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| When Is JAMB Registration Ending |
Find out when is JAMB registration ending in 2026 — deadline dates for UTME and Direct Entry, official timetable, and essential tips to ensure your application is completed on time.
If you’re asking “when is JAMB registration ending” in 2026, you’re not alone — thousands of prospective university students across Nigeria are eagerly tracking the deadline for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) registration. Knowing the exact closing date for JAMB registration is critical for planning your application, completing documentation, and avoiding disqualification.
In this detailed, user-first blog post, you’ll learn:
- The official end date for JAMB registration in 2026
- How the UTME and Direct Entry registration schedules differ
- What happens if you miss the deadline
- Top tips to complete your JAMB registration on time
This article reflects the latest and most accurate information available at the time of writing, aligned with official announcements from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
Why the End Date Matters
Every year, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) releases a timetable for its Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry exercise. The registration window — when candidates can buy the form, generate a profile code, and register at accredited CBT centres — is strictly time-bound.
Missing the closing date means you won’t be able to sit for the exam or be considered for admission until the next JAMB cycle. That’s why students and parents repeatedly ask “when is JAMB registration ending” — because knowing the deadline can decide whether you make or miss your chance at tertiary education.
Official 2026 UTME Registration End Date
For the 2026 academic session, **JAMB has officially announced that UTME registration will end on Saturday, **February 28, 2026. The registration period runs from January 26 to February 28, 2026 at all approved Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide.
UTME Registration Key Dates
| Activity | 2026 Date |
|---|---|
| UTME E-PIN sale begins | January 19, 2026 |
| UTME Registration opens | January 26, 2026 |
| UTME E-PIN sale ends | February 26, 2026 |
| UTME Registration closes | February 28, 2026 |
This closing date answers the question “when is JAMB registration ending” for UTME candidates — and it’s important to note that no UTME registration will be accepted after February 28, 2026 unless JAMB explicitly announces an extension (which has not been officially communicated as of this writing).
What About Direct Entry (DE) Candidates?
The answer to “when is JAMB registration ending” is slightly different for Direct Entry (DE) applicants.
For 2026, Direct Entry (DE) registration ends on April 25, 2026. This separate deadline applies to candidates seeking higher-level admission (e.g., into 200 level or second year) on the basis of existing qualifications such as ND, HND, NCE, or A-Level certificates.
Direct Entry 2026 Registration Timeline
| Activity | 2026 Date |
|---|---|
| DE Registration begins | March 2, 2026 |
| DE Registration closes | April 25, 2026 |
Understanding both deadlines — February 28 for UTME and April 25 for DE — is crucial if you are planning your academic pathway, especially if you are eligible for both options.
Why the Deadline Is Strict
JAMB sets closing dates for registration to:
- Ensure that all candidate information is verified before exam timetables are published
- Allow adequate time for biometric capture and validation at approved centres
- Prepare exam logistics, including seating arrangements and printed materials
- Maintain fairness and integrity for all applicants
Missing the deadline means your application will not be uploaded into the JAMB database for that year’s UTME or Direct Entry examinations, and you will be forced to wait for the next cycle.
What Happens If You Miss “When Is JAMB Registration Ending” Deadlines?
If you don’t complete your registration before the deadline (February 28, 2026 for UTME or April 25, 2026 for DE):
You will not be allowed to sit the 2026 UTME or DE examination.
JAMB’s system will not accept late registrations once the portal is locked.
You must wait for the next JAMB cycle.
That means preparing for the following year’s UTME/DE, which can delay your academic plans by up to a year.
Extensions are rare.
While JAMB has occasionally adjusted dates in the past for administrative reasons, you should not count on extensions unless officially announced on jamb.gov.ng or major news channels.
How to Confirm “When Is JAMB Registration Ending”
To be absolutely sure of the closing dates:
- Visit the official JAMB website at jamb.gov.ng
- Follow updates on authenticated JAMB social media platforms like X/Twitter @JAMBHQ
- Check announcements at accredited CBT centres
- Consult reputable educational news sources
Always prioritize information from JAMB’s official channels over third-party websites to avoid misinformation.
Step-by-Step Checklist Before the Deadline
With the deadline confirmed, here’s a step-by-step plan to ensure you finish your application before “when is JAMB registration ending” passes:
1. Link Your NIN to Your Phone Number
JAMB requires candidates to have a valid National Identification Number (NIN) linked to a working phone number before generating a profile code.
2. Generate Your Profile Code
Send your NIN to the designated number (e.g., 55019) to receive a profile code needed to initiate your registration.
3. Buy Your E-PIN
Purchase your UTME or DE e-PIN from approved banks, POS agents, or digital payment platforms before e-PIN sales end.
4. Register at an Accredited CBT Centre
Visit an accredited CBT centre to complete your registration — this is where your biometrics and details will be captured.
5. Review and Print Your Confirmation Slip
Ensure all your information is correct and print your slip before the February 28 deadline.
Important 2026 UTME & DE Dates to Remember
Here’s a quick overview of all relevant dates to complement the answer to “when is JAMB registration ending”:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| UTME E-PIN sale starts | Jan 19, 2026 |
| UTME Registration starts | Jan 26, 2026 |
| UTME E-PIN sale ends | Feb 26, 2026 |
| UTME Registration ends | Feb 28, 2026 |
| Mock UTME (optional) | Mar 28, 2026 |
| UTME Main Exam | Apr 16–25, 2026 |
| DE Registration ends | Apr 25, 2026 |
Don’t wait until the last week! Start your JAMB 2026 registration today and complete all steps before February 28, 2026 — that’s the official answer to “when is JAMB registration ending” for UTME candidates. Registration for Direct Entry ends later, so plan accordingly if you’re eligible for both.
Check your JAMB profile and registration status at the nearest accredited CBT centre now so you don’t miss your shot at admission.
Conclusion
To answer your core question — when is JAMB registration ending? — the deadline for the 2026 UTME registration is February 28, 2026, while Direct Entry (DE) registration closes on April 25, 2026.
This information matters because completing your registration before the deadline is the only way to ensure your eligibility for the 2026 UTME or Direct Entry examinations.
Register early, double-check all your information, and celebrate when you print your confirmation slip — because once “when is JAMB registration ending” has passed, there’s no turning back for that year’s admission cycle.
