JAMB Registration 2026: Dates, Requirements, How to Apply, and Full Guide

Getting ready for JAMB can feel tiring, I know. You hear many things from friends, cousins, teachers, and even WhatsApp groups. But you still want someone to explain everything in simple English. That is what I’m here to do.

This guide will show you the dates, requirements, steps, fees, and simple mistakes you should avoid for JAMB Registration 2026.

Before we go far, let me ask you: are you writing JAMB for the first time or you have written it before?

Whichever group you fall into, this guide will help you. I will keep it simple so you can understand every word. I will also use examples from real Nigerian student life; chores at home, school stress, and all those small things that can slow you down when preparing for exams.

Let’s move on.

What You Will Learn in This Guide

Simple Breakdown of the Registration Steps

In this full guide, you will see each registration step broken into small parts. I will show you how to get your NIN, how to get your profile code, how to buy the ePIN, and how to register at a CBT centre.

You will also learn how to choose the right subjects and school.

What You Must Have Before You Start

Many students rush to a CBT centre before getting everything ready; then they get stressed. You will not go through that.

In this section, I will show you the things you must gather before registration begins; your NIN, your phone, your personal info, and some documents.

When Is JAMB Registration Starting in 2026?

You know how every year students keep asking, “When is JAMB starting?” The same thing will happen in 2026. So let me guide you with the expected dates so you can plan ahead.

Expected Registration Start Date

JAMB has not released the official date yet, but from past years, the registration normally starts around January. Many times, mid-January is when students begin to register.

So you should expect JAMB Registration 2026 to start around the second or third week of January 2026.

Are you the type of person that waits until the last minute? Try not to do that this time. You know how queues can be in Nigeria; early registration saves you stress.

Expected Closing Date

JAMB usually gives about 4 to 5 weeks for registration. So the closing date will likely fall around mid–February 2026.

It is better to plan early, because when the deadline gets close, many centres get full. Some students even get turned back because the centre is crowded.

Table: JAMB 2025 Dates vs Expected 2026 Dates

Here is a simple table to guide you:

Year	Registration Start	Registration End	Mock Exam	Main Exam
JAMB 2025	January 15, 2025	February 26, 2025	March 2025	April 2025
JAMB 2026 (Expected)	Around January 2026	Around February 2026	March 2026	April 2026

Read also: Best time to register for JAMB 2026

Things You Must Bring Before You Register

Before you step out and go to any CBT centre, you need to make sure you have everything ready. Many students forget small things and end up wasting time or money. I don’t want that for you.

Personal Details

You need some basic information that the CBT centre will enter on the system. Make sure you have them correct.

1. Your Full Name

Use the same name that appears on your NIN. If the name on your NIN is different from the one on your school documents, you may face small issues later.

2. Your Date of Birth

Some students guess this part; but you should not guess. Make sure you use the same date that appears on your NIN.

3. Your Phone Number

This is very important.
Your phone number is where you will receive your Profile Code, ePIN, and JAMB messages.
Use a number you will not lose.

4. Your Email

JAMB wants every student to have a valid email. If you don’t have one, you can open a simple Gmail account.

Documents You Need

You do not need too many documents for JAMB registration, but the ones you need are important.

1. National Identification Number (NIN)

You cannot register for JAMB without your NIN. You must get it from NIMC.

2. O’level Result

You can use: WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB

If you have not gotten your result yet, you can register with “Awaiting Result”, but you must upload the result once it comes out.

3. JAMB ePIN

This is the PIN you buy before going to the CBT centre. You cannot register without it.

Table: Full Requirement List and Why You Need Each One

Requirement	Why You Need It
NIN	JAMB uses it to confirm your identity.
Phone number	To receive Profile Code, ePIN, and updates.
Email	For confirmation messages and future login.
O’level Result	To confirm your subjects and course choice.
ePIN	Needed to complete the full registration.

Read also: JAMB registration requirements for foreign students 2025/2026

How to Create Your NIN for JAMB

Many students face problems with their NIN during JAMB registration. Some get “invalid NIN”, some get wrong details, and some don’t even know where to start. So let me guide you in simple English.

Where to Enroll

You can only get your NIN from NIMC. That is the body in charge of national identity. You can enrol at:

• A NIMC office near you
• Some telecom centres
• Some approved registration points in your area

Make sure the place is approved by NIMC so your details will be correct.

Steps to Get Your NIN

1. Go to any NIMC centre.
2. Tell them you want to enrol for NIN.
3. Fill in a simple form.
4. Capture your fingerprints and photo.
5. Wait for your NIN slip.

