JAMB Begins 2026 UTME & DE Forms Sale January 26
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the commencement of the 2026 UTME registration, with the sale of application forms starting Monday, January 26, 2026, for the 2026/2027 academic session.
This announcement was made via a photostatement signed by the JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, and shared on the Board’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle. According to JAMB, applications are now invited from suitably qualified candidates seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Eligibility Requirements for JAMB 2026 UTME
JAMB clearly stated that age eligibility remains a critical requirement for the 2026 UTME.
General Age Requirement
- Candidates must be at least 16 years old by 30th September, 2026 to be eligible for admission consideration.
Provision for Underage Candidates
JAMB, however, made special provisions for exceptionally brilliant underage candidates under strict conditions.
Such candidates must:
- Score not less than 80% in:
- UTME or A-Level
- Post-UTME
- SSCE
- Exceptional candidate assessment
👉 Important Note:
The UTME results of underage candidates will only be released after the complete evaluation process has been concluded.
JAMB 2026 UTME Registration Dates
Here are the official UTME registration timelines as announced by JAMB:
- UTME Registration Period:
📅 Monday, January 26 – Saturday, February 28, 2026 - E-PIN Vending for UTME:
📅 Monday, January 19 – Thursday, February 26, 2026 - Registration Closing Date:
📅 Saturday, February 28, 2026
👉 This applies to both Nigerian and foreign candidates.
JAMB 2026 Direct Entry (DE) Registration Dates
For Direct Entry candidates, JAMB announced a separate registration timeline:
- DE Form Sale & E-PIN Vending:
📅 Monday, March 2 – Saturday, April 25, 2026
📍 Important:
Direct Entry registration will only be conducted at JAMB State and Zonal Offices nationwide.
Also Read: How to Obtain Your Tax ID Number (TIN) in 2026 Using Your NIN
JAMB 2026 E-PIN Categories & Fees
JAMB introduced three categories of e-PINs for the 2026 admission exercise:
Approved JAMB 2026 E-PIN Prices
- Direct Entry (DE): ₦5,700
- UTME Without Mock: ₦7,200
- UTME With Mock: ₦8,700
Fee Breakdown
- JAMB Application Fee – ₦3,500
- Reading Text – ₦1,000
- CBT Centre Registration Service – ₦700
- CBT UTME Service Charge – ₦1,500
- Bank Charges – ₦500
- Mock-UTME Centre Charge (optional) – ₦1,500
JAMB 2026 UTME & Mock Examination Dates
JAMB also confirmed the official examination schedule:
UTME Examination Date
📅 Thursday, April 16 – Saturday, April 25, 2026
Mock UTME Date (Optional)
📅 Saturday, March 28, 2026
Key Takeaways for 2026 UTME Candidates
- Register early to avoid last-minute issues
- Ensure your age eligibility before applying
- Underage candidates must meet exceptional performance benchmarks
- Direct Entry registration is office-based only
- Mock UTME is optional but helpful for CBT familiarity
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When will JAMB 2026 UTME registration start?
JAMB 2026 UTME registration starts on Monday, January 26, 2026.
What is the closing date for JAMB 2026 registration?
UTME registration closes on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
What is the age limit for JAMB 2026?
Candidates must be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026. Underage candidates may apply under strict exceptional conditions.
How much is JAMB 2026 form?
- UTME without mock: ₦7,200
- UTME with mock: ₦8,700
- Direct Entry: ₦5,700
When will the 2026 UTME exam start?
The 2026 UTME will hold from April 16 to April 25, 2026.
Is Mock UTME compulsory?
No. Mock UTME is optional, but recommended for first-time candidates.
Final Thoughts
The announcement of the JAMB 2026 UTME registration marks the official beginning of the 2026/2027 admission cycle. Candidates are strongly advised to stay informed, follow official guidelines, and complete their registration within the approved timeline.
👉 Bookmark this page and share with others preparing for JAMB 2026.
