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| When Is JAMB 2026 Exam Starting and Ending |
Find out when is JAMB 2026 exam starting and ending: registration, mock tests, main UTME dates, and result release — fully updated for Nigeria’s 2026 academic cycle
If you’re preparing for tertiary education in Nigeria, one question every candidate asks is when is JAMB 2026 exam starting and ending — and you’re about to get the most accurate, up-to-date information available.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) organizes the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) annually. The 2026 JAMB exam timeline — including registration, mock tests, and the main exam dates — is crucial for planning your study schedule and admission process.
This detailed guide answers your question clearly and walks you through every key phase of the 2026 JAMB cycle.
Why JAMB 2026 Dates Matter
Knowing when is JAMB 2026 exam starting and ending helps candidates:
- Create a strategic study plan
- Register on time without last-minute stress
- Prepare for mock and main examinations
- Avoid missing deadlines that could affect university admission
Whether you’re a first-time candidate or returning to improve your score, this guide provides all the essential dates and procedures you need to succeed.
Official 2026 JAMB Registration Dates
Before the exam itself begins, registration is the first essential step.
UTME Registration Start and End
According to JAMB’s announced schedule, registration for the 2026 UTME begins on Friday, January 31, 2026, and ends on Wednesday, March 5, 2026.
During this period, candidates are expected to:
- Create or confirm their JAMB profile
- Purchase a JAMB e-PIN
- Complete registration at an accredited CBT centre
Direct Entry Registration
For Direct Entry (DE) candidates — those with A-levels, degrees, or diplomas — the registration window runs from March 10 to April 7, 2026.
It’s important to register well before deadlines to secure your preferred exam centre and date.
What Happens After Registration?
Once you’ve registered, several key events fill the pre-exam calendar:
Mock Exam Slip Reprinting – April 5, 2026
Candidates can begin reprinting their mock exam slips from Saturday, April 5, 2026, to confirm their location and details for the practice test.
Mock Exam – April 10, 2026
The mock exam is scheduled for Thursday, April 10, 2026 and is designed to help you familiarize yourself with the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format before the main exam.
While the mock exam is optional, many experts recommend taking it — especially if it’s your first JAMB attempt.
Main JAMB 2026 Exam Dates
So let’s answer your key question clearly:
Main 2026 JAMB UTME Exam Starts
Friday, April 25, 2026
Main 2026 JAMB UTME Exam Ends
Monday, May 5, 2026
These dates cover the full exam period, meaning candidates will be scheduled within this window based on their chosen CBT centres and available testing times. Exam dates are not the same for all candidates — you’ll get your specific date and time when you reprint your exam slip from April 18, 2026.
Post-Exam Schedule
After the exam ends, the next important date is:
JAMB 2026 Result Release – May 7, 2026
Results are usually released within 48–72 hours after the final exam session.
Once your result is out, you can begin:
- Post-UTME screening by universities
- Acceptance into the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS)
- Admission decisions and subsequent reporting to schools
Why These Dates Are Important
Understanding when is JAMB 2026 exam starting and ending allows candidates to:
- Set a study timetable
- Avoid missing registration and slip reprint deadlines
- Prepare in advance for mock and main exams
- Manage travel plans and exams logistics
Missing registration or exam dates could result in losing your opportunity to sit for the UTME and DE, which would delay your admission process by a full academic year.
JAMB 2026 Timetable at a Glance
| Phase | Dates |
|---|---|
| UTME Registration | Jan 31 – Mar 5, 2026 |
| DE Registration | Mar 10 – Apr 7, 2026 |
| Mock Exam Slip Reprint | Apr 5, 2026 |
| Mock Exam | Apr 10, 2026 |
| Exam Slip Reprint | Apr 18, 2026 |
| Main UTME Exam Begins | Apr 25, 2026 |
| Main UTME Exam Ends | May 5, 2026 |
| Result Release | May 7, 2026 |
Tips to Prepare Before and During 2026 JAMB
Start Early
Begin studying months before registration closes. Prioritize core subjects like Mathematics, English, and your three chosen subjects.
Understand the JAMB Syllabus
Make sure you know the official JAMB syllabus for each subject — it’s your roadmap for what topics are examinable.
Use CBT Practice Tools
Familiarize yourself with Computer-Based Testing (CBT) formats through past question apps and online practice tools.
Print Your Exam Slip Early
You should reprint your exam slip as soon as it becomes available (from April 18, 2026). Your exam date, time, and venue are on that slip.
Stay Updated
While the dates above are widely reported based on official announcements and credible educational outlets, always verify through the official JAMB portal (www.jamb.gov.ng) for updates.
What Happens After the JAMB Exam Ends?
After the main examination concludes on May 5, 2026, candidates will:
- Receive their UTME results around May 7, 2026.
- Participate in Post-UTME or screening exercises by their preferred universities.
- Engage in the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) process.
Each school may have additional timelines for admission and reporting.
Prepare your JAMB study plan now! Start early, register on time, and ensure you complete every step ahead of the official 2026 UTME schedule.
