The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the official timetable for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), providing clarity for millions of candidates preparing for admission into universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across Nigeria.
According to information released for the 2026 exercise, UTME registration is scheduled to begin on January 26, 2026, and will close on February 28, 2026. The sale of e-PINs is expected to commence earlier in January to give candidates enough time to complete their registration before the deadline.
Prospective candidates are required to link their National Identification Number (NIN) to a valid mobile number before proceeding with registration, as this remains a compulsory requirement for the examination process.
The Board has fixed the main UTME to hold nationwide from April 16 to April 25, 2026. Within this window, candidates will be assigned specific dates, times and Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, which will be indicated on their examination slips. The examination will be conducted in batches across accredited CBT centres throughout the country.
In addition, the optional mock UTME has been scheduled for March 28, 2026. The mock examination is designed to help candidates familiarise themselves with the CBT format and test environment ahead of the main examination. Participation in the mock is not mandatory but is often recommended, particularly for first-time candidates.
Direct Entry registration is expected to commence on March 2, 2026, and will run until April 25, 2026. Applicants under the Direct Entry category are required to complete their registration at designated JAMB offices in line with the Board’s guidelines.
Candidates are also reminded that they must meet the minimum age requirement stipulated for admission and ensure that all registration details are accurate to avoid complications during admission processing. Examination slips, which contain individual schedules and centre information, will be made available for printing before the examination period.
With the 2026 UTME slated for mid-April, stakeholders have advised candidates to complete their registration early and intensify preparation ahead of the examination dates, as the Board maintains its commitment to a smooth and credible admission process nationwide.