JAMB 2026 Guide: Registration, Exam Dates, Fees & Requirements

Welcome to my JAMB News Updates 2026 page. JAMB 2026 Guide: Registration, Exam Dates, Fees & Requirements.

Check: New list of Jamb 2026 Registration Centers

Did you read: Why You’ll Probably Fail JAMB 2026 article?

jamb 2026 cbt

Key 2026 JAMB Dates

E-PIN Sales Begin	Monday, January 19, 2026
UTME Registration	January 26 – February 28, 2026
Mock UTME (Optional)	Saturday, March 28, 2026
Main UTME Exam	April 16 – 25, 2026
Direct Entry Registration	March 2 – April 25, 2026

2026 JAMB Registration Requirements

NIN (Mandatory): You must have your National Identification Number before registration. Send “NIN 00123456789” to 55019 or 66019 from your registered phone number.

Documents Needed:

Valid NIN
O’Level results – minimum 5 credits including English (or “Awaiting Result”)
JAMB Profile – create at portal.jamb.gov.ng

Important: Register only at JAMB-approved centers. Multiple registrations not allowed.

2026 JAMB Registration Fees

UTME with Mock: ₦8,700
UTME without Mock: ₦7,200
Direct Entry: ₦5,700
Foreign candidates: $30

Fee breakdown: Application ₦3,500 + Reading Text ₦1,000 + CBT Centre Registration ₦700 + CBT Centre Service ₦1,500 + Bank Charges ₦500 + Mock ₦1,500 (if applicable).

Age Requirement & Underage Waiver

Candidates must be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026 to be considered for admission.

Underage Waiver: Candidates below 16 can still register but must score 80% or higher in each of: UTME, Post-UTME, SSCE, and the exceptional candidate assessment. Results for underage candidates are released only after completing this evaluation.

2026 JAMB Cut-Off Marks

Universities: 140 (minimum)
Polytechnics: 100
Colleges of Education: 100

Note: Top universities set higher departmental cut-offs. UI, UNILAG, UNN typically require 200-280 for competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering.

JAMB Novel for 2026: The Lekki Headmaster

The recommended text for 2026 UTME is “The Lekki Headmaster” by Kabir Alabi Garba (replaces The Life Changer). The 64-page novel covers themes of education, patriotism, and the “Japa” migration trend. Expect about 10 questions from this novel in Use of English.

CAPS Portal – Admission Processing

After results release, check your admission status at efacility.jamb.gov.ng:

Recommended – School recommended you, JAMB reviewing
Admission in Progress – Submitted to JAMB for final approval
Admission Offered – Accept within 4 weeks via SMS (send “ACCEPT” to 55019)

Important: Candidates with “Awaiting Result” must upload O’Level results to the JAMB portal before admission processing.

How to Check JAMB 2026 Results

Send SMS containing “UTMERESULT” to 55019 using your registered phone number. Ensure you have at least ₦50 airtime. Verify results on the official JAMB website afterward.

JAMB Syllabus

Access the JAMB syllabus via the IBASS portal or scan the QR code on your registration slip. You can also view all subjects at this link.

How to Pass JAMB 2026

Review past questions, start early, dedicate long hours to studying, use the JAMB syllabus, and read recommended materials including The Lekki Headmaster.

2026 JAMB News Updates