usually a network issue between JAMB and NIMC servers.
- The Solution: Please wait and retry later. Do not keep sending SMS rapidly, or you will waste your airtime.
Important Tips for All JAMB 2026 Candidates
To ensure a smooth registration, JAMB has released specific guidelines you must follow.
1. SIM Card Ownership
Your phone number is a unique identifier. It cannot be shared or changed. Do not use your father’s or mother’s number. Use a SIM card that belongs to you and will be functional throughout the admission process.
2. Correction of Data
If you notice an error in your name or age, candidates should make all necessary corrections with NIMC early. You must confirm that these changes have been effected on the NIMC portal before you start your JAMB registration.
3. Biometric Issues
If you have fingers that cannot be captured (perhaps due to burns or scars), do not let a CBT centre register you forcefully. Candidates who encounter biometric issues should visit the nearest JAMB Office (State Headquarters) for special registration.
The New JAMB Novel: “The Lekki Headmaster”
For the past few years, students have studied The Life Changer. That era is over. Starting from the previous year 2025 and 2026 UTME, every candidate regardless of their course (Medicine, Law, Engineering, or Accounting) must read “The Lekki Headmaster.”
Questions from this book will appear in the Use of English section. Do not rely on summary websites alone, ensure you get the hard copy at the CBT centre after registration and read it cover-to-cover. The book typically addresses themes relevant to the Nigerian school system, corruption, and leadership.
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