The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has announced that Direct Entry registration for 2026/2027 will be conducted exclusively at JAMB State and Zonal Offices from March 2 to April 25, 2026.

Unlike UTME candidates who can register at accredited CBT centres nationwide, Direct Entry candidates must visit JAMB's official state or zonal offices. "Sale of 2026 Direct Entry application documents and E-PIN vending would only be at the Board's State and Zonal Offices," the statement read.

Direct Entry is designed for candidates with qualifications beyond O'level, allowing admission into 200 or 300 level without writing UTME. Candidates must possess five SSCE O'level credits in not more than two sittings, with at least two at Principal or Advanced level.

Acceptable qualifications include First Degrees, University Diplomas, National Diplomas with at least Lower Credit, NCE, A-Level Certificates from IJMB, JUPEB, or NABTEB, HND, Cambridge A-Level, and various professional qualifications.

JAMB strongly advised Direct Entry candidates to pre verify their qualifications before registration, particularly for Cambridge certificates obtained before 2020. Cambridge verification may take up to 28 days, so early initiation is crucial.

JAMB instituted a strict policy: Direct Entry candidates will not be processed for admission until claimed results are uploaded and verified by awarding institutions on JAMB's e-Facility platform.

However, candidates awaiting A-Level results from IJMB, JUPEB, or NABTEB must upload their admission letter and registration template at registration.

For O'level specifically, no candidate can register with awaiting result status. The five required credits must be obtained before Direct Entry registration.

For candidates without certificates yet, JAMB accepts statements of results within three years of graduation for most qualifications, or one year for NCE.

Candidates can upgrade from UTME to Direct Entry only if they indicated awaiting A-Level results at UTME registration. "Upgrade from UTME to DE is available only to candidates, whose A-level results have not been released at the point of UTME registration," JAMB stated.

The Direct Entry fee is ₦5,700, lower than UTME's ₦7,200-₦8,700. This includes application fee (₦3,500), reading text (₦1,000), and service charges.

Candidates should bring original certificates or statements of results, O'level certificates, admission letters from IJMB/JUPEB/NABTEB programs where applicable, and other relevant documentation.