2026 JAMB Registration Begins This January: Dates, Requirements & Step-by-Step Guide

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced that the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration will begin in this January 2026.

This announcement applies to all UTME candidates known as Jambites, as well as Direct Entry (D.E) candidates.

Below is a comprehensive guide covering what to get ready, the official dates, requirements, registration steps, and common mistakes to avoid to ensure a smooth registration process.

Official Start Date for 2026 JAMB Registration

According to a post made by JAMB on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle in December, the Board confirmed that 2026 JAMB registration will commence on 31st January 2026.

The Board also outlined important steps candidates must follow to avoid errors and delays during registration.


Who This Information Is For?

This guide is for:

• UTME candidates
• Direct Entry (DE) candidates

It explains:

• Registration requirements
• Step-by-step registration process
• Common challenges and solutions

Step 1: JAMB Profile Code Generation

• Before registration can begin, candidates must generate their JAMB Profile Code.

Important Requirements:

• Candidates must ensure that the following details are accurate and consistent across all platforms:
• National Identification Number (NIN)
• Email address
• Phone number
• O’Level / A-Level results

How to Generate Your Profile Code

• Send an SMS in this exact format:
• NIN 02156789012
• Send to *55019 or 66019

Important Notes:

• There must be a space  between NIN and the eleven-digit NIN number.
• If you have generated a profile code in previous years, the same profile code remains valid, as your biodata will be retrieved from the NIMC database.

Step 2: E-PIN Purchase and Registration

After successfully generating your profile code:

• Proceed to any JAMB Office or an approved CBT centre close to you.
• Purchase your JAMB E-PIN only through:
•    Approved online platforms
•    Accredited vendors
•    Recognized banks

Registration Checklist

• Ensure you are issued the correct registration template.
• Carefully cross-check all details before final submission.
• Errors after submission may be difficult or costly to correct.

Important Tips for Candidates:

• Errors in Date of Birth, Gender, or State of Origin should be corrected before registration.
• Phone numbers and email addresses must be unique to each candidate.
• Do not use another person’s phone number or email.

Common Challenges and Solutions:

• SMS Error (55019 / 66019)
• Cause: Wrong format or incorrect parameters

Solution:

• Send SMS in the correct format:
• NIN (space) Your NIN  to 55019 or 66019

2. Phone Number Already Used

Solution:

• Retrieve and use the same SIM card previously used for JAMB registration.

3. Unable to Verify NIN

• Cause: Network issues

Solution:

• Wait for a while and try again later.

With this announcement, the 2026 JAMB UTME registration is officially set to begin on 31st January 2026. Candidates are strongly advised to prepare early, verify their details, and follow the official steps carefully to avoid unnecessary mistakes. 

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Good luck to you all!