2026 UTME Form Is Out: Step-by-Step Guide to Easy Registration
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced that the 2026 UTME Form Is Out, marking the commencement of the registration window for millions of candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions. On Monday, January 26, 2026, the Board opened its portal for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration, which is set to run until February 28, 2026. This announcement follows the earlier commencement of e-PIN vending on January 19, allowing proactive students to secure their payment codes ahead of the formal registration launch.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has emphasized that this year’s exercise is built on a foundation of “No Vision, No Registration,” a policy mandating that all accredited Computer Based Test (CBT) centres must be monitored live from the JAMB headquarters in Abuja. To ensure a seamless experience, candidates are urged to resolve all discrepancies with their National Identification Number (NIN) before approaching a registration centre, as the Board will not effect any changes to biodata once it is pulled from the NIMC database.
Step by Step Registration Procedure
To navigate the 2026 exercise without stress, follow these verified steps to ensure your application is successful:
Profile Code Generation The first and most critical step is generating your 10 character profile code. From your personal mobile phone, send the word “NIN” followed by a space and your 11 digit National Identification Number to either 55019 or 66019. Ensure there is a space between the word and the numbers. You will receive a unique profile code on the same phone number. This number becomes your permanent identity for all JAMB related transactions.
Purchase of e-PIN Once you have your profile code, you can proceed to purchase your e-PIN. For the 2026 exercise, JAMB has categorized the fees into three distinct options: UTME Only without Mock at ₦7,200, UTME with Mock at ₦8,700, and Direct Entry at ₦5,700. These payments can be made through participating banks, mobile money operators, or approved online fintech platforms. Your e-PIN will be sent as an SMS to your registered phone number after a successful transaction.
Biometric Capture and Final Registration With your profile code and e-PIN ready, visit any JAMB accredited CBT centre. You are strictly advised not to patronize cyber cafes or unapproved outlets. At the centre, your fingerprints and a second image will be captured using compulsory Microsoft or Digitech live cameras. Ensure you use the dual screen system provided at the centre to verify that your names, choice of institution, and subject combinations are entered correctly before the final submission.
Important Warnings and Deadlines
The Board has issued several stern warnings to protect the integrity of the 2026 admission cycle. Any CBT centre found extorting candidates or charging above the approved service fees will face immediate license revocation and prosecution. Candidates are also cautioned against the use of henna or “laali” on their fingers, as this often leads to biometric verification failure during the registration and the actual examination.
- UTME Registration Ends: February 28, 2026
- Mock-UTME Date (Optional): March 28, 2026
- Main UTME Examination: April 16 to April 25, 2026
- Direct Entry Registration: March 2 to April 25, 2026
READ ALSO: Simple Steps To Generate JAMB UTME Profile In 2026
By following this guide, you can ensure that your registration is completed within the stipulated timeline without falling victim to fraudulent practices. Remember that your email address and phone number are unique identifiers, never share your security codes or passwords with third parties, including parents or tutorial teachers.