Some centres give the NIN the same day; some ask you to come back the next day. It depends on how busy the centre is.

Common Problems Students Face and Simple Fixes

1. Wrong Name or Date of Birth

Sometimes the NIMC operator makes a mistake.
What should you do?
Just visit the centre again and request a correction. There may be a small fee, but it is better than having problems on exam day.

2. “NIN Not Found” When Trying to Get Profile Code

This one is common. It happens when:

• Your NIN was newly created
• There is a small delay in NIMC’s server
• Your details were not fully captured

The simple fix is to wait 24 hours and try again. If it still fails, go back to the NIMC office and ask them to check if your NIN is active.

3. Lost NIN Slip

If you lose your NIN slip, you can retrieve your NIN by dialling *346# on the phone number you used during registration.

How to Get Your JAMB Profile Code

Your JAMB Profile Code is one of the most important things in the whole registration. Without it, you cannot buy your ePIN and you cannot register at the CBT centre. So let me guide you in a simple way.

Simple SMS Method

To get your Profile Code, just follow this easy step:

Send an SMS in this format:
NIN your NIN number
to 55019 or 66019

Example:
If your NIN is 12345678901, you will send:
NIN 12345678901 to 55019 or 66019

You will receive your Profile Code shortly after. Keep it safe because you will use it many times.

Important Tips

• Make sure you send the message from the phone number you want to use for your JAMB.
• Do not send it with someone else’s SIM card.
• Make sure you have airtime; at least 50 to 100 naira.

Your Profile Code is 10 digits. Write it somewhere safe so you won’t lose it.

How to Fix “Invalid NIN” or “No Record Found”

This part gives many students stress, so let me guide you.

1. If you get “Invalid NIN”

This message usually means:

• Your NIN has not been fully synced with NIMC
• There are errors in your NIN details
• Your NIN profile is incomplete

What you should do:
Wait a few hours and try again. If it still shows the same thing, go to a NIMC office and tell them to help you check your NIN status.

Read also: How to link your NIN for JAMB registration 2026

2. If you get “No Record Found”

This normally means your NIN is too new.
Maybe you registered today or yesterday.

What to do:
Give it 24 hours; then try again.

3. If you get no reply at all

Your network may be poor. Try again later or switch to the other code (55019 or 66019).

How Much Is JAMB Registration in 2026?

Students always want to know the price early so they can plan. Let me break it down for you in a simple way.

Breakdown of the Fee

JAMB has not released the official price for 2026 yet; but the fee normally stays around the same range every year. In 2025, the fee was around ₦7,700 for full registration.

So for 2026, you should expect something close to:

• Registration fee: About ₦3,500
• Reading Text: About ₦500
• CBT service fee: About ₦2,000
• Bank/online charges: About ₦500 to ₦1,000

So the total may still be around ₦7,500 to ₦8,500.

This is not the final price, but it helps you plan ahead.

What Each Fee Covers

Let me explain it in simple English so you know what you are paying for.

1. Registration Fee

This is the main fee that covers your exam.

2. Reading Text

JAMB always gives one book. Some students ignore it, but the thing is, JAMB sets questions from it.

3. CBT Service Fee

This fee is for the CBT centre; they help you with the registration, photo capture, and other things.

4. Bank or Online Charges

If you buy your ePIN from a bank, USSD, or online platform, you pay small charges.

Table: Cost Comparison for JAMB 2024, 2025, 2026

Year	Total Fee	Notes
JAMB 2024	About ₦7,700	Included reading text and CBT fees
JAMB 2025	About ₦7,700	Same price as 2024
JAMB 2026 (Expected)	₦7,500–₦8,500	Final amount will depend on JAMB’s update

Rread also: How to pay for JAMB registration 2025/2026

Where to Register for JAMB 2026

Many students make mistakes here. They enter any shop that has computers and think it is a JAMB centre. That is how some people lose money or get wrong details. So let me guide you properly.

How to Find a CBT Centre Near You

JAMB only accepts registration done at approved CBT centres. These centres have trained staff, working systems, and direct access to JAMB’s network.

Here is how you can find the right centre near you:

1. Visit the JAMB Website

JAMB always posts the full list of approved CBT centres on their official website.
You can check the list for your state.

2. Ask at Your School

Teachers in secondary schools, especially SS3 teachers, usually know the closest approved centres. You can ask the exam officer too.

3. Ask People Who Registered Last Year

If you know someone who wrote in 2025, ask them where they registered. They will likely show you a centre that is safe and approved.

