The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has mandated live biometric capture at Computer Based Test centres, stating that no previously taken or passport photographs will be accepted for 2026 registration.

JAMB emphasised that registration cannot be completed until all ten fingerprints are captured and a photograph taken physically at the CBT centre. "No submission of passport photograph. Successful capture of biometrics and photograph will authorise a candidate to print his/her e-registration slip," the Board stated.

Candidates must use at least two fingers to print their registration slip, and fingerprint verification will be required for any further JAMB transactions. Most critically, no candidate will be allowed to enter the examination hall without successful biometric verification on exam day. "No candidate will be allowed to enter the examination hall or sit the examination if their biometrics is not verified," JAMB declared.

In a significant operational directive, JAMB announced that all CBT centres must be monitored live from headquarters during registration. "Any centre whose registration activities are not viewed from the headquarters will not be paid, and such registration may be invalidated," the guidelines warned.

This means centres must maintain stable internet connectivity and functioning surveillance systems throughout registration, or face financial penalties and possible invalidation of registrations.

JAMB emphasised candidates must personally present themselves at CBT centres, as biometric capture cannot be delegated or completed remotely. "A candidate must personally present his/her Profile Code and e-PIN at any JAMB-accredited CBT Centre for registration," the statement read.

For candidates with biometric abnormalities preventing fingerprint capture, JAMB made special arrangements. "Candidates with biometric abnormalities can only register and take examination at the Abuja Headquarters of the Board. The Board will facilitate their travels," the guidelines stated.

This covers candidates with burns, amputations, congenital conditions, or other physical characteristics making standard fingerprint capture impossible.

CBT centres must use dual screen systems during registration, allowing candidates to confirm their photograph and biometric data are captured correctly in real-time.

The biometric system serves multiple purposes: creating unique identifiers difficult to fake, detecting multiple registrations by comparing fingerprints across the database, and ensuring the person taking the examination matches the registered candidate.

JAMB advised candidates to ensure their fingers are clean and dry during capture, as moisture or dirt can interfere with the process.