JAMB UTME 2026 Guidelines: Registration Requirements and Exam Rules

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released comprehensive guidelines for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This guide covers everything candidates need to know about registration, exam conduct, and important rules.

2026 UTME Key Dates

Registration Requirements

Essential Documents

• National Identification Number (NIN): Mandatory for all candidates - visit NIMC enrolment centres if you don't have one
• Valid email address: Must be unique and functional throughout the admission process
• O'Level results: Or awaiting results certificate
• Profile code: Generated via SMS to 55019 or 66019

Age Requirement

Candidates must be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026 to be eligible. Exceptionally gifted candidates below this age must score at least 320 (80%) in UTME and complete an indemnity form.

Phone and Email Rules

• Each candidate must use a unique phone number - cannot be shared with anyone
• Email addresses must also be unique to each candidate
• Once registered, phone numbers and emails cannot be changed
• Keep these contact details functional throughout the process

Registration Fees

Purchase e-PINs only from authorized channels: banks, approved online platforms, or licensed vendors at registration centres.

How to Generate Profile Code

1. Get your 11-digit NIN from your NIMC slip
2. Send SMS in format: NIN 12345678901 (with space) to 55019 or 66019
3. Cost: N50 per SMS
4. Your profile code will be sent to your phone
5. Important: Profile code cannot be changed once generated

Biometric Verification Rules

• At least two fingerprints are captured during registration
• No entry into examination hall without successful biometric verification
• Candidates with biometric abnormalities must register and take exams at JAMB Abuja Headquarters
• Travel facilitation provided for candidates with biometric challenges

Examination Day Rules

Prohibited Items

The following items are NOT allowed in examination centres:

• Mobile phones and electronic devices
• Earphones/earbuds
• Wristwatches (including smart watches)
• Pens and biros - only pencils are allowed
• Programmable calculators
• Any communication devices

Required Reading Material

All candidates, regardless of course choice, will be tested on the general text: "The Lekki Headmaster" by Kabir Alabi Garba. Ensure you read this book before your examination.

Special Provisions for Candidates with Disabilities

JAMB provides support for candidates with special needs:

Full Fee Refund

The following candidates receive full registration fee refunds if they have 5 credits at registration:

• Blind candidates
• Deaf candidates
• Candidates on wheelchairs

JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG)

Candidates with the following conditions should indicate during registration for special attention:

• Albinism
• Down Syndrome
• Autism
• Dyslexia
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Amputees
• Paralysis or Cerebral Palsy
• Physical disfigurements

Data Accuracy Warning

JAMB emphasizes the importance of accurate data:

• Ensure all information in your NIMC record is correct before registration
• Make corrections at NIMC before starting JAMB registration
• Verify changes have reflected on the portal before proceeding
• Mismatched information can cause serious complications

Common Registration Errors and Solutions

"Error 550/66019" or "Wrong Parameter"

Incorrect SMS format. Use: NIN [space] YourNIN to 55019 or 66019

"Number Already Registered"

The phone number has been used before. You must find and use that specific SIM card.

"Unable to Verify NIN"

Usually a temporary network issue. Wait a few hours and try again.

"Record Not Found"

Your NIN is not in the NIMC database. Visit an NIMC office for validation.

CBT Centre Standards

JAMB has set strict requirements for examination centres:

• Mandatory use of Microsoft Camera software for registration
• Laptop computers with minimum 2GB RAM for client systems
• No collaboration with prohibited tutorial centres
• Autobot system required for centre accreditation
• Non-compliant centres risk delisting

Admission Status Declaration

For 2026, all candidates must declare:

• Whether they are currently admitted to any tertiary institution
• Falsifying this information leads to registration cancellation and possible prosecution
• Candidates already in institutions attempting UTME may face withdrawal from current programme

For official updates, visit www.jamb.gov.ng or the registration portal at portal.jamb.gov.ng.