JAMB 2026 Registration: Your Complete Step-by-Step Guide

The air crackles with a unique blend of excitement and anxiety. It’s that time of the year again when the dreams of millions of Nigerian students converge on a single acronym: JAMB. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) isn’t just an exam; it’s a rite of passage, a critical gateway to the hallowed halls of universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the nation. For many, this journey is the first major step towards defining their future career and life path.

The pressure is immense, and understandably so. But before you can even think about mock exams, study schedules, or exam day strategies, you must conquer the first and arguably most crucial hurdle: the registration process. A simple mistake here—a misspelled name, an incorrect subject combination, or registration at an unaccredited centre—can have devastating consequences, potentially jeopardizing your admission prospects before you even sit for the exam.

Fear not. This guide has been meticulously crafted to be the single, most comprehensive resource you will need for the JAMB 2026 registration. We will walk you through every single step, from the foundational pre-registration requirements to the final printout and beyond. Our goal is to demystify the process, eliminate confusion, and empower you with the knowledge to complete your registration flawlessly and with confidence. We will cover the mandatory NIN requirement, generating your profile code, purchasing the e-PIN, the process at the CBT centre, a breakdown of official fees, and what to do after your registration is complete. Consider this your definitive roadmap to a successful JAMB 2026 registration. Let’s begin.

Part 1: Pre-Registration Essentials – The Foundation of a Flawless Application

Before you even think about visiting a CBT centre, there are foundational steps you must complete. Getting these right will make the actual registration process smooth and error-free. Neglecting them will stop you in your tracks.

1. The Unshakable Pillar: Your National Identification Number (NIN)

In recent years, JAMB has made the National Identification Number (NIN) the bedrock of the UTME and Direct Entry (DE) registration process. This is not optional; it is 100% mandatory. There are no exceptions.

What is NIN and Why is it Compulsory? The NIN is a unique 11-digit number issued to every Nigerian citizen and legal resident by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). JAMB’s insistence on its use is a strategic move to ensure the integrity of the examination process. It helps to:

• Eliminate Identity Fraud: By linking each candidate to a unique, biometrically-verified identity, NIN makes it nearly impossible for one person to register multiple times.
• Prevent Impersonation: It ensures that the person who registers is the same person who sits for the exam.
• Streamline Data: It creates a consistent data profile for each candidate that can be used from registration through to admission and even beyond graduation.

How to Get Your NIN if You Don’t Have One If you have never enrolled for the NIN, you must do so immediately. The process is straightforward:

1. Visit an NIMC Enrolment Centre: You can locate the nearest centre by visiting the NIMC website or simply searching online for “NIMC enrolment centres near me.” These are often located in local government secretariats, post offices, or dedicated NIMC offices.
2. Bring Required Documents: You will typically need your Bank Verification Number (BVN) for validation and any other valid identification document, such as a birth certificate or a local government of origin certificate.
3. The Enrolment Process: At the centre, you will be required to fill out a form, and your biometric data (fingerprints and a headshot) will be captured.
4. Issuance of a Slip: After a successful enrolment, you will be issued a transaction slip that contains your NIN. This slip is just as valid as the permanent card for registration purposes.

How to Retrieve Your NIN if You’ve Forgotten It If you have already enrolled but can’t remember your number, you don’t need to re-enrol. You can easily retrieve it using the phone number you linked during your enrolment.

• Dial the USSD Code: Simply dial *346# from your registered phone number.
• Follow the Prompts: The service will prompt you to enter required details, and your NIN will be displayed.
• Service Fee: Note that this service usually costs a nominal fee (around ₦20), so ensure you have airtime on your line.

The Most Critical Warning: Name Consistency This is a point of failure for many unsuspecting candidates. The name you use for your JAMB registration MUST be identical to the name on your NIN. Furthermore, this name should be the same as the one that will appear on your O’level (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB) result certificate.

• Consequences of Mismatch: A difference, even by a single letter (e.g., “Sadiq” on NIN vs. “Sodiq” for JAMB), can cause significant problems during university screening and clearance, potentially leading to a withdrawal of admission.
• How to Correct Your Name: If you notice a discrepancy, you must resolve it at an NIMC centre before you proceed with JAMB registration. The name correction process might take some time, so it’s crucial to verify this information weeks, if not months, before registration begins.

2. The Key to the Portal: Generating Your JAMB Profile Code

Once your NIN is sorted and your name is confirmed to be consistent across all documents, the next step is to generate your unique JAMB Profile Code. This 10-digit code is what links your identity (via your NIN) to the JAMB registration portal. You cannot purchase the e-PIN or register without it.

How to Generate the Profile Code: The process is done exclusively via SMS to ensure the linkage to a unique and verifiable phone number.

