Dear student, is this the pressing question in your heart “When Is JAMB 2026 registration Ending “?
If yes, worry no more and ensure to read the whole of this article without leaving any paragraph unread.
For every aspiring Nigerian university student, the acronym JAMB isn’t just an examination body, it is the gateway to a future career. As the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) cycle kicks into high gear, one question is echoing through secondary school hallways and cyber cafés across the nation: “When is the JAMB 2026 registration ending?”
Missing this deadline isn’t just a minor setback, it’s a one year delay on your academic dreams. In this definitive guide, we break down the official timelines, the hidden deadlines you need to know, and the step-by-step strategy to ensure your name is on the 2026 matriculation list.
The 2026 Deadline You Can’t Ignore
According to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the registration window for the 2026 UTME is officially scheduled to close on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
The registration period officially began on Monday, January 26, 2026, giving candidates a roughly five week window to complete the process. However, experienced JAMBites know that the official closing date is often preceded by a more urgent deadline: the end of e-PIN vending.
e-PIN vs. Registration Explained
While the portal remains open for registration until February 28, the sale of e-PINs which is the digital voucher you need to start the process. typically ends two days earlier, on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
If you have the money but no e-PIN by the 26th, you are effectively locked out of the 2026 session. This distinction is where many candidates fail every year. They assume that as long as it’s not the 28th, they can still “buy the form.” Don’t fall into that trap.
Direct Entry (DE) Candidates:
A Different Clock is Ticking, If you are a Direct Entry candidate (applying with a Diploma, NCE, or IJMB/JUPEB), your timeline is slightly different. JAMB has historically separated the DE registration to reduce congestion at the CBT centers.
| DE Registration | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Date | Monday, March 2, 2026 |
| Closing Date | Saturday, April 25, 2026 |
DE candidates must register exclusively at JAMB Zonal and State offices. Unlike the UTME, which is a mass-market operation, the DE process is more scrutinizing, requiring the verification of previous academic credentials.
2026 JAMB Calendar: Key Dates at a Glance
To help you plan your study schedule and logistics, here is the master timeline for the 2026 cycle:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| UTME Registration Starts | January 26, 2026 |
| e-PIN Vending Deadline | February 26, 2026 |
| UTME Registration Ends | February 28, 2026 |
| Direct Entry (DE) Starts | March 2, 2026 |
| Mock-UTME (Optional) | March 28, 2026 |
| Main UTME Examination | April 16 – April 25, 2026 |
| Direct Entry Ends | April 25, 2026 |
Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until the Last Week
Every year, thousands of candidates flock to CBT centers in the final 48 hours. This last-minute rush is the ultimate recipe for disaster. Here is why you should aim to be “The Early Bird”:
- NIN Synchronization Delays: Your National Identification Number (NIN) is the heartbeat of your registration. Sometimes, the data between the NIMC database and JAMB’s portal takes 24 to 48 hours to handshake. If you wait until the last day and encounter a sync error, you’re out of luck.
- Biometric Glitches: Fingerprint scanners can be stubborn. If your biometrics fail to capture on a Friday evening before the deadline, you won’t have time to visit a JAMB headquarters for a manual override.
- Center Capacity: CBT centers have a daily quota. Once a center is full for a specific date, you might be posted to a town miles away from your home just to secure a seat.
The Checklist for 2026 Registration
Before you head to an accredited CBT center, ensure you have these items ready. If one is missing, your registration will hit a wall.
- National Identification Number (NIN): Mandatory. No NIN, no JAMB.
- Profile Code: Generated by sending “NIN [Your 11-digit number]” to 55019 or 66019.
- Active Email Address: Use a Gmail account you can access on your phone.
- Choice of Institutions: Have your 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th choices ready.
- Subject Combination: Double-check the JAMB Brochure. Choosing the wrong subjects (e.g., taking Government for Medicine) will disqualify you during the admission phase.
Financial Breakdown: How Much is the 2026 Form?
Transparency is key for planning. For 2026, the cost structure remains relatively stable:
UTME Form (No Mock): ₦7,200
UTME Form (With Mock): ₦8,700
Direct Entry Form: ₦5,700
The Reading Text: The cost of the compulsory novel (usually ₦500) is typically bundled into these fees. For 2026, the compulsory text is titled “The Lekki Headmaster” by Kabir Alabi Garba.
Pro-Tips for a Stress-Free Registration
1. The SIM Card Rule
Use a SIM card that is registered in your name. This number will be linked to your JAMB profile for life. Do not use your papa’s or mamma’s phone number unless you are certain you will have access to that SIM for the next four years.
2. The “No Vision, No Registration” Policy
JAMB has implemented a strict policy regarding blurred passport photographs. Ensure the webcam at the CBT center is clear. If your face is obscured or you are wearing a head-covering that hides your features (outside of religious requirements), your result might be withheld for “investigation.”
3.Check the “Awaiting Result” Status
If you are still waiting for your 2026 WAEC or NECO results, you can still register for JAMB. Simply select “AR” (Awaiting Result) in the O’Level section. You will, however, need to upload your results to the JAMB CAPS portal as soon as they are released to be eligible for admission.
Will There Be an Extension?
This is the most dangerous question a candidate can ask. While JAMB has occasionally extended the deadline by one or two weeks in the past due to technical issues, the current Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, is known for his strict adherence to timelines.
Assume there will be NO extension. The 2026 academic calendar is tightly packed, and JAMB aims to conclude the exams by late April to allow universities to begin the 2026/2027 admission process on time.
Conclusion
The Ball Is in Your Court
The countdown to February 28, 2026, has already begun. By now, you should have your NIN ready and your ₦7,200 saved.
The registration ending isn’t just a date on a calendar; it’s the first test of your discipline as a prospective university student. Don’t wait for the rush, don’t wait for a miracle extension, and certainly don’t let a simple technical error stand between you and your degree.
Are you ready to secure your spot? Head to the nearest accredited CBT center today and get it done!
