The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that the 2026 UTME registration is now open. The sale of registration forms for this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) started nationwide on Monday, 26 January 2026.
But before you visit the JAMB website or any internet cafe around, you must ensure you have all you need. Following the latest guidelines, you wouldn’t be able to register to take this year’s exam if you don’t have any of these 6 things.
ALSO READ: JAMB Releases 2026 UTME Registration Guidelines — Everything You Need to Know 
1. Your National Identification Number (NIN)
The National Identification Number (NIN) is mandatory for this year’s UTME/DE candidates. If you don’t have your NIN, go to the nearest approved NIMC enrolment centre to register
2. A Registered Phone Number
You can’t complete the 2026 UTME registration without generating a profile code. Meanwhile, this is only possible after you send your NIN to a JAMB shortcode using this registered phone number. So, get a valid, registered phone number to complete this process.
You’ll also get future SMS updates from JAMB on this number. Make sure it’s a number you have easy access to, or better still, your personal number.
3. Free Email Address
Should you lose your registered phone number, your email address becomes the replacement for your JAMB profile. So, you are required to provide an email address to complete your registration. We recommend using Gmail through gmail.com. It’s easy, free, and quick to set up.
4. Your Preferred Course of Study
If you’re yet to give thoughtful consideration to your choice of course to study, you’re not ready to register for this exam. The best choice, of course, is one you’re passionate about, have a knack for, and that is practical in the current Nigerian economy.
Also, select a second-choice course as you’ll have to fill it in during registration.
5. Preferred School to Study Your Chosen Course
Like with the preferred course, choose which school you want to apply to early. Find out if the school offers your chosen course, what their admission requirements are, their school fees, and their location.
Also, have backup options (other universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education) to boost your chances of gaining admission. You will also have to fill them in on your registration form.
ALSO READ: 10 Easiest Nigerian Universities With the Highest Admission Rates
6. The Right Subject Combination
Every school has a specific subject combination for different courses required for admission. Without the correct subject combination for your chosen course and institution, you can ruin your chances of gaining admission. Check out the JAMB Brochure to confirm the right subject combination before you register.
How to Complete the 2026 UTME Registration
Understand the latest guidelines and how the 2026 UTME registration process works. You can complete the entire process in three steps:
- Generate your profile code
- Get your E-PIN from authorised channels, like banks
- Register at any JAMB-approved CBT Centre
Also, keep the following tips in mind:
- Ensure every detail of your NIN and biodata (name, date of birth, gender, state of origin, etc.) is correct. If not, visit NIMC centres to make these changes and confirm that they reflect before you register.
- Your phone number and email must be active and used by only you.
- Go to the nearest JAMB office (NOT ANY CBT CENTRE) to sort any biometric issues you might face during registration.
- Be sure that your registration is done with a dual screen and your passport photograph and biometrics are captured correctly.
- Cross-check all your details for accuracy before final submission.
Start Preparing and Seek Guidance Before Your 2026 UTME Registration
Always ask for guidance when you are unsure about anything. Join relevant WhatsApp groups and other communities to stay abreast and learn from other candidates.
Finally, start preparing for the exam early. Use past questions and attend tutorials if necessary. What is the point of your 2026 UTME registration if you do not pass the exam because you failed to study?
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