2026 JAMB UTME & Direct Entry (DE): Official Registration Guidelines (Simplified)

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the official guidelines for the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry (DE) registration. Candidates are advised to read carefully to avoid costly mistakes.

GENERAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

UTME (100 Level – Degree / ND / NCE)

Degree Programmes:

• Minimum of 5 O’level credits, including English Language
• Mathematics is compulsory for Science, Technology & Social Science courses
• Results must be obtained in not more than two sittings

ND / NCE Programmes:

• Minimum of 4 O’level credits
• English for non-science programmes
• Mathematics for science-based programmes

DIRECT ENTRY (DE) REQUIREMENTS:

Candidates must have:

• 5 O’level credits, plus
• At least two A-Level / Advanced qualifications

Accepted DE qualifications include:

• NCE, ND, HND
• IJMB, JUPEB, NABTEB (ANBC/ANTC)
• First Degree (Nigerian & Foreign Universities)
• Cambridge A-Level, International Baccalaureate

Important: Awarding institutions must verify results before admission can be processed.

IMPORTANT DE RULES:

• No DE registration with awaiting O’level results
• All results must be uploaded and verified
• Statement of result is valid only:
  • Within 3 years (NCE = 1 year)
• Upgrade from UTME to DE is allowed only if declared during UTME registration

🚫 MULTIPLE REGISTRATIONS ARE NOT ALLOWED:

• Register only once
• Duplicate registration invalidates all applications
• Registration must be done only at JAMB-approved CBT centres

🔐 SECURITY WARNING:

• Do NOT share your:
  • Profile Code
  • Password
  • e-PIN
• Parents, cybercafes, or agents must NOT access your profile

PROFILE CREATION (VERY IMPORTANT):

1. Send SMS: NIN 00123456789 to 55019 or 66019
2. Receive your Profile Code
3. Use one personal phone number only
4. JAMB does not allow SIM change

e-PIN PRICES (2026)

• UTME (No Mock): ₦7,200
• UTME (With Mock): ₦8,700
• Direct Entry (DE): ₦5,700

📍 Buy e-PINs from:

• Banks
• NIPOST
• MMOs
• Microfinance Banks

REGISTRATION AT CBT CENTRES:

Candidates must:

• Present Profile Code + e-PIN
• Capture biometrics (10 fingers)
• Take live photograph
• Print registration slip

🚫 Group or school-based registration is not allowed

KEY DATES (2026):

• UTME Registration: 26 Jan – 28 Feb 2026
• Mock UTME: 28 March 2026
• UTME Exam: 16 – 25 April 2026
• DE Registration: 2 March – 25 April 2026

📘 COMPULSORY READING TEXT:

All candidates will be tested on:
“The Lekki Headmaster” by Kabir Alabi Garba

📌 The book is included in the registration fee and will be given at CBT centres.

FINAL WARNINGS:

• JAMB does NOT use cybercafes
• Admission outside JAMB CAPS is illegal
• Exam malpractice attracts:
  • Cancellation
  • Publication of names
  • Prosecution

🎯 KofaStudy Tip:

Most admission failures are caused by:

• Wrong subject combination
• Failure to upload results
• CAPS mistakes
• Multiple registrations

Follow JAMB rules strictly. One mistake can cost you admission.