Information obtained from the Board’s National Headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, shows that applications are open to suitably qualified candidates seeking admission into universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in Nigeria, as well as approved foreign centres.
JAMB stated that candidates must be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026, to be eligible. However, underage candidates may be considered through a special waiver arrangement, subject to an intensive evaluation process. Such candidates must score a minimum of 80 per cent across UTME or A-Level, PUTME, SSCE and other required assessments. The Board added that the UTME results of underage candidates will only be released after the conclusion of the evaluation process.
The Board announced that the sale of e-PINs will commence on January 19, 2026, while UTME registration will run from January 26 to February 28, 2026. Direct Entry registration is scheduled to begin on March 2 and close on April 25, 2026, and will only be conducted at JAMB State and Zonal Offices nationwide.
JAMB also reaffirmed its cashless registration policy, explaining that the cost of UTME with mock examination is N7,700, while UTME without mock costs N6,200. Candidates were advised to carefully choose their preferred option at the point of purchase, as no refund will be made.
In addition, the Board issued a strong warning on biometric integrity, stressing that impersonation, double registration and the use of multiple National Identification Numbers (NINs) are strictly prohibited and will attract severe sanctions.
Direct Entry candidates were advised to ensure that their academic qualifications are properly uploaded and verified, as no DE admission will be processed until awarding institutions confirm the credentials on the JAMB CAPS platform.
JAMB further disclosed that the optional mock-UTME will hold on Saturday, March 28, 2026, and that every registered candidate is entitled to a free copy of the prescribed novel, The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba.
Key Highlights From the JAMB Bulletin
As an educational reporting outlet, the following are the major points candidates and stakeholders should note:
• Candidates must be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026, with special conditions for underage applicants.
• UTME registration runs from January 26 to February 28, 2026, while Direct Entry registration holds from March 2 to April 25, 2026.
• Sale of e-PINs begins on January 19, 2026.
• UTME with mock costs N7,700, while UTME without mock costs N6,200.
• JAMB will continue its cashless registration system to prevent overcharging.
• Strict biometric capture is mandatory, with zero tolerance for impersonation or multiple NIN usage.
• Candidates must create a profile by sending their NIN to 55019 or 66019 to obtain a profile code.
• Multiple registration is prohibited, and errors must be corrected through JAMB.
• Direct Entry candidates must upload and verify their results before admission can be processed.
• The optional mock-UTME is scheduled for March 28, 2026.
• Each registered candidate will receive a free copy of The Lekki Headmaster.
Candidates are advised to register only at JAMB-accredited CBT centres and to rely solely on official JAMB platforms for accurate information to avoid mistakes that could jeopardise their admission chances.
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