Quick Facts (2026)
| Item | Date / Info |
|---|---|
| UTME/DE Application Sales | Sat, 3 Feb 2026 → Sun, 8 Mar 2026 |
| Direct Entry (DE) Sales | Sun, 8 Mar 2026 → Tue, 7 Apr 2026 |
| Age Eligibility | Must be 16 years by 30 Sept 2026 (under-16: trial mock, see note) |
Application Options & Fees
| Application Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| UTME with Mock | ₦9,700 |
| UTME without Mock | ₦8,200 |
| Direct Entry (DE) | ₦6,700 |
| Trial-Testing Mock (Under-16) | ₦4,500 |
How to Generate a JAMB Profile Code (SMS Format)
Send NIN, a space, then your 11-digit NIN to 55019 or 66019.
Format: NIN 00123456789 → send to 55019 or 66019.
JAMB 2026 Age Eligibility
You must be 16 years by 30 September 2026. Under-16 candidates may take the trial mock. Exceptional under-16 candidates can be considered with 80% in UTME, SSCE, Post-UTME and the exceptional exam.
Cashless Policy: No Cash Purchase for Application Documents
JAMB runs a cashless registration regime for UTME/DE and services to protect candidates from exploitation.
JAMB 2026 Application Fees & Options
| Option | What You Get | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| UTME with Mock | UTME + mock exam | ₦9,700 |
| UTME without Mock | UTME only | ₦8,200 |
| Direct Entry (DE) | DE application | ₦6,700 |
| Trial-Testing Mock (Under-16) | Trial mock | ₦4,500 |
Sales Window for 2026 Applications
- UTME/DE Sales: Sat, 3 Feb 2026 → Sun, 8 Mar 2026
- DE-Only Sales: Sun, 8 Mar 2026 → Tue, 7 Apr 2026
How to Choose the Right Subject Combinations
Use the IBASS Eligibility Checker to confirm programmes per institution and exact UTME subject combinations before registering.
Documents Required for Direct Entry (DE) Registration
- Registration/Matriculation Number of the previous school
- Course(s) studied
- Awarding Institution
- Year of Graduation
Can You Register More Than Once?
No. If you make an error, request correction from JAMB instead of buying a new form.
Where to Register: CBT Centres Only
Register only at JAMB-approved CBT Centres. Avoid cybercafés.
Phone Number (SIM) Policy
Each candidate must use a unique mobile number. Do not share with siblings/parents. If lost, retrieve the line immediately since it’s your unique identifier with JAMB.
Keep My Number (KMN): How It Protects Your SIM
KMN is a telco service that keeps your SIM active even if unused, preventing it from being reissued. It keeps the SIM for an initial 3 years and can be renewed. Contact your network provider for setup and terms.
After Getting Your Profile Code: e-PIN & Registration Steps
- Present your Profile Code to an authorised vendor (Banks, MMOs, MFBs, Switches, USSD partners).
- Pay the stipulated fee for your chosen application option.
- Receive your e-PIN via SMS on your registered number.
- Go to any JAMB-accredited CBT Centre with your Profile Code and e-PIN to complete registration.
Biometric Issues: If Your Fingers Can’t Be Read
Candidates with biometric abnormalities can only register and sit the exam at the JAMB National HQ, Abuja on the last day of the national examination calendar. The Board will facilitate travel expenses for affected candidates.
How to Retrieve Lost Profile Code, Password, or e-PIN
- Profile Code: send RESEND from the same phone number to 55019 or 66019.
- Profile Password Reset: send PASSWORD your@email.com from the same number to 55019 or 66019.
- UTME e-PIN (lost/not received): send UTMEPIN from your unique number to 55019 or 66019.
Using Last Year’s Profile Code
Refresh by sending RESEND to 55019 or 66019 to reactivate it for new registration.
Foreign Candidates: Centres & Fees
Registration and UTME are conducted in: Abidjan, Accra, Banjul, Beau, Cotonou, Jeddah, Johannesburg, London. Contact the Nigerian Mission (Embassy) in your city for guidance.
Fee: $50 (or local equivalent). Download application documents at jamb.gov.ng, complete and submit with the fee (or pay online) at designated centres listed on the website.
Philanthropists: How to Sponsor Free Application Documents
Contact JAMB via +2348027641663 or email fabian.benjamin@jamb.gov.ng for special arrangements.
After Getting Your e-PIN: What Happens at the CBT Centre
- Personally present your Profile Code and e-PIN at an accredited CBT centre.
