9 Things to Prepare Before JAMB 2026 Registration Begins: Essential Checklist

With JAMB 2026 UTME registration approaching, proper preparation is essential for a smooth registration process and successful exam performance. Here are 9 critical things every prospective candidate must prepare before registration begins.

1. Get Your National Identification Number (NIN)

Why NIN is Mandatory

The National Identification Number (NIN) remains a compulsory requirement for all JAMB UTME and Direct Entry candidates. Without a valid NIN, you cannot generate a profile code, and without a profile code, you cannot register for JAMB.

How to Get Your NIN

• If you don't have NIN: Visit the nearest NIMC enrollment center immediately
• Required documents: Birth certificate, valid ID, passport photographs
• Processing time: Can take several weeks, so start early
• Verify your NIN: Ensure it's active by checking on NIMC portal
• Check for errors: Verify name, date of birth, gender, state of origin are correct

Critical NIN Actions

• Fix any NIMC data errors BEFORE JAMB registration (visit NIMC office)
• Ensure your NIN works by sending it to 55019 or 66019 for verification
• Remember: JAMB retrieves your biodata from NIMC automatically
• NIMC errors will transfer to your JAMB profile and cannot be changed later

2. Register a Personal Phone Number

Why You Need Your Own Phone Number

• Required to generate JAMB profile code via SMS
• Receives all official JAMB communications and updates
• Cannot be shared with another candidate
• Must remain active throughout registration and admission process

Phone Number Requirements

• Personal number only: Do not use parents' or siblings' numbers
• Keep SIM safe: You'll need it to retrieve profile code if lost
• Ensure it's active: Must be able to receive SMS
• Keep credit on line: For receiving important messages

3. Set Up a Valid Email Address

Email as Backup Access

Your email address serves as a backup for your JAMB profile in case you lose access to your phone number. It is mandatory to provide an email address during registration.

Email Setup Guidelines

• Create Gmail account: Recommended for easy access and reliability
• Use personal email: Not shared with siblings or friends
• Memorable credentials: Choose password you can remember
• Keep active: Check regularly for JAMB communications
• Secure access: Enable two-factor authentication for security

4. Decide on Your Desired Course

Course Selection Strategy

Choose a course that matches both your passion and academic abilities. This decision requires thoughtful consideration before registration opens.

Factors to Consider

• Personal interest: Choose something you're genuinely passionate about
• Academic strength: Align with your best subjects
• Career prospects: Research job opportunities in the field
• Competition level: Consider how competitive the course is
• Cut-off marks: Check historical JAMB and post-UTME cut-offs

5. Select Your Target Institution(s)

Institution Selection Process

Research institutions offering your chosen course, considering admission requirements, fees, and location. Have backup options ready.

What to Research

• Course availability: Verify the institution offers your desired course
• Cut-off marks: Check JAMB and departmental cut-off requirements
• School fees: Research tuition costs and payment plans
• Location and accessibility: Consider proximity to home
• Accreditation status: Ensure programme is NUC-accredited
• Facilities and reputation: Research campus infrastructure and academic quality

Backup Options

Also research alternative institutions such as:

• Polytechnics offering ND in related fields
• Colleges of Education for NCE programmes
• Less competitive universities offering the same course

6. Know Your Required Subject Combination

Critical Importance

Each course has a specific set of UTME subjects required for admission. Choosing wrong subjects can jeopardize your admission chances entirely, even with a high JAMB score.

How to Find Correct Subject Combinations

• JAMB Brochure: Download from JAMB IBASS portal
• Institution websites: Check your target school's admission requirements
• Department pages: Verify subject combinations on departmental websites
• JAMB registration portal: Subject combinations are listed during registration

Common Subject Combination Examples

• Medicine: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
• Engineering: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
• Law: English, Literature, Government/History, any other Arts subject
• Accounting: English, Mathematics, Economics, and one of Government/Commerce

Always verify specific requirements for your chosen institution and course.

7. Seek Guidance When Needed

Don't Make Decisions in Isolation

If you are unsure about your choice of course, institution, or subject combination, don't hesitate to ask for guidance from:

• School counselors: Trained to guide students on career paths
• Teachers: Can advise based on your academic strengths
• Parents/guardians: Provide life experience and support
• University students: Get firsthand insights about courses and institutions
• Online communities: Join educational forums for peer advice
• Ulearngo platform: Access resources and guidance for course/institution selection

8. Familiarize Yourself with Registration Guidelines

JAMB Registration Process (3 Steps)

Step 1: Profile Code Generation

• Send your 11-digit NIN to 55019 or 66019
• Format: NIN [space] 00000011111
• Receive profile code via SMS
• Profile code is permanent and cannot be changed

Step 2: E-PIN Purchase

• Buy JAMB E-PIN from authorized vendors only
• Banks, approved online platforms, accredited vendors
• E-PIN sales begin January 26, 2026

Step 3: Registration at CBT Centre

• Visit JAMB office or approved CBT centre
• Bring profile code and E-PIN
• Complete registration with biometric capture
• Select subjects, institutions, and exam town
• Verify all details before final submission

Important Registration Tips

• Use dual screens: Monitor passport photo and biometric capture in real-time
• Verify accuracy: Check all details before final submission
• Fix NIMC errors first: Cannot correct after profile code generation
• Keep credentials safe: Store profile code, E-PIN, and registration details securely

9. Begin Exam Preparation Now

Start Studying Early

Don't wait until after registration to begin preparation. Start your study preparations now to maximize your chances of success.

