No Fee Increase: Step-by-Step Guide to Register for UTME, DE 2026
In a move that has brought significant relief to millions of Nigerian households, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has officially debunked rumors of a price hike for the upcoming examination cycle. This comprehensive Guide to Register for UTME, DE 2026 outlines the newly confirmed timelines and procedures, ensuring that candidates can navigate the process without falling prey to misinformation or extortion.
Following directives from the Presidency to consider the current economic climate, JAMB clarified that the cost for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and Direct Entry remains consistent with previous years, maintaining an affordable gateway to tertiary education.
Official 2026 Registration Timeline
According to the latest bulletin from the Board, the window for purchasing application documents is strictly defined. Candidates and parents are urged to take note of these dates, as JAMB has reiterated that there will be no extensions once the deadline passes:
- Registration Start Date: Friday, January 31, 2026
- Registration Deadline: Saturday, March 8, 2026
- Mock Examination (Optional): Tentatively scheduled for April 2026
Step by Step Registration Procedure
To ensure a hitch free experience, candidates are advised to begin the preliminary steps immediately, even before the official sale of e PINs commences.
1. Profile Creation via NIN The most critical requirement remains the National Identification Number, NIN. Candidates must generate a unique 10 character Profile Code by sending their 11 digit NIN to either 55019 or 66019.
- Format: Text the word “NIN”, followed by a space and your 11 digit number (e.g., NIN 12345678901) to the shortcodes.
- Note: This must be done from a personal GSM number that has not been used for another candidate’s registration in previous years.
2. Purchase of e PIN Once the Profile Code is received, candidates can proceed to purchase their e PIN starting from January 31. JAMB has approved various “cashless” channels to prevent exploitation, including commercial banks, mobile money operators, and the official JAMB portal.
3. Visit an Accredited CBT Centre With the Profile Code and e PIN in hand, the candidate must personally visit an accredited Computer Based Test centre to complete their bio data capture. It is vital to use the “Dual Screen” system provided at these centres to verify that your name, date of birth, and choice of institution are entered correctly before final submission.
Important Warnings and Tips
The Board has cautioned candidates against the use of henna on fingers, as it often interferes with biometric scanners, potentially leading to disqualification. Furthermore, candidates must ensure their NIN details exactly match their school records. If there are discrepancies, they should be corrected at a NIMC office before initiating the JAMB profile creation.
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By following this Guide to Register for UTME, DE 2026, prospective students can secure their spot for the examination while avoiding common technical pitfalls. With the price remaining stable, the focus now shifts to early preparation and ensuring all digital documentation is in perfect order before the January 31 kickoff.