The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the 2026 UTME examination dates. If you have already registered or you are planning to register for JAMB, it is very important to know the correct exam date so you can prepare properly and avoid confusion.
Knowing the official examination date helps you plan your reading, organise your time, and get ready mentally and academically for the exam. Instead of guessing or listening to rumours, candidates can now focus on serious preparation and do the right things at the right time.
The purpose of this post is to clearly show you the official 2026 JAMB UTME exam date, the full timetable, and other important information you need, so you can prepare well and stay fully ready for the examination.
2026 JAMB UTME Important Dates
Below is the official schedule you should save and share with friends:-
Registration & e-PIN Sales
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| e-PIN Sales Begin | Monday, January 19, 2026 |
| UTME Registration Opens | Monday, January 26, 2026 |
| UTME Registration Closes | Saturday, February 28, 2026 |
| Direct Entry (DE) Registration Begins | Monday, March 2, 2026 |
| Direct Entry (DE) Registration Ends | Saturday, April 25, 2026 |
Notes:-
- The UTME registration window is fixed, and no late entries are accepted after the closing date.
- DE registration is for candidates seeking admission into 200 level or higher based on qualifications such as ND, NCE, HND, A-Level, or Degree.
Mock UTME (Optional)
- Mock UTME Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
This mock test is optional but highly recommended, especially for first-time UTME candidates.
Main UTME Examination Dates
- 16th April – 25th April, 2026
The UTME will be conducted nationwide at accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres. Candidates will receive their specific exam day, time, and centre location on their exam slip when printing starts closer to the exam period.
How to Register for 2026 JAMB UTME
Here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you complete your JAMB UTME registration:-
- Link your NIN to your phone number: Your National Identification Number (NIN) must be linked to a valid mobile phone number before you start.
- Generate a Profile Code: Send your NIN to the official number (e.g., 55019) to receive your JAMB profile code.
- Buy the e-PIN: Visit any bank, POS agent, or online payment channel approved by JAMB, and purchase your e-PIN.
- Complete Registration at an Accredited CBT Centre: Visit an accredited CBT centre to fill in your details, upload your photo, capture biometrics, and submit your details.
- Print Your UTME Slip: Before the exam starts, reprint your JAMB slip to confirm your exam day, time, and venue.
What Subjects Will You Write?
During the UTME, you will answer questions in four subjects:-
- Use of English (mandatory)
- Three other subjects related to your chosen programme in JAMB.
Your subject combination depends on the course you are applying for. Preparing early and following a study plan is key to success.
Tips to Prepare for 2026 UTME
If you want to score high in the 2026 UTME, you need more than luck; you need good preparation and consistency. Here are some practical tips that will truly help you:-
- Don’t wait until registration is almost closing before you begin to study. Start preparing ahead of time so you don’t rush your reading. Studying little by little every day is better than trying to read everything at once.
- Pay more attention to the subjects you will write in the exam, especially your course-related subjects and Use of English. Use past questions to understand how questions are set and what areas come up often.
- If you choose to write the Mock UTME, don’t treat it like a joke. It helps you understand how the CBT exam works, how to manage your time, and how to answer questions on a computer. This alone can reduce fear and confusion on the real exam day.
- Always check your name, date of birth, subject combination, and institution choices on your JAMB profile. Small mistakes in your details can cause big problems during admission.
- Always rely on information from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) website and trusted news sources. Avoid rumours and fake updates on social media that can mislead you.
- Even if you don’t feel like reading every day, try to be consistent. A little study daily is better than long reading once in a while. Discipline is what makes the difference between average scores and high scores.
If you found this information helpful, kindly share this post with friends and other JAMB candidates so they can also know the correct 2026 UTME examination date and prepare properly. Getting the right information early can make a big difference.
Also, if you have any questions, need clarification, or want help with anything about JAMB registration, UTME, or the admission process, drop your questions in the comment section, and they will be answered as soon as possible.
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