Effective Preparation Strategies

• Practice with past questions: Study JAMB past questions from previous years
• Use CBT practice software: Familiarize yourself with computer-based exam format
• Study your UTME subjects: Focus on the four subjects you'll register
• Join study groups: Collaborate with other JAMB candidates
• Use Ulearngo platform: Access comprehensive JAMB CBT practice with thousands of questions
• Create study schedule: Allocate time daily for JAMB preparation

Complete Pre-Registration Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you're fully prepared:

Documents and Requirements

• ☐ Valid 11-digit NIN (verify it works)
• ☐ NIMC data verified (no errors in name, DOB, gender, state)
• ☐ Personal phone number registered and active
• ☐ Valid email address created (Gmail recommended)
• ☐ Digital passport photograph ready
• ☐ O'Level results accessible (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB with scratch cards)

Academic Decisions Made

• ☐ First choice course decided
• ☐ First choice institution selected
• ☐ Second choice course/institution selected
• ☐ UTME subject combination verified (checked JAMB brochure)
• ☐ Backup institutions researched

Preparation Status

• ☐ Study materials gathered (textbooks, past questions)
• ☐ Study schedule created
• ☐ CBT practice started (using Ulearngo or other platforms)
• ☐ Registration guidelines reviewed
• ☐ Financial planning done (registration fee, exam preparation costs)

Important JAMB 2026 Timeline

Event	Date
Profile Code Generation	Available now (send NIN to 55019/66019)
E-PIN Sales Begin	January 26, 2026
Registration Opens	To be announced (after E-PIN sales)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Before Registration

• Don't delay getting NIN: NIMC enrollment can take weeks
• Don't skip NIMC data verification: Errors cannot be fixed after profile code generation
• Don't choose courses randomly: Research thoroughly before deciding
• Don't ignore subject combinations: Wrong subjects = admission rejection

During Registration

• Don't rush: Verify all details carefully before submission
• Don't use shared phone numbers: Each candidate needs unique contact
• Don't buy E-PINs from unauthorized vendors: Risk invalid PINs
• Don't force biometric capture: Visit JAMB office if issues occur

Study Preparation Resources

Ulearngo JAMB Practice Platform

Access comprehensive JAMB preparation resources:

• CBT Practice: Ulearngo JAMB Practice
• Past Questions: Thousands of JAMB past questions with detailed explanations
• Subject Tutorials: Video lessons and study guides for all JAMB subjects
• Mock Exams: Full-length practice tests in CBT format
• Performance Analytics: Track your progress and identify weak areas

Study Tips

• Start with past questions from the last 10 years
• Practice daily in CBT format to build speed and accuracy
• Focus on understanding concepts, not just memorization
• Time yourself when practicing to simulate exam conditions
• Review explanations for questions you get wrong

Financial Preparation

Budget Planning

Prepare financially for:

• JAMB registration fee: Approximately ₦5,000-₦7,000 (to be announced)
• E-PIN purchase: From authorized vendors
• Study materials: Textbooks, past question compilations
• CBT practice platforms: Subscription fees if applicable
• Transport: Travel to registration center and exam venue
• Post-UTME: Screening fees for your chosen institutions

Getting Help and Guidance

Where to Seek Assistance

• JAMB Official Resources: Visit JAMB IBASS portal for brochure and guidelines
• JAMB Offices: Visit nearest JAMB office for clarification
• School Counselors: Get professional career guidance
• Educational Platforms: Use Ulearngo for course selection guidance and exam prep
• Online Communities: Join JAMB preparation forums and groups

Action Plan: What to Do Now

This Week

1. Verify your NIN is active and error-free
2. Get a personal phone number if you don't have one
3. Create a Gmail account for JAMB registration
4. Start researching courses and institutions

Before January 26, 2026

1. Finalize course and institution choices
2. Verify UTME subject combinations using JAMB brochure
3. Fix any NIMC data errors
4. Begin serious exam preparation

After January 26, 2026

1. Purchase E-PIN from authorized vendors
2. Complete registration promptly (don't wait until deadline)
3. Print admission notice after successful registration
4. Intensify exam preparation

Why Early Preparation Matters

• Avoid last-minute stress: Rushing leads to errors and mistakes
• Better decision-making: Time to research and choose wisely
• Smooth registration: All requirements ready when registration opens
• More study time: Earlier start means better exam preparation
• Higher success rate: Prepared candidates perform better

For More Information

• JAMB Registration Guide: Download from JAMB IBASS
• Subject Combinations: Check JAMB brochure for complete list
• CBT Practice: Start practicing on Ulearngo
• NIMC Offices: Visit for NIN enrollment or corrections

Final Reminders

• Start NOW: Don't wait until registration opens
• Verify NIN data: Fix errors before profile code generation
• Choose wisely: Research courses and institutions thoroughly
• Prepare financially: Budget for all registration and preparation costs
• Study daily: Consistent preparation leads to better results
• Stay informed: Monitor JAMB official channels for updates