Why You Must Avoid Unapproved Centres

I know some shops try to act like CBT centres, but you should avoid them.

Here is why:

1. They Cannot Complete Your Registration

Only approved centres can access your fingerprints, photo capture, and real JAMB database.

2. They May Charge You Extra

Some unapproved places add extra fees and still cannot register you properly.

3. They May Make Mistakes

Wrong spelling, wrong email, wrong phone number; many students have suffered this because they used an unapproved shop.

4. You May Not Be Able to Write the Exam

If your registration is incorrect or not in the JAMB system, you cannot sit for the exam.

So the simple rule is this; only register at an approved JAMB CBT centre.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Register

This is the part most students wait for. I will break everything down so you will not be confused at any point. If you follow these steps one by one, your registration will go smoothly.

Step 1: Get Your NIN Ready

This is the first thing you must do. Without your NIN, nothing else can move forward.

• Make sure the name on your NIN is correct.
• Make sure your date of birth is correct.
• If something is wrong, fix it at NIMC before JAMB registration starts.

Your NIN must be active before you will be able to get your Profile Code.

Step 2: Get Your Profile Code

You already saw how to do this earlier.
Just send:
NIN your NIN number
to 55019 or 66019

Once the code comes in, save it. You will use it to buy your ePIN and also at the CBT centre.

Step 3: Buy the JAMB ePIN

You cannot register without your ePIN. Here are places you can buy it:

• Banks
• USSD codes
• Online payment platforms
• Accredited CBT centres

When buying the ePIN, use the same phone number you used for the Profile Code.
Once payment is complete, JAMB will send your ePIN to your phone.

Step 4: Go to an Approved CBT Centre

When you arrive at the centre:

• Tell them you want to register for JAMB.
• Give them your ePIN.
• Give them your Profile Code.
• Give them your personal information.

They will enter your details into the system and start the registration.

Read also: List of Approved JAMB CBT Centers for 2025/2026

Step 5: Capture Your Biometrics and Photo

This part happens only at approved centres. They will:

• Capture your fingerprints
• Take your photograph
• Check your details on the screen

Make sure you look at the screen carefully. If they spell your name wrongly, tell them to fix it before they continue.

Once you submit wrong information, it becomes harder to correct later.

Step 6: Collect Your Printouts

After registration, the CBT centre will give you:

• JAMB registration slip
• E-brochure
• Reading text (either physical or digital)

Do not lose the slip; you will need it later to reprint your exam date and venue.

Read also: How to get your JAMB e-slip after registration 2025/2026

Subjects to Choose for Your Course

Choosing the right subjects is very important. Some students pick the wrong subjects and then regret it later when they realize their course requirements are different. I will guide you simply.

How to Pick the Right Subjects

Every course in university, polytechnic, or college of education has specific subject requirements. Here is how to pick them:

1. Check the course requirement on the JAMB brochure or official JAMB website.
2. Match your O’level subjects with the requirement.
3. Do not guess; always confirm the correct combination.

Example: If you want to study Medicine, JAMB requires English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. If you choose Economics, you don’t need Biology.

Examples for Popular Courses

Here are some examples of common courses and their JAMB subjects:

Course	JAMB Subjects
Medicine & Surgery	English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Engineering	English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
Mass Communication	English, Literature, Government, Economics
Accounting	English, Mathematics, Economics, Commerce
Law	English, Literature, Government, any other arts subject

Tips for Choosing Subjects

• Always double-check with your school or JAMB brochure.
• Ask seniors or teachers if you are not sure.
• Do not choose subjects you are weak in; it will affect your score.

The key is to choose correctly the first time so you don’t waste money and time later.

How to Choose the Right University or Polytechnic

Choosing the right school is just as important as picking the right subjects. Many students make mistakes here and regret it later. I will guide you simply so you can make a smart choice.

Cut-Off Marks You Should Expect

Each school sets a minimum JAMB score (cut-off mark) for admission. Here is what you should know:

• Top universities like University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, or University of Lagos often require 200+ for most courses.
• Polytechnics and colleges of education may accept lower scores, sometimes around 150–180.
• Check the previous year cut-off marks to get an idea.

Tip: Do not aim for the lowest score; aim higher so you increase your chance of admission.

How to Avoid Mistakes When Selecting Schools

1. Do not choose a school just because your friends chose it. Your score may not meet the cut-off.
2. Check your course availability. Some schools do not offer all courses.
3. Consider location and cost. Think about tuition, transport, and living expenses.
4. Avoid rushing. Take time to read the JAMB brochure or website.