1. Open the SMS App on Your Phone: Use the same mobile number you used for your NIN registration. This is highly recommended for data consistency.
2. Compose a New Message: In the message body, type the word NIN followed by a space, and then type your 11-digit NIN.
   • Correct Format: NIN 12345678901
   • Incorrect Format: NIN12345678901 (No space) or My NIN is 12345678901 (Extra words)
3. Send the Message to the Official JAMB Short-code: The designated numbers are 55019 and 66019.
4. Receive Your Profile Code: After a short while, you will receive an SMS from JAMB containing your 10-digit Profile Code and your full name as registered on NIMC’s database.

Troubleshooting Common Profile Code Issues:

• “NIN not found” or “Invalid NIN”: Double-check that you typed the 11 digits correctly. If you’re certain it’s correct, there might be a temporary network issue with the NIMC database. Wait a while and try again.
• “Date of Birth Mismatch”: This error occurs if the DOB on your NIN record is different. You will need to visit an NIMC centre to rectify this.
• “NIN already used by another candidate”: This is a serious issue that suggests your NIN may have been compromised. You must visit a JAMB office immediately to resolve this.
• Not Receiving a Reply: Ensure you have at least ₦50 airtime on your line, as the SMS service is not free. Also, check that your mobile network is not experiencing any delays.

Carefully write down and save this Profile Code. You will need it to purchase your registration e-PIN.

Part 2: The Main Event – Registering at an Accredited CBT Centre

With your NIN and Profile Code in hand, you are now ready for the main registration. It is critical to understand that JAMB registration cannot be done from home, on your phone, or at just any cyber cafe. It must be completed at a JAMB-accredited Computer Based Test (CBT) Centre.

1. Locating and Choosing an Accredited Centre

JAMB annually releases a list of approved centres for each state. Using an unaccredited centre is a guaranteed way to have an invalid registration.

• Why is this important? Accredited centres have been vetted by JAMB, are equipped with the necessary hardware (like biometric scanners), and their staff are trained to handle the registration process correctly. Unofficial centres might overcharge you, make critical errors in your data, or be unable to complete the biometric verification.
• How to find the list: The official list is always published on the JAMB website (www.jamb.gov.ng) and widely circulated on educational news platforms. Simply search for “Official JAMB CBT Accredited Centres 2026.”

2. Purchasing the JAMB e-PIN

The e-PIN (Electronic Personal Identification Number) is the password that unlocks the registration form at the CBT centre. You must purchase this before going to the centre.

Official Cost Breakdown for JAMB 2026 (Based on previous years, subject to official confirmation):

• Registration e-PIN: ~₦3,500
• Compulsory Reading Text (The Life Changer or the new text for 2026): ~₦500 (This is included in the e-PIN fee)
• CBT Centre Registration Service Charge: ₦700 (This is paid directly to the centre, not included in the e-PIN)
• Total Estimated Cost: Approximately ₦4,700. Be wary of any centre asking for significantly more than this.

Methods of e-PIN Purchase: You need your Profile Code to buy the e-PIN. Present it to the vendor.

1. Banks: Visit any of the approved commercial banks (e.g., Zenith Bank, First Bank, UBA) and request the JAMB e-PIN.
2. Mobile Money Operators: Use platforms like Paga, Kudi, or other licensed operators.
3. Online Payment: Pay directly on the JAMB portal using a debit card.
4. USSD Codes: Some mobile networks or financial institutions may provide a USSD code for direct purchase.

After payment, your unique e-PIN will be delivered to your phone via SMS. Guard this PIN carefully.

3. The Registration Process at the CBT Centre

This is where all your preparation comes together. Go to your chosen accredited centre with the following:

• Your Profile Code
• Your e-PIN
• Your O’level result(s), if available. If not, you will use the “Awaiting Result” option.
• A mental or written list of your desired courses and institutions.

The Step-by-Step Data Capture Process:

Step 1: Verification You will present your Profile Code and e-PIN to the CBT operator. They will enter it into the JAMB portal to verify your identity and pull up your registration form.

Step 2: Filling the Registration Form The operator will fill the form based on the information you provide. You must pay close attention and provide accurate details for each section.

