Your Ultimate Guide to JAMB 2026: Registration, Dates, and Top Tips for Success

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The JAMB 2026 examination is just around the corner, and we at Opportunities Unlock are here to guide you every step of the way. This blog post is your one-stop guide for everything you need to know about the JAMB 2026 exam. We will cover registration, important dates, fees, and share some top tips to help you score high. Let’s get started!

Important Dates for JAMB 2026

First things first, let’s mark our calendars with these important dates. Knowing these dates will help you plan and prepare effectively.

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What You Need to Register for JAMB 2026

Before you can register, you need to have a few things ready. Here’s a simple checklist of the requirements:
  • National Identification Number (NIN): This is a must-have. If you don’t have one, you need to get it from any NIMC enrollment center near you.
  • O’Level Results: You need at least five (5) credit passes in your O’Level results (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB), including English Language. If you are waiting for your results, you can use the “Awaiting Result” option.
  • JAMB Profile: You need to create a profile on the JAMB official website. We will guide you on how to do this in the next section. 

Create Jamb Profile here : https://portal.jamb.gov.ng/

How to Register for JAMB 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide

Registering for JAMB can seem complicated, but if you follow these steps, you’ll find it easy. Here is a simple guide to help you through the process:

jamb registration process
  • Get Your NIN: As mentioned earlier, your NIN is very important. Make sure you have it ready.
  • Create Your JAMB Profile: To create your profile, send your NIN (e.g., NIN 00123456789) as an SMS to 55019 or 66019 from your personal phone number. You will receive a 10-digit profile code.
  • Purchase Your e-PIN: You can buy your e-PIN from banks, mobile money operators, or online on the JAMB website.
  • Visit a JAMB Accredited CBT Center: With your profile code and e-PIN, go to any JAMB accredited CBT center. A list of accredited centers is available on the JAMB website.
  • Complete Your Registration: At the CBT center, your fingerprints and picture will be taken. You will also fill in your personal details, choice of institutions and courses, and other required information.
  • Print Your Registration Slip: After completing your registration, make sure you print your registration slip. This slip is very important, so keep it safe.

JAMB 2026 Registration Fees

Here is a breakdown of the fees for the 2026 JAMB registration:
  • UTME with Mock Exam: ₦8,700
  • UTME without Mock Exam: ₦7,200
  • Direct Entry (DE): ₦5,700
  • Foreign candidates: $30

Fee breakdown: Application ₦3,500 + Reading Text ₦1,000 + CBT Centre Registration ₦700 + CBT Centre Service ₦1,500 + Bank Charges ₦500 + Mock ₦1,500 (if applicable).

Age Requirement & Underage Waiver

Candidates must be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026 to be considered for admission.

Underage Waiver: Candidates below 16 can still register but must score 80% or higher in each of: UTME, Post-UTME, SSCE, and the exceptional candidate assessment. Results for underage candidates are released only after completing this evaluation.

2026 JAMB Cut-Off Marks

  • Universities: 140 (minimum)
  • Polytechnics: 100
  • Colleges of Education: 100

Note: Top universities set higher departmental cut-offs. UI, UNILAG, UNN typically require 200-280 for competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering.

JAMB Syllabus

Access the JAMB syllabus via the IBASS portal or scan the QR code on your registration slip. You can also view all subjects at this link.

The Official JAMB Novel for 2026

For the 2026 UTME, the official novel is “The Lekki Headmaster” by Kabir Alabi Garba. You will be tested on this novel in the Use of English paper, so make sure you read it thoroughly. You will get a copy of the novel when you register.

How to Prepare and Score High in JAMB 2026

Success in JAMB is all about smart preparation. Here are some tips to help you ace the exam:
jamb study tips
  • Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to start studying. The earlier you start, the more you can cover.
  • Use the JAMB Syllabus: The JAMB syllabus is your best friend. It tells you exactly what topics to focus on for each subject.
  • Practice with Past Questions: Practicing with past questions will help you get familiar with the exam format and the types of questions to expect.
  • Create a Study Timetable: A study timetable will help you stay organized and make sure you cover all your subjects.
  • Join Study Groups: Studying with friends can be very helpful. You can learn from each other and motivate one another.

Watch Our Webinar Recording

For more in-depth strategies and tips, check out the video recording of our recent webinar on our Opportunities Unlock YouTube channel. We covered everything you need to know to succeed in JAMB 2026.

Practice with Our JAMB English Mock Chatbot

To boost your English language skills, we have a special tool for you! Try our Jamb English Mock Practice chatbot. It’s a fun and interactive way to practice and improve your English.

Exam Day Essentials

On the day of your exam, make sure you have these items ready:
jamb exam day
  • Your JAMB registration slip
  • Your ID card
  • A simple wristwatch (not a smartwatch)
  • A pencil and an eraser

CAPS Portal – Admission Processing

After results release, check your admission status at efacility.jamb.gov.ng:

  • Recommended – School recommended you, JAMB reviewing
  • Admission in Progress – Submitted to JAMB for final approval
  • Admission Offered – Accept within 4 weeks via SMS (send “ACCEPT” to 55019)

Important: Candidates with “Awaiting Result” must upload O’Level results to the JAMB portal before admission processing.

How to Check JAMB 2026 Results

Send SMS containing “UTMERESULT” to 55019 using your registered phone number. Ensure you have at least ₦50 airtime. Verify results on the official JAMB website afterward.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has been helpful. Remember, success in JAMB is achievable with the right preparation and mindset. We at Opportunities Unlock are rooting for you! For more resources and updates, visit our website at www.opportunitiesunlock.com.ng.