The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially unveiled the calendar for the 2026 admissions cycle, setting key dates for millions of prospective tertiary institution candidates across Nigeria.
Registration Timeline and Key Dates
In a statement signed by its Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, and published on the Board's official X handle on Tuesday, January 13, JAMB fixed Monday, January 26, 2026, as the commencement date for the sale of application forms. This exercise covers admissions for the 2026/2027 academic session.
The registration window for Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates, including foreign applicants, will run from January 26 to February 28, 2026. However, the sale of e-PINs for UTME will begin earlier on January 19 and close on February 26.
For Direct Entry (DE) applicants, the process is scheduled for a later period. The sale of forms and e-PIN vending for DE will take place from March 2 to April 25, 2026. The Board specified that the DE registration will be conducted exclusively at its state and zonal offices nationwide.
Strict Age Policy and Waiver Conditions
JAMB has maintained its stance on candidate age eligibility. The Board stated that only applicants who will be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026, are generally eligible for admission consideration.
However, a rigorous waiver process has been outlined for exceptional underage candidates. Those below 16 by the specified date must undergo an intensive evaluation. To qualify for a waiver, such candidates must attain not less than 80 percent in a combined assessment of their UTME or A-Level results, Post-UTME score, SSCE grades, and a special exceptional candidate assessment.
"The UTME results of the underage candidates will be released only at the conclusion of the complete evaluation process," the Board clarified, emphasizing the stringent nature of the waiver.
Examination Schedule and Fee Structure
JAMB released a detailed examination timetable, putting an end to speculation. The 2026 UTME proper is scheduled to hold from Thursday, April 16, to Saturday, April 25, 2026.
For candidates who opt to take the mock exam, the optional Mock-UTME is slated for Saturday, March 28, 2026.
The Board also disclosed a three-tier fee structure for the 2026 application e-PINs:
- Direct Entry Application: N5,700
- UTME only (without Mock): N7,200
- UTME with Mock: N8,700
This fee breakdown covers all associated costs, including the application form, prescribed reading text, CBT centre services, and bank charges. Prospective candidates are reminded that essential requirements for registration include a valid National Identification Number (NIN) and a functional personal email address.
With this announcement, JAMB has set the stage for the next major academic transition cycle, urging all candidates and institutions to adhere strictly to the published guidelines and timelines for a smooth admissions process.
