JAMB Unveils Official Timeline for 2026 UTME Registration Exercise
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially declared that registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will commence on January 26, 2026 and conclude on February 28, 2026. This announcement was made during a crucial meeting with state Commissioners for Education in Lagos, setting the stage for the upcoming admissions cycle.
Comprehensive Registration and Examination Schedule
JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, outlined a detailed timeline for the entire process. The sale of UTME application documents, commonly referred to as ePINs, will begin earlier than the registration window, starting on January 19, 2026 and ending on February 26, 2026. This strategic approach allows candidates to prepare their documents in advance.
For the Direct Entry (DE) applications, the board has scheduled the sale of documents and ePIN vending to run from March 2, 2026 to April 25, 2026. Additionally, the selection period for mock examinations will close on February 16, 2026, providing candidates with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format.
Strict Monitoring and Accreditation of CBT Centres
Professor Oloyede emphasized that all CBT centres involved in the registration exercise will be under continuous live monitoring from JAMB headquarters. He issued a stern warning that any centre whose activities cannot be viewed remotely will face severe sanctions, including non-payment and potential invalidation of registrations.
The registrar revealed that 924 CBT centres have been provisionally listed after initial screening. However, these centres must undergo a final accreditation test before receiving full approval to participate in the UTME process. Candidates are also reminded that they should not pay any unauthorized service charges to CBT centres, as only board-approved fees are required.
Eligibility Requirements and Candidate Obligations
JAMB has reiterated important eligibility criteria for the 2026 UTME. Candidates must be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026 to qualify for admission. Underage applicants will undergo an intensive evaluation process to determine their eligibility for a waiver, and their UTME results will only be released after this assessment is complete.
Professor Oloyede advised candidates to register early to avoid being assigned to examination centres outside their preferred locations. He also warned that it is a criminal offence to enroll in multiple undergraduate programmes simultaneously, and failure to disclose any prior admission history will result in sanctions.
Essential Registration Guidelines for Prospective Candidates
Prospective UTME candidates are required to have the following documents ready:
- National Identification Number (NIN)
- A valid email address
- Other necessary personal identification documents
The board encourages all stakeholders, including candidates, parents, and educational institutions, to adhere strictly to these guidelines to ensure a smooth and transparent registration process for the 2026 UTME.
