The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has officially released the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and Direct Entry bulletin, laying out crucial dates, eligibility rules and registration costs that will determine who gains admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions this year.
According to JAMB, the sale of application forms for both UTME and Direct Entry will commence in January 2026, signaling the start of what is expected to be another highly competitive admission cycle. Candidates intending to write the UTME can begin purchasing their E PINs from January 19, while full registration at accredited Computer Based Test centres nationwide will run from January 26 to February 28, 2026.
The board stressed that age eligibility will be strictly enforced in the 2026 admission exercise. Only candidates who will be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026, will be considered for admission. JAMB warned that candidates who fail to meet this requirement risk outright disqualification, regardless of how well they perform in the examination.
For Direct Entry applicants, JAMB disclosed that the sale of DE forms will begin 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 across the country, a move aimed at tightening verification and documentation.
The board also confirmed that the 2026 UTME will hold between April 16 and April 25, 2026. Ahead of the main examination, an optional mock exam has been scheduled for March 28. The mock test is designed to help candidates familiarise themselves with the CBT environment and reduce exam day anxiety.
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JAMB announced that registration fees remain unchanged. Candidates registering for UTME without the mock examination will pay ₦7,200, while those opting to participate in the mock exam will pay ₦8,700. The board said the fees cover the examination and related administrative services.
Reiterating its zero tolerance for irregularities, JAMB warned candidates to complete their registration personally and avoid multiple registrations or attempts to alter biodata after submission. The board noted that candidates may reuse existing profile codes from previous years, provided their personal details remain valid and unchanged.
Candidates were also advised to have their National Identification Number and O Level results ready ahead of registration to prevent delays or disqualification. JAMB cautioned that any violation of its registration guidelines could attract severe penalties, including exclusion from the entire admission process.
Prospective candidates are encouraged to begin preparations early and comply fully with all instructions contained in the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry bulletin to ensure a smooth registration and examination experience.
