JAMB Announces 2026 UTME, Direct Entry Registration Timeline as Sale of Forms Begins January 26
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the commencement of the sale of application forms for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE), setting out a detailed timetable that will guide candidates seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions for the 2026/2027 academic session.
According to information obtained by Akahi News, the Board released the schedule through an official statement signed by its Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, outlining eligibility requirements, registration timelines, examination dates, and the structure of application fees.
Registration Begins January 26
JAMB disclosed that the registration exercise for the 2026 UTME commenced on Monday, 26th January, 2026, and will run until Saturday, 28th February, 2026. The Board emphasised that candidates are expected to complete their registration within this period, as late applications will not be entertained.
Akahi News gathered that E-PIN vending, which precedes registration, began earlier on Monday, 19th January, 2026, and will end on Thursday, 26th February, 2026, two days before the close of registration.
The Board reiterated that only candidates who will be at least 16 years old by 30th September, 2026 are generally eligible to apply for admission into tertiary institutions.
However, exceptional candidates below the age threshold may be considered under strict conditions. Such candidates are required to score at least 80 per cent across UTME, A-Level, Post-UTME, SSCE, and an exceptional candidate assessment before being granted a waiver.
Direct Entry Registration Timeline
For Direct Entry candidates, JAMB announced a separate registration window. The sale of DE application documents and E-PIN vending will commence on Monday, 2nd March, 2026, and close on Saturday, 25th April, 2026.
The Board noted that Direct Entry registration would be conducted strictly at JAMB State and Zonal Offices nationwide, a measure aimed at ensuring proper verification and documentation.
Observers say this structured timeline is intended to reduce errors and improve transparency in the admission process, an issue that has generated debate in previous admission cycles.
2026 UTME and Mock Examination Dates
JAMB also confirmed the dates for both the mock examination and the main UTME exercise, urging candidates to prepare adequately ahead of time.
Key Dates for 2026 UTME Exercise
- E-PIN Vending Begins: Monday, 19th January, 2026
- UTME Registration Begins: Monday, 26th January, 2026
- E-PIN Vending Ends: Thursday, 26th February, 2026
- UTME Registration Closes: Saturday, 28th February, 2026
- Mock UTME (Optional): Saturday, 28th March, 2026
- Main UTME Examination: Thursday, 16th April – Saturday, 25th April, 2026
- Direct Entry Registration: Monday, 2nd March – Saturday, 25th April, 2026
Education analysts who spoke with journalists noted that early awareness of examination dates helps candidates better organise preparation schedules while reducing last-minute pressure commonly associated with the UTME process.
Breakdown of Application Fees
JAMB introduced three categories of E-PINs for the 2026 exercise:
- Direct Entry (DE): ₦5,700
- UTME Only (Without Mock): ₦7,200
- UTME With Mock Examination: ₦8,700
The Board explained that the fees cover application charges, reading text, CBT centre registration services, examination charges, bank fees, and optional mock examination costs.
According to education stakeholders, maintaining transparency in fee breakdowns has become necessary to address long-standing concerns among candidates and parents regarding examination expenses.
Implications for Candidates and Institutions
The early release of the UTME calendar signals JAMB’s continued effort to stabilise Nigeria’s admission process and align academic calendars more effectively. Akahi News learnt that institutions are also expected to adjust their admission timelines accordingly to avoid prolonged delays between examination and admission offers.
Experts have repeatedly advised candidates to begin preparations early, ensure accurate data entry during registration, and avoid patronising unapproved registration centres to prevent complications later in the admission process.
With registration already underway and examination dates clearly outlined, the 2026 UTME exercise presents another opportunity for prospective undergraduates to pursue higher education in Nigeria. The emphasis on timelines, eligibility requirements, and structured processes reflects ongoing reforms aimed at improving credibility and efficiency in the system.
Candidates are encouraged to adhere strictly to official deadlines and remain updated through verified information channels as the examination period approaches. For more education updates and admission-related reports, readers are advised to stay connected with Akahi News.
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