Countdown Begins as JAMB Sets April 16–25, 2026 for UTME Nationwide
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will take place nationwide from April 16 to 25, 2026. The board made the announcement to give candidates enough time to plan and navigate the registration and examination process.
UTME registration will open on January 26 and close on February 28, while Direct Entry (DE) registration will run from March 2 to April 25. Candidates are required to create a JAMB profile linked to a unique mobile number and their National Identification Number (NIN) before purchasing an E-PIN at participating banks, POS outlets, or online payment platforms. A 10-character profile code will be sent to the registered phone number, which candidates must present to complete the E-PIN purchase.
Key dates for candidates include the mock UTME on March 28, 2026, and the main examination between April 16 and April 25. UTME results will be released after the completion of all evaluations.
Academic requirements remain in place: UTME candidates must have at least five O’Level credit passes, including English Language. Direct Entry candidates must have O’Level credits plus higher qualifications such as A-Level, ND, NCE, HND, or Degree. The mandatory reading text for all 2026 UTME candidates is The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba.
Fees for the examinations are as follows:
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UTME with mock exam: N8,700
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UTME without mock exam: N7,700
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Direct Entry applicants: N5,700
These fees cover application processing, prescribed reading materials, computer-based test services, examination centre charges, and bank processing fees.
JAMB has also highlighted inclusivity for candidates with disabilities, advising that applicants who are blind, deaf, or mute, or who have conditions such as albinism, Down syndrome, autism, dyslexia, or ADHD, indicate their status during registration. This ensures appropriate assistance and placement at JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) centres.
Candidates are reminded that the use of earphones, wristwatches, mobile phones, electronic devices, and pens is strictly prohibited, with only HB pencils allowed during the exam. Additionally, all admissions must be processed through JAMB CAPS, as any offers outside the system are considered illegal and will not be recognized.
This early announcement allows prospective students to adequately prepare for both the logistical and academic aspects of the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry examinations.
