Before 2026 JAMB registration begins, get these 8 things ready

The 2026 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration window for UTME and Direct Entry candidates is set to open this January. To avoid last-minute rushes or technical errors that could jeopardize your admission, it is vital to prepare your credentials early.

Jamb begins registration today

A major update for this year: Candidates must now declare their current admission status. Whether you are a fresh applicant or already enrolled in a tertiary institution, you must disclose this during the registration process.

Follow this checklist to ensure you are fully prepared before the portal opens.

1. Obtain Your National Identification Number (NIN)

The NIN remains a non-negotiable requirement for JAMB registration. If you do not have one, visit an approved National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) enrollment center immediately. Ensure the name on your NIN matches the name on your O’level results to prevent data discrepancies later.

2. Secure a Dedicated Phone Number

You need a functional mobile number to generate your JAMB Profile Code. This number will be linked to your profile for life.

Pro Tip: Use a SIM card registered in your name. All vital information regarding your exam center, results, and admission will be sent to this number via SMS.

3. Create a Professional Email Address

While the phone number is used for the profile code, a valid email address is required to access the JAMB CAPS portal. We recommend using Gmail for its reliability. This email serves as your secondary point of contact and is necessary for printing your original result slip and admission letter.

4. Finalize Your Choice of Course

Don’t wait until you get to the CBT center to decide what to study. Research your preferred course now. Consider your strengths and career goals. It is also wise to have a "Plan B" course in case your primary choice is highly competitive.

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5. Select Your Preferred Institutions

When filling out your form, you will be asked to choose:

A Federal or State University
A Polytechnic
A College of Education
An Innovation Enterprise Institution (IEI) Verify that your chosen school actually offers your course and check their specific departmental requirements.

6. Verify Your UTME Subject Combination

Using the wrong subject combination is one of the quickest ways to get disqualified from admission. For example, a student aiming for Medicine must take English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Use the official JAMB Brochure to confirm the specific four subjects required for your course.

7. Correct Data Mismatches Early

If there is an error in your date of birth, gender, or state of origin on your NIN, fix it at the NIMC office before registration begins. Once your profile code is generated, correcting these details becomes significantly more expensive and difficult.

8. Understand the Registration Workflow

To stay organized, remember the three-step process:

Profile Code Generation: Sending your NIN to 55019 or 66019.
E-PIN Purchase: Buying your registration access code via banks or online platforms.
CBT Center Registration: Completing your biometrics and data entry at an accredited center.

See the list of 50 approved subject combination for JAMB 2026

Important Tips for a Smooth Experience

Avoid Shared Numbers: Never use a phone number that has been used by another candidate in previous years.
Biometric Verification: If the scanner fails to capture your fingerprints, do not let the operator bypass it. Visit a JAMB office to resolve biometric issues.
Cross-Check Data: Use the dual-screen monitor at the CBT center to verify your details before the operator clicks "Submit."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I register for JAMB 2026 without a NIN?

A: No. The National Identification Number is mandatory for all UTME and Direct Entry candidates.

Q: What is the cost of the 2026 JAMB form?

A: While the official price is usually announced at the start of registration, expect to pay for the E-PIN and a standardized service charge for the CBT center.

Q: Can I change my course after registration?

A: Yes, JAMB usually opens a "Data Correction" portal after the main registration, but this requires an additional fee. It is better to choose correctly the first time.

Q: How many institutions can I choose?

A: You can choose four institutions: a first-choice university, a second-choice polytechnic, a third-choice college of education, and a fourth-choice vocational institute.

Q: Is the 2026 JAMB Mock Exam compulsory?

A: No, the mock exam is optional. It is designed to help candidates familiarize themselves with the CBT environment before the main exam.