If you have been waiting a long time to be a part of 2026 JAMB exam, your wait is over. You can now get ready to register, as The Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) have made it official with the news and have outlined the procedures and crucial tips for candidates that want to apply for and register for 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
This news was first announced through JAMB’s official X handle; with the Board outlining the significant processes prospective candidates must follow to make sure they have the easiest registration process. In this article, we will be highlighting the basic procedures, guidelines, and requirements for all candidates that wish to partake in the 2026 phase.
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Brief Highlights of the 2026 UTME Registration Guidelines:
This 2026 promises to be a unique year, as JAMB has released updated guidelines for UTME for the year via its official website. For this 2026, registration protocol will include NIN registration through SMS (NIN 12345678901 to 55019/66019) to receive a profile code that you can’t change and is linked to NIMC.
Again, every candidate must verify details with NIMC before they complete registration process at an accredited center with an e-PIN from authorized sources. Meanwhile, there’s a new regulation that requires declaration of existing tertiary admission status, which is a fight to prevent every form of malpractice. The e-PIN registration begins Jan. 26, 2026 with full registration that comes after profile code generation.
Profile Code Generation (Mandatory First Step): Send your 11-digit NIN to 55019 or 66019 in the format “NIN [Your NIN]” to receive a profile code.
NIN Data Verification: Ensure your Name, DOB, Gender, and State of Origin match your NIMC https://www.jamb.gov.ng/ records; any corrections must be done at NIMC https://www.jamb.gov.ng/ first, as profile codes and biodata are locked after generation.
E-PIN Purchase: Buy e-PINs from approved banks, online platforms, or registered vendors.
Registration Completion: Visit an accredited CBT center or JAMB https://www.jamb.gov.ng/ office with your e-PIN and profile code.
New Declaration Rule: A compulsory declaration of current tertiary institution admission status is required to prevent impersonation, with severe penalties for false claims.
Unique Identifiers: Your phone number and email are unique and cannot be changed or shared after registration.
Important Dates:
E-PIN Sales Begin: January 26, 2026.
Registration Opens: After profile code generation (dates to be announced).
Common Registration Errors/Problems & Solutions:
Error 55019/66019: Incorrect message format; resend as “NIN [Your NIN]”.
Number Already Registered: Use a different phone number or retrieve the linked SIM.
Unable to Verify NIN: Wait and retry later.
JAMB 2026 Registration: Step by Step Process
Below is the JAMB 2026 registration process, which will be highlighted in the order of stage it should be carried out, to avoid certain errors and contradictions that comes with registration.
Step 1: Generate Profile Code (FIRST – MANDATORY)
Before you can register, you MUST generate a profile code using your National Identification Number (NIN).
How to Generate Profile Code:
- Send your 11-digit NIN via SMS to 55019 or 66019
- Use this exact format: NIN 00000011111 (with a space between “NIN” and your number)
- You will receive a profile code in response
Critical Warning: “Once a profile code is generated, it cannot be changed, and your biodata will be automatically retrieved from the NIMC database.”
Step 2: Purchase E-PIN
After generating your profile code, purchase JAMB E-PIN from authorized channels only:
- Banks
- Approved online platforms
- Accredited vendors
Note B/4: Do not purchase E-PINs from unauthorized sources to avoid fraud.