• Personal Information: Your name, date of birth, gender, and state of origin will be pre-populated from your NIN data. You cannot change this here. This is why verifying your NIN details beforehand is so important.
• Choice of Institutions and Courses: This is a critical section. You will make four choices in order of preference.
  • 1st Choice: Must be a University (Federal, State, or Private).
  • 2nd Choice: Can be a University, Polytechnic, or College of Education.
  • 3rd Choice: Can be a Polytechnic or College of Education.
  • 4th Choice: Can be a College of Education or an Innovation Enterprise Institute.
  • Strategic Advice: Your first choice should be your most desired institution and course. Research the course requirements and cut-off marks for your choices using the official JAMB Brochure to ensure you are eligible.
• UTME Subject Combination: You must select four subjects.
  • Use of English is compulsory for all candidates.
  • The other three subjects must be relevant to the course you wish to study. For example, for Medicine, you must choose Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. For Law, you would typically choose Literature-in-English, Government, and CRK/IRK.
  • Warning: Choosing the wrong subject combination is one of the most common reasons for being denied admission, even with a high score. Always consult the latest JAMB Brochure.
• O’level Results:
  • If you have your result: You will provide the grades for your subjects (e.g., A1, B2, C6), your examination number, and the year you sat for the exam. You can use up to two sittings.
  • If you are using “Awaiting Result”: If you are in your final year of secondary school and haven’t written WAEC/NECO, you will select the “Awaiting Result” (AR) option. It is your responsibility to upload the result to the JAMB portal once it is released. Failure to do so means you will not be offered admission.
• Choice of Examination Town: You will choose the state and town where you wish to write your exam. JAMB will then assign you to a specific CBT centre within that town. You cannot choose the specific centre during registration.

Step 3: Biometric Capture This is a mandatory step to prevent impersonation.

• The operator will use a scanner to capture the fingerprints of all ten of your fingers.
• Ensure your fingers are clean and free from any substance like oil, cream, or henna, as this can interfere with the scanner.
• In the rare case of a biometric verification failure, the centre has a procedure to follow, which may involve getting special approval from a JAMB official.

Step 4: Review, Confirmation, and Submission Before the operator submits your application, they MUST show you the screen with all your entered data for your final review.

• Read everything carefully. Check the spelling of your name, your date of birth, your choices of institution, and especially your subject combination.
• This is your last chance to correct any errors for free. Once submitted, corrections will cost you money and time.
• After you have confirmed that all details are 100% correct, the operator will submit your application.

Step 5: Your Registration Printouts Immediately after submission, you will be given two documents:

1. The JAMB Registration Slip: This is a colour printout that contains all your registration details, your passport photograph, and other information. It is proof of your registration.
2. The Compulsory Reading Text: You will be given a copy of the official novel for the UTME.

Do not leave the CBT centre without these two items.

Part 3: Post-Registration – Your Journey Is Not Over

Successfully registering is a huge milestone, but there are a few more steps to keep in mind as you prepare for your exam.

1. Safeguard Your Documents

Keep your Registration Slip and e-PIN in a safe and secure place. While you can reprint the slip, it’s best to have the original handy. Your email address and password for the JAMB portal are also vital; keep them secure.

2. Study the Compulsory Reading Text

Questions from this novel will appear in your Use of English exam. Read it thoroughly multiple times to understand the plot, characters, themes, and settings.

3. Printing Your Official Examination Slip

The slip you received after registration is NOT your final exam slip. It does not contain your exam date, time, or specific venue.

• JAMB will announce a date (usually about one to two weeks before the exam) for candidates to print their official Examination Slip.
• You will need to log in to the JAMB e-facility portal (portal.jamb.gov.ng/efacility/) with your registration number or email address to print it. This slip is what you will take to the examination hall.

4. Understanding JAMB CAPS and Uploading O’level Results

If you used the “Awaiting Result” option, this is for you.

• CAPS (Central Admission Processing System) is the official JAMB portal where all admissions are processed. Your admission status will be determined here.
• Once your WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB results are released, you must go back to an accredited CBT centre to upload them to your JAMB CAPS profile.
• Warning: No matter how high you score in the UTME, you cannot be offered admission without a complete O’level result uploaded on CAPS.

5. Correction of Data

If, after registration, you discover a mistake, JAMB provides a window for “Correction of Data.” This service is not free. You can typically make corrections for:

• Name (Spelling errors)
• Date of Birth
• Gender
• State/LGA of Origin
• Choice of Institution/Course
• UTME Subject Combination

This must be done at an accredited CBT centre for a fee. It’s always better to get it right the first time.

Conclusion: You Are Ready!

Congratulations! By following this comprehensive guide, you have navigated the complexities of the JAMB 2026 registration process. You have laid a solid foundation by securing your NIN, generating your Profile Code, and carefully completing your registration at an accredited centre. You have double-checked your details and understand the crucial post-registration steps.

This process, while detailed, is designed to protect you and ensure fairness and integrity in the Nigerian tertiary education admission system. With the registration hurdle successfully cleared, you can now channel all your energy and focus into what truly matters: preparing diligently for the examination. Study smart, stay informed, and walk into that exam hall with the confidence of a candidate who has gotten everything right from the very beginning.

We wish you the very best in your academic pursuits. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below, and please share this guide with other candidates who might find it helpful. Good luck!