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| JAMB Registration End Date |
Get the definitive JAMB registration end date for 2026 — learn deadlines for UTME and Direct Entry, key timelines, and tips to make sure you don’t miss out on registering for the exam.
Every year, thousands of Nigerian students prepare to take the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) as part of the journey toward higher education. One of the most crucial pieces of information every aspiring university or college student needs is the JAMB registration end date — the final deadline by which eligible candidates must complete their registration. Missing this date can mean losing a year or delaying university admission plans. This guide gives you the latest, verified 2026 schedule, explains key terms, and helps you register smoothly before the deadline.
What Is the JAMB Registration End Date?
In simple terms, the JAMB registration end date is the final day candidates can register for the UTME through accredited Computer Based Test (CBT) centres across Nigeria and abroad. This deadline signals the close of the registration window during which all application details — such as profile creation, form purchase, subject selection, and biometric capture — must be completed.
For 2026, the official UTME registration end date is Saturday, 28th February 2026.
Why this matters: Once this date passes, JAMB typically does not accept new registrations or late applications for the UTME, meaning you cannot sit the exam for that cycle if you miss the window.
2026 UTME Registration Timeline
Understanding the full registration period can help you plan your application and avoid last-minute stress:
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| E-PIN Sales Start | Monday, 19th January 2026 |
| E-PIN Sales End | Thursday, 26th February 2026 |
| Registration Start | Monday, 26th January 2026 |
| JAMB Registration End Date | Saturday, 28th February 2026 |
E-PIN vending refers to when JAMB makes the e-PINs (electronic Personal Identification Numbers) available for purchase — these are used to start the registration process.
UTME vs Direct Entry Registration Deadlines
While the UTME registration end date applies to candidates writing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, JAMB also conducts Direct Entry (DE) registration for candidates seeking admission via prior qualifications such as A-Levels, ND, or HND.
For 2026:
- UTME registration ends: 28th February 2026
- Direct Entry registration ends: 25th April 2026
Direct Entry is usually only processed at JAMB State and Zonal Offices, not at regular CBT centres.
Why Knowing the JAMB Registration End Date Is Essential
Here’s why staying informed about the JAMB registration end date is so important:
1. Avoid Losing Your Eligibility to Write UTME
Once the registration deadline passes, JAMB normally closes the portal, and no further registrations are allowed. Even if you start the process before the deadline but don’t complete it, you may be considered incomplete or invalid.
2. Ensure You Have Time for Profile Code and Errors
Generating your profile code (linked to your National Identification Number — NIN) and completing the registration steps can take time, especially if you encounter network issues or data errors. Starting early gives you buffer time to resolve these.
3. Avoid CBT Centre Congestion
As the deadline nears, many candidates rush to CBT centres to register, leading to long queues and potential delays. Registering well before the JAMB registration end date can save time and stress.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Your Registration Before the Deadline
Knowing the deadline is one thing — finishing the registration on time is another. Here’s a clear roadmap:
1. Ensure Valid NIN and Contact Details
Before anything else, confirm your National Identification Number (NIN) is active and correct. JAMB requires a NIN to generate your profile code. Failure to provide a correct NIN can block your registration.
2. Generate Your Profile Code
Send your NIN to JAMB’s designated shortcodes (e.g., 55019 or 66019) to obtain your profile code — this step must precede form purchase. This can be done weeks before the JAMB registration end date.
3. Purchase Your E-PIN
Use the profile code to buy your e-PIN from any bank, online vendor, or USSD service. Ensure this happens before 26th February 2026, the last day e-PINs are vended.
4. Visit an Accredited CBT Centre
On or before the JAMB registration end date (28th February), visit a registered JAMB CBT centre with:
- Your e-PIN
- Profile code
- Bio-data details
- Payment receipt
- Valid ID
The centre will complete your details, biometric capture, and form submission.
5. Verify Your Details
Double-check your name, contact info, and subjects before final submission. Errors may require correction after registration but can delay later processes.
Other Important JAMB 2026 Dates (For Context)
Understanding the broader calendar helps you prepare beyond the JAMB registration end date:
Mock UTME Date
- Optional Mock UTME examination: 28th March 2026.
Main UTME Exam
- The actual UTME exam has been scheduled for 16th April to 25th April 2026.
DE Registration Closure
- Direct Entry registration ends: 25th April 2026.
These dates let you organize study schedules, fee payments, and follow-up activities after registration closes.
What Happens After Registration Ends?
Once the JAMB registration end date has passed:
Exam Slip Reprints Begin
Candidates can reprint their notification slips showing exam date, time, and centre. This usually begins a few weeks before the exam date.
Mock and Main Exam Preparation
Your registration data will be used to generate exam centre assignments — so ensure your details are accurate.
No Late Registrations
JAMB typically doesn’t extend the registration window unless under exceptional circumstances — and if that happens, it is announced via official channels. Past practice (like for the 2025 UTME) confirmed that JAMB doesn’t extend deadlines beyond the published closing date.
Tips to Avoid Missing the JAMB Registration End Date
Here are some practical tips to help you stay ahead of the deadline:
Register Early
Don’t wait until the last week — network congestion and CBT centre backlogs are common as the deadline approaches. Starting early gives you breathing room.
Confirm Your Documents
Ensure your NIN, phone number, and email are correct and functional before beginning the process.
Check Official Updates
Always cross-check dates from the official JAMB website or credible news outlets rather than social media rumours.
Save Receipts & Codes
Keep your profile code, e-PIN, and CBT receipts safely — you may need them for corrections, slip printing, and future reference.
If you haven’t started yet, begin your JAMB registration process now — confirm your NIN, generate your profile code, and book your slot with an accredited CBT centre before the JAMB registration end date of 28th February 2026.
Conclusion: Don’t Miss the JAMB Registration End Date
The JAMB registration end date for 2026 — 28th February 2026 — is the final deadline for eligible candidates to complete their UTME registration before the examination cycle begins. Missing this date could mean waiting an entire year for the next opportunity, so take decisive action now. With correct planning, preparation, and early registration, you can avoid the rush and secure your slot comfortably.
Check your eligibility, prepare your documents, and register today — your future depends on it!