Remember: Picking the right school can save you from stress and disappointment later.

JAMB Mock Exam for 2026

Many students ignore the JAMB mock exam, but it can help you a lot. I will show you what it is and why you should take it seriously.

How to Register for the Mock

• The mock exam is done online at approved CBT centres.
• You do not need a separate ePIN; your normal JAMB registration covers it.
• You will register at the centre just like the main exam.

Tip: Try to write the mock at the same centre where you will write the main exam. This helps you get familiar with the environment.

What You Should Expect on Mock Day

• The exam tests the same subjects you registered for.
• It helps you understand how CBT questions look.
• You will get feedback on your strengths and weaknesses, so you know what to revise.

Do not skip it; some students who take the mock exam score higher in the main exam because they are familiar with the format and timing.

Common Mistakes Students Make

Many students make small mistakes during or after registration that can cost them time, money, or even their chance to write JAMB. I’ll show you the most common ones and how to avoid them.

Mistakes During Registration

1. Wrong name or date of birth – Make sure your NIN and JAMB information match exactly.
2. Wrong subjects – Check your course requirements carefully before choosing subjects.
3. Using unapproved CBT centres – Only use approved centres; this prevents mistakes with your registration.
4. Using someone else’s phone or email – Always use your own phone number and email for messages and notifications.

Tip: Double-check everything before the CBT centre submits your registration.

Mistakes After Registration

1. Losing your printouts – Keep your registration slip, ePIN, and Profile Code safe.
2. Not preparing for mock exams – Some students ignore the mock and struggle with the CBT format.
3. Choosing wrong schools after registration – JAMB allows some corrections, but it may cost money and take time.
4. Not studying reading texts – JAMB often asks questions directly from the text, so don’t ignore it.

Remember: Avoiding these mistakes saves you stress and gives you a better chance at a higher score.

How To Reprint Your JAMB Slip

Sometimes students lose their JAMB registration slip or need to check their exam date and venue. Reprinting your slip is easy if you know the right steps.

When Reprinting Will Start

• JAMB usually allows reprinting a few weeks before the main exam.
• You can reprint multiple times until the exam day.
• Keep checking the official JAMB website or your CBT centre for announcements.

Simple Steps to Reprint

1. Go to the JAMB e-Facility portal.
2. Click on “Reprint JAMB Slip”.
3. Enter your Registration Number or Email and Password.
4. Pay the small reprint fee online or at the bank.
5. Download and print the slip.

Tip: Always print multiple copies. Keep one at home, one in your school bag, and one on your phone as a PDF. That way, you won’t panic if you misplace one.

After Registration: What You Should Do Next

Once you have completed your registration, the real work begins. Preparing for JAMB early can make a huge difference in your score. Let me guide you in a simple way.

How to Start Studying the Right Way

• Get your reading text from JAMB and start reading it carefully.
• Make a timetable; divide your study into subjects and topics.
• Practice past questions; it helps you understand how JAMB asks questions.
• Focus on weak areas first; everyone has subjects they struggle with.

Tip: Even if you are busy with school or chores at home, try to study at least 2–3 hours daily. Consistency beats last-minute cramming.

Textbooks and Past Questions You Need

• Past questions: These are the best way to predict what may appear in the exam.
• Recommended textbooks: Ask your teachers or check the JAMB brochure for the best books for each subject.
• Online resources: There are some free sites with JAMB questions; just make sure they are reliable.

Remember: Using the right materials early gives you an advantage. Don’t wait until exam time; start now while your brain is fresh.

Read also: What to do if you forget your JAMB registration number 2025/2026

FAQs (5 Useful Questions About JAMB Registration 2026)

Here are the most common questions students ask. I will answer them in simple, easy-to-understand language.

Conclusion

JAMB Registration 2026 may feel like a big task, but if you follow the steps carefully, it becomes simple. The key is to prepare early, get your NIN and Profile Code ready, choose the right subjects, and register at an approved CBT centre.

Remember:

• Check the expected registration dates and don’t wait until the last minute.
• Gather all your documents before you go to the CBT centre.
• Pick your subjects and schools carefully; this affects your admission chances.
• Take the mock exam seriously; it helps you get familiar with the exam format.
• Avoid common mistakes; they cost time and money.
• Study consistently after registration and use the right textbooks and past questions.

If you follow this guide step by step, you increase your chances of a smooth registration and a better JAMB score.

Now, you are ready for JAMB 2026. Stay focused, plan well, and keep calm. You can do this.