The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) bulletin, outlining important dates, eligibility requirements, and registration fees for prospective candidates.
According to the announcement, the sale of UTME and Direct Entry application forms will begin in January 2026. Candidates intending to sit for the UTME can start purchasing E-PINs from January 19, while full registration at accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres will run from January 26 to February 28, 2026.
JAMB emphasized that eligibility for the 2026 admission exercise is strictly tied to age. Only candidates who will be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026, are qualified to apply and be considered for admission. Applicants who do not meet this requirement risk disqualification, regardless of their examination performance.
For Direct Entry candidates, the board disclosed that the sale of DE forms will commence on March 2 and close on April 25, 2026. Unlike UTME registration, Direct Entry applications will only be processed at JAMB state and zonal offices nationwide.
The 2026 UTME examination is scheduled to take place between April 16 and April 25, 2026. Ahead of the main examination, JAMB will conduct an optional mock examination on March 28, giving candidates the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the CBT environment and examination format.
JAMB also confirmed that registration fees remain unchanged. Candidates registering for UTME without the mock examination will pay ₦7,200, while those opting to sit for the mock will pay ₦8,700. These fees cover the examination and associated services.
The board reiterated its strict stance on registration rules. Candidates are required to complete their registration personally and are warned against double registration or attempting to alter biodata after submission. Reusing existing profile codes from previous years is allowed, provided the candidate’s details remain valid.
JAMB further advised candidates to prepare their National Identification Number (NIN) and O’Level results ahead of time to avoid delays. The board warned that violations of registration guidelines could attract severe sanctions, including disqualification from the admission process.
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Prospective candidates are encouraged to begin preparations early and adhere strictly to all guidelines outlined in the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry bulletin to ensure a smooth registration and examination experience.