JAMB Begins 2026 UTME, DE Forms Sale January 26, Sets Registration and Exam Dates:- The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the commencement of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) forms sale, confirming January 26, 2026, as the starting date. JAMB Begins 2026 UTME DE Forms Sale January 26 Sets Registration and Exam Dates
This announcement marks the beginning of the 2026/2027 admission cycle for candidates seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Below are the full details on registration dates, exam timelines, and key instructions candidates must know.
JAMB Begins Sale of 2026 UTME and DE Forms January 26
According to JAMB, the sale of UTME and Direct Entry application forms will begin on Monday, January 26, 2026. All interested candidates are advised to begin preparations early, including obtaining their National Identification Number (NIN), as it remains mandatory for registration.
JAMB emphasized that no candidate will be registered without a valid NIN, and biometric verification will be strictly enforced.
JAMB Begins 2026 UTME DE Forms Sale January 26 Sets Registration and Exam Dates
The Board has outlined the official UTME registration window for the 2026 examination:
- UTME Registration Begins: January 26, 2026
- UTME Registration Closes: February 26, 2026
Candidates are advised to complete registration early to avoid last-minute issues such as network failures, overcrowding at CBT centres, or data errors.
2026 Direct Entry (DE) Registration Dates
For candidates applying through Direct Entry, JAMB confirmed a longer registration period:
- Direct Entry Registration Begins: January 26, 2026
- Direct Entry Registration Closes: March 30, 2026
Direct Entry candidates include holders of ND, NCE, HND, IJMB, JUPEB, and first degree certificates seeking admission into 200-level.
JAMB Sets 2026 UTME Examination Date
JAMB has fixed the 2026 UTME examination period as follows:
- 2026 UTME Exam Date: March 16 – March 26, 2026
The examination will be conducted nationwide using Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres approved by JAMB.
Candidates will be informed of their exact exam date, time, and centre through their JAMB examination slip, which will be printed before the exam.
Mock UTME Date for 2026 Candidates
For candidates who opt for the optional mock examination, JAMB has scheduled:
- 2026 UTME Mock Exam Date: March 7, 2026
The mock UTME is designed to help candidates familiarize themselves with the CBT environment and examination format.
Cost of 2026 JAMB UTME and DE Forms
While JAMB has maintained its standard pricing structure in previous years, candidates should note the following expected costs:
- UTME Form: ₦3,500
- DE Form: ₦4,700
- Additional charges may apply for reading text and CBT centre services.
Candidates are advised to make payments only through official JAMB channels.
Important Instructions to 2026 Candidates
JAMB has issued the following warnings and guidelines:
- Candidates must register at JAMB-accredited CBT centres only
- Subject combinations must match the chosen course
- Biometric capturing is compulsory
- Multiple registrations will lead to automatic disqualification
- Corrections will only be allowed during approved correction windows
Failure to comply with these rules may result in loss of admission.
Who Is Eligible for the 2026 UTME?
Candidates eligible to sit for the 2026 UTME include:
- SS3 students awaiting WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB results
- Candidates with complete O’Level results
- Candidates seeking admission into 100-level
Awaiting-result candidates must upload their results on JAMB CAPS once available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I register for JAMB without NIN?
No. NIN is compulsory for both UTME and Direct Entry registration.
Can I change my course or institution after registration?
Yes. JAMB allows change of course and institution during the approved correction period.
Is the mock exam compulsory?
No. The mock UTME is optional but highly recommended.
Will JAMB extend the registration deadline?
Candidates are advised not to rely on extensions and should register within the approved period.
Conclusion
With JAMB beginning the sale of 2026 UTME and DE forms on January 26, candidates now have a clear timeline to plan their registration and examination. Early preparation, correct subject selection, and strict adherence to JAMB guidelines remain the keys to success in the 2026 admission cycle.
Candidates are encouraged to stay informed and act early to avoid unnecessary mistakes.
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