JAMB 2026 UTME Registration Guidelines: Full Details for Candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the complete registration guidelines for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Terticulation Examination (UTME). As preparations for the new admission cycle begin, candidates are advised to follow these instructions carefully to avoid registration errors or disqualification.

The newly released guidelines cover the approved registration timeline, NIN and profile code procedures, data requirements, biometric rules, and common errors candidates should expect during the registration process.

JAMB 2026 UTME Registration Dates

JAMB has confirmed the following dates for the 2026 UTME registration period:

• Registration Begins: Friday, January 31, 2026
• Registration Ends: Saturday, March 8, 2026

Candidates are strongly encouraged to register early to avoid network delays and last-minute congestion at CBT centres.

How to Generate JAMB 2026 Profile Code Using NIN

Before visiting any CBT centre, candidates must generate their JAMB profile code using their National Identification Number (NIN).

To generate your profile code:

1. Open your SMS app.
2. Enter the following format:
   NIN 00000011111
3. Send to 55019 or 66019.
4. A 10-digit profile code will be sent to your phone.

Once a profile code is generated, it cannot be changed. All biodata used for registration is automatically retrieved from NIMC, so candidates must ensure their NIMC details are correct.

Personal Data Requirements for Registration

Before registration, candidates should confirm that the following information is correct on the NIMC portal:

• Full Name
• Date of Birth
• Gender
• State and Local Government of Origin
• Phone number
• Email address

The phone number and email address must be functional and unique to each candidate. They cannot be reused or changed after registration.

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Where to Register for JAMB 2026 UTME

Candidates can only register at approved JAMB CBT centres or any official JAMB office nationwide. Cyber cafés are not authorized to conduct registration.

At the CBT centre, candidates must ensure the following:

• Dual computer screens are used
• Passport photograph is clear
• Biometric fingerprints are captured correctly
• All personal details are reviewed before final submission

Purchase of JAMB 2026 E-PIN

JAMB 2026 E-PINs must be obtained from approved sources only, which include:

• Banks
• Accredited vendors
• Authorized online payment platforms
• Registration centres

Candidates must confirm that their details on the registration template are correct before submission, as some errors cannot be corrected later.

Common JAMB Profile Code Errors and Solutions

Below are common issues candidates may encounter during profile code generation:

Error 55019 or 66019

Cause: Incorrect SMS format
Solution: Use the correct format:
NIN 00000011111

Number Already Registered

Cause: Phone number is linked to an existing profile
Solution: Retrieve the SIM card or use another active number

Unable to Verify NIN

Cause: NIMC verification network delay
Solution: Wait for a few hours and retry

Biometric and Registration Issues

Candidates with fingerprint or biometric issues during registration should visit the nearest JAMB office for support. No CBT centre is allowed to forcefully register any candidate with biometric challenges.

Candidates are advised to cross-check all details, confirm their passport photo, verify fingerprints, and ensure all documents and information are correct before final submission.

Final Advice to Candidates

To avoid delays or disqualification:

• Correct your NIMC details early
• Use your personal phone number and email
• Keep your profile code and E-PIN safe
• Register only at accredited CBT centres
• Do not rush; carefully review all entries

The 2026 UTME registration process requires accuracy, early preparation, and strict adherence to JAMB’s approved guidelines.

For official and up-to-date information on JAMB 2026 UTME registration, candidates are advised to always visit the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board official website at https://www.jamb.gov.ng.

Candidates who wish to buy the JAMB 2026 UTME E-PIN online can do so through JAMB’s official e-Facility portal at https://www.jamb.gov.ng/Efacility. Buying the E-PIN from the official portal helps prevent fraud and ensures that all candidate details are properly captured on the JAMB system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on JAMB 2026 UTME Registration

1. When will JAMB 2026 UTME registration start and end?

JAMB 2026 UTME registration will begin on Friday, January 31, 2026, and will close on Saturday, March 8, 2026. Candidates are advised to complete their registration early to avoid network issues.

2. What are the requirements for JAMB 2026 UTME registration?

The requirements include a valid National Identification Number (NIN), a personal phone number, a functional email address, accurate biodata on NIMC, and a JAMB profile code generated before registration.

3. How can I generate my JAMB 2026 profile code?

To generate your JAMB 2026 profile code, send your 11-digit NIN in the format NIN 00000011111 to 55019 or 66019 using your personal phone number.

4. Can I change my JAMB profile code after generating it?

No, once a JAMB profile code is generated, it cannot be changed. All biodata is automatically retrieved from the NIMC database.

5. Where can I register for JAMB 2026 UTME?

JAMB 2026 UTME registration can only be done at JAMB-approved CBT centres or official JAMB offices nationwide. Registration at cyber cafés is not allowed.

6. How much is the JAMB 2026 UTME form?

JAMB has not yet officially announced the cost of the 2026 UTME form. Candidates are advised to purchase E-PINs only from authorized banks, vendors, or online platforms approved by JAMB.

7. What should I do if I encounter error 55019 or 66019 during profile code generation?

Error 55019 or 66019 usually occurs due to incorrect SMS format. Ensure you send your NIN in the correct format to 55019 or 66019 and retry.

8. Can I register for JAMB 2026 UTME without NIN?

No, NIN is mandatory for JAMB 2026 UTME registration. Candidates without NIN must visit a NIMC enrolment centre to complete registration before proceeding.

9. What happens if my biometrics fail during JAMB registration?

Candidates with biometric issues during registration should visit the nearest JAMB office for assistance. CBT centres are not permitted to force biometric capture.

10. Can I use the same phone number or email for two JAMB registrations?

No, JAMB does not allow the use of the same phone number or email address for multiple registrations. Each candidate must use a unique and functional phone number and email.

11. Where can I get verified updates on JAMB 2026 registration?

All verified updates, announcements, and changes regarding JAMB 2026 UTME registration are published on JAMB’s official website at https://www.jamb.gov.ng. Candidates are advised to rely only on information from this official platform.

12. How can I buy JAMB 2026 UTME E-PIN online safely?

Candidates can safely purchase the JAMB 2026 UTME E-PIN online through the official JAMB e-Facility portal at https://www.jamb.gov.ng/Efacility. This ensures secure payment and proper linkage of the E-PIN to the candidate’s profile.