The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is a computer based examination conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for candidates seeking admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Every candidate must register and sit for this exam to qualify for tertiary education admission in Nigeria.

JAMB 2026 Registration Requirements

Before you start your registration, make sure you have the following:

Personal Requirements:

  • Valid email address (you must have access to it)
  • Active phone number
  • NIN (National Identification Number) - mandatory for all candidates
  • O'Level results (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB)

Documents Needed:

  • Recent passport photograph (to be uploaded during registration)
  • O'Level examination details (exam number, year, and subjects)
  • Your NIN slip or NIN number

JAMB 2026 Registration Fees

ItemCost
UTME Registration Fee₦4,700
Reading Text (recommended)₦500
Total₦5,200

Note: The reading text is optional but recommended. You'll need to purchase your JAMB ePIN from accredited CBT centres, banks, or online through the JAMB portal.

Important Dates for JAMB 2026

ActivityExpected Date
Sales of ePIN BeginsLate February/Early March 2026
Registration OpensMarch 2026
Registration ClosesApril 2026
Mock ExaminationApril 2026
UTME ExaminationMay 2026

JAMB 2026 Registration Process

This is a step by step procedures for a successful UTME/DE registration: 

Step 1: Get Your NIN

If you don't have a National Identification Number yet, visit any NIMC enrollment centre to register. Your NIN is mandatory for JAMB registration - you cannot proceed without it.

Step 2: Purchase JAMB ePIN

You can buy your ePIN from:

  • Accredited JAMB CBT centres
  • Banks (using the JAMB payment platform)
  • Online through Remita payment gateway

Keep your ePIN and serial number safe. You'll need them to create your profile.

Step 3: Create Your JAMB Profile

  1. Visit any accredited JAMB registration centrr
  2. Provide your ePIN serial number and pin to the attendant
  3. The attendant will help you create your profile on the JAMB portal
  4. Your profile code will be generated - write it down and keep it safe

What happens during profile creation:

  • Your NIN will be verified
  • Your biodata will be captured
  • Your passport photograph will be taken
  • Your fingerprints will be captured
  • You'll receive a unique profile code

Step 4: Complete Your Registration

After creating your profile, you'll proceed to complete your registration:

  1. Login with your profile code
  2. Fill in your personal information (name, date of birth, state of origin, LGA, etc.)
  3. Enter your O'Level details (exam type, year, exam number, and grades for all subjects)
  4. Select your exam town (choose a location close to you)
  5. Choose your first choice institution (university, polytechnic, or college of education)
  6. Select your course (be careful - you can only change this once)
  7. Choose three other institutions (second, third, and fourth choices)
  8. Select your four UTME subjects based on your chosen course requirements
  9. Upload your O'Level results (if available)
  10. Review all information carefully
  11. Submit your registration
  12. Print your registration slip

How to Choose Your UTME Subjects

Your subject combination must match your intended course of study. Here's how to get it right:

Example 1 - Medical Sciences: If you want to study Medicine, Nursing, or Pharmacy:

  • English Language (compulsory for everyone)
  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Chemistry

Example 2 - Business/Social Sciences: If you want to study Accounting, Economics, or Business Administration:

  • English Language
  • Mathematics
  • Economics
  • Any of: Commerce, Government, or Business Studies

Example 3 - Arts/Humanities: If you want to study Law, Mass Communication, English, or International Relations:

  • English Language
  • Literature in English
  • Government or History
  • Any of: CRK/IRK, Economics, or a Nigerian language

Note for Law: Some universities accept Economics or Mathematics instead of Literature. Check your specific institution's requirements.

Example 4 - Engineering Courses: If you want to study Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or any engineering course:

  • English Language
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Chemistry

Important: All engineering courses require the same UTME subject combination (English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry), but your O'Level requirements may vary by institution.

Always check the JAMB brochure or your chosen institution's website for the correct subject combination for your course. Getting this wrong can disqualify you from admission.

What to do After Completing Your Registration

Once you've completed your registration:

  1. Print your registration slip and keep it safe
  2. Check your exam date and time on the JAMB portal using your registration number
  3. Print your exam slip when it becomes available (usually 1-2 weeks before the exam)
  4. Start preparing for your examination using JAMB approved textbooks and past questions
  5. Monitor this website for any updates or changes