As of Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the official schedule says UTME registration has not started yet. The timeline is:
- E-PIN sales start: Monday, January 19, 2026
- UTME registration period: Monday, January 26, 2026 to Saturday, February 28, 2026
Key dates to note for 2026
- UTME: E-PIN sales Jan 19–Feb 26, 2026; registration Jan 26–Feb 28, 2026
- Direct Entry (DE): sales and E-PIN vending Mar 2–Apr 25, 2026 (done only at JAMB State and Zonal Offices)
Before you buy anything
You must have:
- Your NIN
- A working phone number (SIM) that is unique to you (use the same number all through the process)
Step 1: Create your JAMB Profile Code
Send this SMS from your personal phone number:
NIN 00123456789
(Replace with your own 11-digit NIN)
Send to: 55019 or 66019
Make sure there is a space between NIN and your number.
You will receive a Profile Code by SMS.
Step 2: Buy the 2026 JAMB e-PIN (this is the “form”)
Take your Profile Code to an approved place selling JAMB e-PINs (banks and other approved vendors). After payment, you will receive your e-PIN by SMS.
Step 3: Know the correct price (to avoid being overcharged)
- Direct Entry (DE): ₦5,700
- UTME only (no mock): ₦7,200
- UTME with mock: ₦8,700
Step 4: Register at a JAMB-approved CBT centre
Go to a JAMB-accredited CBT centre (not a random cybercafé).
Bring:
- Your Profile Code
- Your e-PIN
At the CBT centre, they will complete your registration on the JAMB system and print your registration slip for you.
Step 5: Check the age rule
The 2026 notice says candidates are generally eligible if they will be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026. There is also a special process for underage candidates under strict conditions.
Step 6: How to recover your codes if you lose them
- If you lose your Profile Code, send RESEND to 55019 or 66019 from the same phone number.
- If you lose your e-PIN, send UTMEPIN to 55019 or 66019 from the same phone number.
