The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced that the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will be held nationwide from April 16 to April 25, 2026. This update gives millions of prospective university students across Nigeria clear dates to plan for one of the most important assessments in their academic journey.
According to the board’s announcement, registration for the 2026 UTME will begin on January 26 and close on February 28. After creating a profile linked to a unique mobile number and the National Identification Number (NIN), candidates must purchase an E-PIN from approved banks, point-of-service outlets, or online payment platforms before they can complete their registration.
JAMB has also set the registration period for Direct Entry (DE) candidates, applicants seeking university admission based on higher qualifications such as A-Level, National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or degrees, to run from March 2 until April 25, 2026.
In the official announcement, JAMB said registration requirements include linking a profile to a valid mobile phone number and NIN. This is designed to ensure accuracy in candidate identification and reduce fraudulent entries.
The board also highlighted important preparatory activities leading up to the main UTME. One of these is the Mock UTME, an optional preparatory test scheduled for March 28, 2026, which is intended to help candidates familiarize themselves with the computer-based testing format.
When explaining some of the key steps for candidates, JAMB noted: “A 10-character profile code will be sent back to the phone number. Present this code at any participating bank, POS, or online payment platform to complete the E-PIN purchase.” This step is mandatory for UTME participation and aims to organize the process and reduce irregularities.
For the UTME itself, the board made it clear that “The 2026 UTME will commence on Thursday, 16th April, 2026 and end on Saturday, 25th April, 2026.” These exam dates apply to students nationwide and are expected to be strictly enforced.
In the same release, JAMB also explained its policy for younger applicants: “Only candidates who will not be less than 16 years old by 30th September, 2026 are generally eligible to apply/be considered.” However, the board added that younger applicants who meet exceptional performance criteria can be considered for a waiver after an extensive evaluation.
Direct Entry candidates were also given specific dates for when they can get their forms and complete registration. “Sale of 2026 Direct Entry (DE) application documents and E-PIN vending would commence from Monday, 2nd March, 2026, and end by Saturday, 25th April, 2026, and would only be at the Board’s State and Zonal Offices.”
Beyond scheduling, JAMB’s preparations for the 2026 UTME have involved extensive logistical arrangements. For example, the board has already begun accrediting the hundreds of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres that will host the examination across Nigeria, ensuring they meet operational standards.
Candidates and educational stakeholders see these preparations as vital to delivering a smooth, secure, and transparent examination process. The accreditation drive also seeks to address issues faced in past UTME cycles, including technical problems and administrative challenges by ensuring that test centres are properly equipped and compliant with JAMB’s requirements.
Many students have welcomed the timely announcement of the 2026 UTME dates, noting that knowing the schedule early helps them structure their study plans and financial arrangements. Parents and guardians have also reacted positively, as the clearer timeline makes it easier to plan logistics such as transportation, accommodation near exam centres, and supplementing study materials.
Overall, JAMB’s publication of the 2026 UTME calendar is an important milestone in Nigeria’s education calendar. With millions of candidates preparing to sit for the exam, timely information helps reduce uncertainty and allows students to focus on preparation rather than speculation.
