2026 UTME Registration: Guide to Dates, Fees, Age Limit, Requirements and Exam Schedule
Abuja, Nigeria — Prospective tertiary candidates across Nigeria and abroad are gearing up for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration exercise as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the official timeline, fees, age requirements, and key details for the upcoming admission season.
Registration Timeline
The UTME registration period opened on Monday, January 26, 2026, and will run through Saturday, February 28, 2026. Prospective candidates — including those from foreign countries — must ensure they complete their registration within this timeframe, as late entries are generally not accepted.
Before registration, e‑PINs (electronic Personal Identification Numbers) go on sale from Monday, January 19, 2026, and will be available for purchase until Thursday, February 26, 2026. Candidates need an e‑PIN before beginning the online registration process.
UTME Exam Dates
JAMB has scheduled the 2026 UTME to hold between Thursday, April 16, 2026, and Saturday, April 25, 2026. In addition, an optional mock examination will be conducted on Saturday, March 28, 2026 to help candidates familiarise themselves with the exam format.
Age and Eligibility Requirements
To be generally eligible for UTME, a candidate must be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026. Candidates who are below 16 may still be considered under a special waiver arrangement, but must undergo a strict evaluation and meet high performance criteria in examinations like SSCE, UTME, and other assessments.
Fees and e‑PIN Categories
JAMB has announced three categories of e‑PIN prices for the 2026 exercise:
- Direct Entry (for candidates using qualifications like ND, NCE, HND or degree): ₦5,700
- UTME only (without mock): ₦7,200
- UTME with mock: ₦8,700
The fees include the application form, reading text cost, CBT centre service charges, bank processing fees, and, if chosen, charges for the mock examination.
How to Register for UTME — Basic Steps
- Get a Profile Code: Send your National Identification Number (NIN) by text message to the JAMB shortcodes (e.g., 55019 or 66019) to generate a profile code.
- Purchase e‑PIN: Buy the e‑PIN online or at approved banks using your profile code.
- Visit an Accredited CBT Centre: Register your details at a JAMB‑approved CBT centre. Provide all required information carefully — mistakes can affect your exam details and results.
- Select Subjects and Exam Town: Choose subject combinations relevant to your intended course of study and select the exam town where you want to sit for the UTME.
- Print Confirmation Slip: After registration, ensure you print your confirmation and later your exam slip when JAMB releases the full timetable.
Important Tips
- Register early to avoid network issues and centre congestion near the deadline.
- Avoid multiple registrations: JAMB warns that registering more than once is a violation of its rules and could lead to sanctions.
- Check details carefully: Name, date of birth, NIN, and contact information must be accurate. You can request corrections through JAMB if necessary.
Direct Entry Candidates
Candidates applying through Direct Entry (DE) must register at JAMB State and Zonal Offices only, and their registration window runs from Monday, March 2, 2026, to Saturday, April 25, 2026.
JAMB officials have reiterated that candidates should follow the set timelines strictly and complete every stage of registration accurately to avoid disqualification or unnecessary complications.
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