So the dates, cost and other details for the 2026 JAMB UTME and Direct Entry are out. We have reduced this whole process into 6 points you must take note of before you begin the registration.

1. 2026 JAMB UTME Key Dates

Do you know the following dates and deadlines?

• Sale of UTME & DE forms starts: Monday, 26 January 2026
• UTME registration closes: Saturday, 28 February 2026
• E-PIN vending (UTME): 19 January – 26 February 2026
• Direct Entry registration: 2 March – 25 April 2026
• Mock UTME (optional): Saturday, 28 March 2026
• JAMB UTME exam: 16 April – 25 April 2026

If you don’t like rushing, or want to write Mock (really recommended), please do not wait till February.

2. How Much Are You Paying For 2026 JAMB Registration?

No “they told me something else at the centre” excuse.

See what applies to you below:

UTME Candidates

• UTME without Mock: ₦7,200
• UTME with Mock: ₦8,700

Direct Entry Candidates

• DE e-PIN: ₦5,700

What This Money Covers (Know This!)

• Application form: ₦3,500
• Reading text: ₦1,000
• CBT registration service: ₦700
• CBT UTME service charge: ₦1,500
• Bank charges: ₦500
• Mock UTME (if applicable): ₦1,500

If any centre suddenly adds “extra processing fee”, ask questions.

3. Sort Your Documents Before You Step Out

Confirm you have the following documents before you go out to register for the 2026 UTME:

• Valid phone number (one candidate, one number)
• National Identification Number (NIN)
• Correct O’Level details (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB)
• Passport photograph (if required by centre)
• Email address you actually check

This LINK shows you the closest JAMB centres to you in Ibadan.

4. 2026 JAMB: Mock or No Mock?

Ask yourself honestly.

• I’ve never written JAMB CBT → Take the Mock
• I panic easily in exams → Take the Mock
• I want to test the centre & system → Take the Mock

5. Age Eligibility for 2026 JAMB UTME

This one is sensitive. Will you be 16 years old by 30 September 2026? If If you’re below 16 by then, JAMB says exceptional performance is required. This means scoring 320 or above in UTME, then more than 80% in SSCE, Post-UTME and a special exam to be announced later.

6. Choose Subjects Carefully

You are writing:

• English Language (compulsory)
• Three subjects relevant to my course

Click https://ibass.jamb.gov.ng/e-syllabus to access the JAMB UTME Syllabus, Brochure and other materials.

Confirm that the requirements work for my chosen institution. Don’t rely on “my friend said”; wrong subject combination can waste your admission year.

Final Checklist Before You Register

Lastly, use this post as your step-by-step checklist. If you miss any box, you’re on your own o 😄.

• ☐ I know my deadlines
• ☐ I know my exact cost
• ☐ I have my documents ready
• ☐ I’ve chosen the right subjects
• ☐ I’m registering early, not late

If all boxes are ticked, you’re good to go.

Final Advice

JAMB is not hard, but carelessness is expensive. Register early, prepare properly and don’t let anybody confuse you.