Registering for JAMB for the first time can feel scary. Many students feel confused, stressed, or even afraid of making mistakes. You may be asking yourself questions like: Where do I start? What documents do I need? What if I do something wrong?
Relax. You are not alone. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about How to Register for JAMB UTME 2026, step by step, using very simple English. By the time you finish reading, you will understand the full JAMB registration process and know exactly what to do.
What Is JAMB UTME?
JAMB UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) is an entrance examination organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. Every student who wants to gain admission into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, or monotechnics in Nigeria must write this exam.
JAMB registration is the official process where your personal details, exam subjects, and school choices are captured so you can sit for the UTME and qualify for admission.
Requirements for JAMB UTME Registration 2026
Before learning How to Register for JAMB UTME, you must prepare the following:
- National Identification Number (NIN)
- Personal phone number (never used for JAMB before)
- Active email address
- O’Level result (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB) or awaiting result
- Correct subject combination
- Money to pay for the JAMB ePIN
- Access to an accredited JAMB CBT centre
Once you have these ready, registration becomes easy.
How to Register for JAMB UTME 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide)
This is the most important section. Follow it carefully.
Step 1: Get Your National Identification Number (NIN)
Your NIN is compulsory. You cannot register for JAMB without it.
- If you already have a NIN, move to the next step.
- If you don’t, visit any NIMC office, bank, or approved registration point.
- NIN registration is free or very cheap.
- You will be given a NIN slip.
Make sure your name, date of birth, and gender on NIN are correct. Any mistake must be corrected at NIMC before JAMB registration.
Step 2: Create Your JAMB Profile Code via SMS
This step officially creates your JAMB profile.
How to do it:
- Open your phone’s SMS app
- Type:
NIN [space] Your 11-digit NIN - Send to 55019 or 66019
Example:
NIN 12345678901
- Send it from your personal phone number
- You will be charged ₦50
- A 10-digit profile code will be sent to you
Once generated, your profile code cannot be changed. Your biodata will be pulled directly from NIMC.
This profile code is required to buy your JAMB ePIN.
Step 3: Buy Your JAMB ePIN
The ePIN is proof of payment for the JAMB form.
Where to buy JAMB ePIN:
- Banks (First Bank, Zenith, UBA, Access, etc.)
- Mobile money agents
- Approved online platforms (Remita, Interswitch, Quickteller)
- Some accredited CBT centres
Cost:
- UTME with Mock: ₦6,200
- UTME without Mock: ₦5,700
Once payment is successful:
- Your ePIN will be sent via SMS
- It may also be sent to your email
Step 4: Visit an Accredited JAMB CBT Registration Centre
You cannot register online by yourself. JAMB has stopped cyber café registration.
Go to an approved JAMB CBT centre with:
- Your profile code
- JAMB ePIN
- NIN slip
- O’Level result (or awaiting result)
- Your choice of institutions and courses
- Correct subject combination
At the centre:
- Your details will be entered
- Your passport photograph will be captured
- Your fingerprints will be taken
- You will choose your exam town
- A registration slip will be printed for you
Step 5: Double-Check Everything Before Final Submission
This step is very important.
Before the CBT centre submits your form, carefully check:
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- Subject combination
- Institution and course choice
- Phone number and email
- Spelling errors
Once submitted, changes cost money later. Be patient and alert.
Step 6: Collect Your JAMB Slip and Keep It Safe
After registration, you will receive:
- JAMB registration slip
- JAMB reading text (novel for Use of English)
You will need your slip to:
- Check exam date and centre
- Print exam notification slip
- Check your JAMB result
- Process admission
Common JAMB Registration Mistakes to Avoid
Many candidates fail admission because of simple mistakes. Avoid these:
- Using someone else’s phone number
- Wrong subject combination
- Registering at cyber cafés
- Not checking details before submission
- Waiting till last minute to register
- Ignoring NIMC errors
Important Tips from JAMB for 2026 Candidates
JAMB officially advised candidates to note the following:
- All NIMC corrections must be done early
- Phone numbers and emails are unique and permanent
- If biometric capture fails, visit a JAMB office immediately
- Dual-screen registration must be used so you can confirm details in real time
- Never allow forced registration
Common Problems During Profile Code Generation (And Solutions)
1. “Wrong Parameter”
To fix this, use correct format:
NIN 12345678901
2. “Number already registered”
Use the SIM card originally used
3. “Unable to verify NIN”
Network issue. Wait and try again
4. “Record not found”
Visit the nearest NIMC office for validation
JAMB UTME Registration Dates for 2026
According to official updates:
- JAMB UTME 2026 form sales will run from January to March 2026
Early registration is strongly advised.
Final Advice for First-Time Candidates
Understanding How to Register for JAMB UTME removes fear and confusion. Prepare early, use the correct information, and never rush the process. Registration is not hard when done the right way.
If you feel unsure, ask questions. It is better to confirm than to regret later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I register for JAMB UTME without NIN?
No. NIN is compulsory for all candidates.
2. Can I use someone else’s phone number?
No. Your phone number is permanently linked to your JAMB profile.
3. Can I register at any cyber café?
No. Only accredited JAMB CBT centres are allowed.
4. What is the difference between UTME with mock and without mock?
Mock UTME allows practice before the main exam. It costs more but helps beginners.
5. What if I lose my profile code or ePIN?
Retrieve them using the same phone number or payment platform used.