- Your photograph and biometrics (all ten fingerprints) will be captured.
- A registration slip is printed after successful registration using biometric authentication.
- Cross-check all details before confirming with your fingerprint. Ensure your NIN details match your other documents.
What You Must Provide at Registration
- Choice of institutions and programmes
- A valid, accessible personal email
- Qualifications with grades and dates (if not awaiting result)
- Upload relevant certificates (if not awaiting result)
- Upload PIN for automatic O/L and/or A/L grades upload
- UTME subjects and choice of towns for Mock and the main UTME
Awaiting Result: Can You Register?
Yes. Candidates with awaiting results should upload the results on the JAMB portal as soon as available. JAMB will not consider institutional recommendations if your result is not uploaded to the Board’s portal.
Provisions for People with Disabilities (PWD)
Yes. Indicate your disability during registration to be identified and assigned to JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) centres for special attention.
Security: Keep Your Codes & Login Private
Protect your registration numbers, passwords, ATM details, email and e-PINs. No CBT centre is allowed to request your password. Do not share your profile code or login.
Official JAMB 2026 FAQ (Expanded)
How do I generate a profile code?
Send NIN [space] 11-digit NIN to 55019 or 66019. Example: NIN 00123456789.
How old should I be to be eligible?
At least 16 years by 30 Sept 2026. Under-16: trial mock; exceptional cases require 80% in specified exams.
Can I pay cash for the application documents?
No. JAMB operates a cashless regime.
How much is the application?
- UTME with Mock — ₦8,700
- UTME without Mock — ₦7,200
- DE — ₦5,700
- Trial Mock (Under-16) — ₦3,500
When does the sale of application documents commence?
UTME/DE: 3 Feb → 8 Mar 2026.
When does DE-only sale commence?
8 Mar → 7 Apr 2026.
How do I know the right subject combinations?
Use the IBASS Eligibility Checker.
What documents do I need for DE?
- Reg/Matric No.
- Course(s)
- Awarding Institution
- Year of Graduation
Can I register more than once?
No. Seek correction from JAMB instead.
Can I register at any cybercafé?
Register only at JAMB-approved CBT centres.
Can I use the same mobile number as a sibling or parent?
No. Each candidate must use a unique number. Retrieve lost lines immediately.
What is “Keep My Number” (KMN)?
KMN lets telcos keep your SIM active even if unused, preventing reissue. Initial period 3 years, renewable. Contact your network provider.
What do I do after getting my profile code?
Present the code to a vendor (Banks, MMOs, MFBs, Switches, USSD) → pay → receive e-PIN via SMS → take Profile Code + e-PIN to an accredited CBT centre for registration.
My fingers can’t be read by the scanner—what do I do?
Register/sit exam at JAMB HQ, Abuja on the last day of the national exam calendar. JAMB facilitates travel for affected candidates.
How do I retrieve a lost profile code/e-PIN?
Send RESEND to 55019/66019 for Profile Code. Reset password by sending PASSWORD your@email.com. For UTME e-PIN, send UTMEPIN.
I used a profile code last year—still valid?
Send RESEND to 55019/66019 to reactivate for new registration.
Can foreign candidates purchase application documents?
Yes. Centres: Abidjan, Accra, Banjul, Beau, Cotonou, Jeddah, Johannesburg, London. Fee: $50 (or local equivalent). Download forms at jamb.gov.ng and submit/pay at designated centres.
I want to distribute free application documents to candidates—possible?
Contact JAMB: +2348027641663 or fabian.benjamin@jamb.gov.ng for a special offer.
After getting e-PIN, what next?
Go to a CBT centre personally with your code + e-PIN. Your photo and 10-finger biometrics will be captured. Confirm details before fingerprint authentication; ensure NIN data matches your documents.
What should I provide at registration?
Choices of institutions/courses; valid personal email; qualifications with grades/dates (or upload certificates); Upload PIN for O/L/A/L grades; UTME subjects and towns for Mock and UTME.
I have awaiting result—can I register?
Yes. Upload your results on the JAMB portal when available. No institutional recommendation is considered without upload on the Board’s portal.
Are there provisions for People with Disabilities?
Yes. Indicate disability during registration to be assigned to JEOG centres for special attention.
Can I give anyone my profile code or login?
No. Keep registration numbers, passwords, card details, email and e-PINs private. Centres must not request your password.
Next Steps
- Activate KMN if you’re worried about SIM recycling.
- Generate your profile code early and verify your subject combo with IBASS.
- Register only at accredited CBT centres; keep your codes private.