Every year, hundreds of thousands of Nigerian students prepare with eager anticipation for one of the most critical stages of their academic journey: the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). It’s more than just a test—it’s a national event, a rite of passage, and often, a make-or-break moment for many young aspirants looking to secure admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
If you’re asking, “When is JAMB 2026 registration starting?”, you’re not alone. It’s a question buzzing across social media platforms, student forums, WhatsApp groups, and academic communities. However, while the official date for JAMB 2026 registration has not been made public yet, there’s a lot we can unpack, speculate, and prepare for in advance.
Let’s take you on a detailed journey that will not only answer your question but also equip you with everything you need to know and do—before, during, and after JAMB registration.
Why JAMB Matters: More Than Just a Registration Date
To truly appreciate the significance of the registration date, it’s important to understand why JAMB is such a big deal. The UTME is the gateway to all federal universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and most private institutions in Nigeria. If you miss it, you practically miss an entire academic year.
That’s why knowing the exact registration date is so vital—it marks the first step in a very high-stakes journey.
JAMB Registration: A Look at Past Trends
Before we talk about JAMB 2026, let’s review when registrations began in previous years:
- JAMB 2023: Registration started on January 14 and ended on February 14.
- JAMB 2024: The process kicked off on January 15 and closed on February 26.
- JAMB 2025: See the actual date it started and ended (Click here).
Looking at these patterns, JAMB has typically opened its registration portal between the second and third week of January, and the window usually remains open for about 4 to 6 weeks.
What to Do While You Wait for JAMB 2026 Registration
Since the official registration date for JAMB 2026 is not yet released, here’s what you should be doing to stay ahead:
1. Get Your National Identification Number (NIN)
Since 2020, the NIN has become a mandatory requirement for JAMB registration. Make sure you have it ready. If you don’t, visit any NIMC enrollment center near you.
2. Create Your JAMB Profile Early
You can open your JAMB profile before the registration portal is active. This will save you time and reduce stress once the official registration begins.
3. Study the Syllabus and Recommended Textbooks
Even before registration, you can download the latest JAMB syllabus and start reading. Subjects like Use of English, Mathematics, Government, and Biology often have recurring themes.
4. Attend Tutorials and Take Mock Exams
The earlier you start practicing, the better. Most CBT centers offer mock exams even before JAMB officially rolls out theirs.
5. Familiarize Yourself with the E-PIN Process
In recent years, JAMB has relied on ePINs sold through banks and online platforms. Understand how to buy and use these to avoid last-minute confusion.
JAMB 2026: Likely Registration Period
Now, let’s circle back to the big question:
When is JAMB 2026 registration starting?
🚨 As of now, JAMB has not officially announced the registration date for 2026.
However, based on patterns from previous years and how the exam calendar is typically structured, you can expect the registration to start around mid-January 2026, possibly between January 13 to January 20. This is purely a projection and should not be considered as official.
Stay Updated: How to Get Real-Time JAMB Info
To avoid misinformation, always rely on trusted platforms. Here’s how to stay in the loop:
- JAMB’s Official Website – www.jamb.gov.ng
- JAMB’s Twitter and Facebook Pages
- Accredited CBT Centers – Often the first to get official memos.
- Reliable Education Blogs – Like this one!
We’ll be updating this article the moment the JAMB 2026 registration date is officially announced. Bookmark this page and check back regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I register for JAMB 2026 now?
No. The registration portal is not open yet. Wait for the official announcement from JAMB.
2. What documents do I need for registration?
You will need:
- NIN
- O’Level results (can be uploaded later)
- Valid email and phone number
- Profile code (sent via SMS)
3. Can I register without a NIN?
No. It is a mandatory requirement.
4. How much is the JAMB 2026 form likely to cost?
Based on previous years:
- UTME form: ₦3,500
- CBT service charge: ₦700
- Reading text: ₦500
Total: Around ₦4,700 – ₦5,000
5. Will there be a mock exam for JAMB 2026?
Most likely, yes. JAMB usually conducts mock exams to prepare students and test their systems.
Final Thoughts: Be Ready Before the Storm Hits
JAMB registration is not just about picking a date on the calendar—it’s a mental, financial, and logistical preparation. While you wait for the official JAMB 2026 registration date, take this window as a golden opportunity to prepare everything you need.
Because when the portal opens, it moves fast. CBT centers get booked. Errors get made. Networks become congested. And those who waited till the last minute often find themselves in a spiral of regrets.
So, instead of just asking “When is JAMB 2026 registration starting?”, ask:
“Am I fully prepared to register the moment it starts?”
Stay informed, stay ready—and when the date is announced, we’ll be the first to let you know.