Step 3: Visit JAMB Office or CBT Centre
- Go to the nearest JAMB Office or approved CBT Centre
- Bring your profile code and E-PIN
- Complete registration with assistance from JAMB staff
Important Pre-Registration Requirements
- Ensure Accurate Personal Details
Before starting registration, verify that these details are correct across all platforms:
- National Identification Number (NIN): Must be accurate and verified
- Email Address: Must be valid and accessible
- Phone Number: Must be active and functional
- O’Level Results: Ensure results are available and accessible
- A-Level Results: For Direct Entry candidates
- Fix NIMC Data Errors BEFORE Registration
NOTE: If your NIMC data has errors (wrong name, date of birth, gender, or state of origin):
- Visit the nearest NIMC office to make corrections IMMEDIATELY
- Ensure corrections appear on your NIMC portal BEFORE starting JAMB registration
- JAMB automatically retrieves data from NIMC – errors will transfer to your JAMB profile
- Corrections cannot be made after profile code generation
- Unique Contact Information
Phone numbers and email addresses:
- Are unique to each candidate (cannot be shared with others)
- Cannot be changed after registration
- Must remain functional throughout the admission process
- Will be used for all official JAMB communications
Registration Best Practices
- Use Dual Screens During Registration
- Monitor passport photograph capture in real-time
- Verify biometrics are captured correctly
- Confirm all data entry is accurate before submission
- Cross-check details on both screens
Final Accuracy Check
- Review all details carefully before final submission
- Verify spelling of names matches NIMC/O’Level certificates
- Confirm institution choices are correct
- Check course selections match your qualifications
General Requirements for Registration
As far as JAMB registration is concerned, there are certain things a candidate must have or ensure he/she provide before standing a chance to apply or register. The following are the general requirements for JAMB registration (some are required before the registration day, while the others will be provided on the day of registration);
Before Registration Day
- Valid 11-digit NIN (verify it works by checking on NIMC portal)
- Active phone number (will be tied to your registration)
- Valid email address (for official communications)
- O’Level results (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB with scratch card pins)
- A-Level results (for Direct Entry candidates)
On Registration Day
- Profile code (generated via SMS)
- E-PIN (purchased from authorized channels)
- Passport photograph (for capture at centre)
- All academic credentials
JAMB 2026 Registration Checklist
If you must qualify for JAMB registration and stand a chance of siting for the UTME, you must tick all the following boxes;
Pre-Registration (Do These Now):
- ☐ Verify your NIN is correct and functional
- ☐ Check NIMC data for errors (name, DOB, gender, state)
- ☐ Fix any NIMC errors at NIMC office
- ☐ Ensure you have an active phone number and email
- ☐ Gather your O’Level result details and scratch cards
Registration Steps (When Registration Opens):
When registering for your JAMB, below are step by step procedures you require for a successful registration;
- ☐ Generate profile code via SMS (NIN to 55019 or 66019)
- ☐ Purchase E-PIN from authorized channels only
- ☐ Visit JAMB office or approved CBT centre
- ☐ Complete registration with dual-screen verification
- ☐ Verify all data before final submission
Critical Warnings:
During registration, you must beware of the following factors, as it could be a problem;
Profile codes are permanent – cannot be changed after generation
Contact details are unique – one phone/email per candidate only
Fix NIMC errors first – corrections impossible after registration
Use authorized E-PIN vendors only – avoid scams
Don’t force biometric capture – visit JAMB office if issues occur
Why It Is Important to Follow the Given Guidelines
So many persons wonder why 2026 has come with so many principles and procedures. We got you covered on the reasons why you must follow the guidelines properly to avoid unnecessary errors in registration;
- Errors in registration can disqualify you from UTME
- Wrong personal data will follow you through admission process
- NIMC data cannot be changed after profile code generation
- Shared phone numbers/emails cause registration conflicts
- Proper registration ensures smooth admission processing
For Direct Entry (DE) Candidates:
This directive is for Direct Entry (DE) candidates. It comes with similar registration process; but with extra requirements;
- Upload valid A-Level or equivalent certificates
- Ensure your DE qualification is JAMB-approved
- Select appropriate DE courses matching your credentials
Next Steps
- Wait for official announcement of registration commencement date
- Monitor JAMB official channels for updates
- Prepare all requirements in advance
- Fix any NIMC data errors immediately
- Be ready when E-PIN sales begin January 26, 2026
For Enquiries and Assistance
For registration help or technical issues:
- Visit the nearest JAMB office
- Contact JAMB official support channels
- Use only authorized CBT centres for registration
- Avoid unofficial agents or middlemen
Frequently Asked Questions
Has JAMB Registration Begun for 2026?
No. JAMB registration for 2026 has not begun yet, but you can expect it to commence towards late January 2026, as sources points to January 31, 2026, as a probable start date for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration, running through early March, according to announcements from late 2025.
Therefore, if you are a candidate, you must ensure you commence preparations by acquiring your National Identification Number (NIN) and make sure details are accurate before registration opens.
What Is the Age Requirement for JAMB 2025-2026?
You must be at least 16 years of old, if you must stand a chance of registering for JAMB 2025-2026. It is one of the crucial factors that qualify one for JAMB registration.
How Much Is JAMB Registration for 2025-2026 Session?
JAMB registration fee for the 2025-2026 session have been set around 3,500 naira, with extra charges and costs taking it up to about 4,700 naira, as you must consider the registration process involved like creating a profile code, purchasing PIN, and registering at an accredited CBT center.
What Is the New Rule for JAMB?
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that beginning with the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration, all candidates must declare their current admission status, showing whether they are already enrolled in any tertiary institution.
