Welcome to Studentportals.com.ng: 2026 JAMB UTME and Direct Entry Registration: Full Guide For Students And Parents.
My name is Prudent Joshua. I am writing this guide to help you understand everything about the 2026 JAMB UTME and Direct Entry registration in very simple English. I want you to feel calm, prepared and confident. I know this period can bring fear and confusion. Do not worry. Take your time and read slowly. You will understand it.
This information is based on the official notice from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. It is the real guide for the 2026 exam. I will explain it like I am talking to a friend.
What is JAMB UTME and Direct Entry
JAMB UTME is the exam that students write to enter universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in Nigeria.
Direct Entry is for students who already have higher qualifications like ND, NCE or A level and want to move straight to a higher level in university.
Both are very important. Without them, you cannot gain admission through normal process.
Important dates you must remember
Please pay attention to these dates because they are very important.
The 2026 JAMB UTME will start on Thursday, 16 April 2026
The exam will end on Saturday, 25 April 2026
The 2026 JAMB Mock exam will take place on Saturday, 28 March 2026
Mock exam is optional. It is just for practice. The main exam is the one in April.
Where will the exam take place
The exam will take place in approved JAMB CBT centres only.
You will not be allowed to write it in cyber cafes or random places.
Choose a centre near you when registering.
What you must have before registration
Before you go for JAMB registration, you must have:
National Identification Number (NIN)
A working phone number
A personal email address
Your O level or A level results or awaiting result
Correct personal details such as name, date of birth and home address
Do not use another person’s phone number. Do not use another person’s email. Use only your own. This is very important.
How to get your JAMB Profile Code
This step is very important. Registration cannot work without profile code.
Use the phone number that belongs to you.
Send your NIN to 55019 or 66019 by text message.
You will receive a Profile Code as a text message.
Keep it safe. Write it down in a book. Do not lose it.
If you lose it, you can send the word RESEND to the same number.
Cost of registration in 2026
The official fees are:
UTME without mock exam: ₦7,200
UTME with mock exam: ₦9,700
Direct Entry registration: ₦7,200
Banks, JAMB offices and approved centres can collect payment.
Keep your receipt safely.
What happens during registration at CBT centres
When you go to the CBT centre, the following will happen:
Your fingerprints will be captured
Your photograph will be taken
Your subjects will be chosen
Your personal data will be recorded
You will receive registration slip
Make sure all your details are correct before leaving. If anything is wrong, speak immediately. Do not keep quiet.
How To Register For 2026 JAMB UTME And Direct Entry (Step By Step)
Follow these steps slowly. Do not rush. If you follow them, your registration will be smooth.
Step 1: Get your NIN
Go to any NIMC centre and register for National Identification Number if you do not have it.
Keep the NIN very safe.
Step 2: Create your JAMB profile code
Use the phone number that belongs to you only.
Send an SMS like this:
NIN 12345678900
Send it to:
55019 or
66019
You will receive a profile code.
Write it down in a safe book.
Step 3: Buy JAMB e-PIN
Go to:
banks
JAMB offices
approved CBT centres
mobile money agents
Pay the registration fee and get your e-PIN.
Keep your receipt safe.
Step 4: Go to an approved JAMB CBT registration centre
Do not go to cyber cafe.
Go only to official JAMB CBT centre.
Step 5: Complete your registration
At the CBT centre, they will:
collect your profile code
collect your e-PIN
capture your fingerprints
snap your photograph
fill your personal details
choose your subjects
upload your O level or A level results
choose your exam town
Check everything on the computer screen.
Make sure your name, date of birth and subjects are correct.
Step 6: Collect your printouts
The CBT centre will give you:
JAMB registration slip
syllabus or brochure access
exam date information later
Keep them safely. You will need them on exam day.
Very important warnings during registration
Do not use someone else email
Do not use someone else phone number
Do not pay strangers on WhatsApp or Facebook
Do not take registration lightly
Always register early, do not wait for last day
Subjects to choose for the exam
Choose subjects that match the course you want to study.
For example:
Medicine requires Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English
Law requires Literature and other arts subjects
Engineering requires Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry
Check JAMB brochure using the QR code on the official poster or ask an adviser. Wrong subject combination can spoil your admission.
Rules for the examination day
On exam day:
Do not carry phones
Do not carry smart watches
Do not carry calculators unless allowed
Do not carry bags inside hall
Do not cheat
Cheating is a crime. It can stop your admission completely.
Sit down, relax, breathe well, and answer questions gently.
Very important things candidates must note
JAMB will not post any candidate to a town they did not choose
Register early so your preferred town will still have space
Biometric (fingerprint) verification is compulsory
Without successful biometric verification you will not write the exam
All admissions must be through JAMB Central Admission Processing System (CAPS)
Any admission offered outside CAPS is risky. Be careful. Protect your future.
Direct Entry applicants
If you are applying for Direct Entry, you must have valid qualifications like:
ND
NCE
IJMB
JUPEB
A level
You will also need your transcripts and other documents. Submit only real results. Fake results will bring trouble.
Foreign registration centres
JAMB also has centres outside Nigeria such as:
Abidjan
Accra
Addis Ababa
London
Jeddah
This helps Nigerians abroad.
How to succeed in JAMB 2026
Read every day, even if it is small.
Use JAMB syllabus.
Practise past questions.
Sleep well.
Eat before exam.
Trust yourself.
Do not fear. Fear reduces understanding.
FAQs
1. When will 2026 JAMB UTME exam start?
The 2026 JAMB UTME exam will start on Thursday 16 April 2026 and will end on Saturday 25 April 2026.
2. Is the JAMB mock exam compulsory?
No. The JAMB mock exam is not compulsory. It is only for practice.
3. How much is 2026 JAMB registration fee?
The fee is ₦7,200 without mock exam and ₦9,700 with mock exam. Direct Entry is ₦7,200.
4. Can I register for JAMB in a cyber cafe?
No. You must register only in an approved JAMB CBT centre.
5. What do I need before registration?
You need NIN, phone number, email address and your O level or A level results.
6. How do I get JAMB profile code?
Send your NIN as text message to 55019 or 66019. You will receive your profile code.
7. Can I use someone else phone number for JAMB?
No. Use only your own personal phone number.
8. What subjects should I choose for JAMB?
Choose subjects that match the course you want to study. Check JAMB brochure.
9. Will I write exam if fingerprint fails?
No. Without biometric verification you will not write the exam.
10. What is Direct Entry?
Direct Entry is for students with ND, NCE, IJMB, JUPEB or A level who want to enter university at a higher level.
Conclusion
I wrote this guide with love and care. I want you to feel guided. Education changes lives. I have seen many young people move from confusion to success. You can also succeed.
Always follow official JAMB instructions. Visit the official JAMB website and approved centres if you need help. Do not rely on rumours.
If you have questions, feel free to ask. I am happy to help students and parents understand things clearly.
I wish you success in your 2026 JAMB UTME and Direct Entry journey.