JAMB 2026 UTME sales have begun, with age limits, fees, and exam dates announced for UTME and Direct Entry candidates
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, led by Registrar Professor Ishaq Oloyede, has announced the start of JAMB 2026 UTME sales for the 2026/2027 academic session in Abuja on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Also read: Barq Group and Elroy Air secure $200m Abu Dhabi plant
In a photostatement signed by Professor Ishaq Oloyede and shared on the Board’s official X handle, the examination body invited suitably qualified candidates to apply for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The Board stated that eligibility is tied to age, stressing that only candidates who will be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026 are generally eligible for admission consideration.
JAMB, however, made limited provision for underage candidates under strict conditions.
According to the release, candidates below 16 years must undergo an intensive evaluation process to qualify for a waiver.
Such candidates must score not less than 80 percent in UTME or A-Level, Post-UTME, Senior Secondary Certificate Examination, and the exceptional candidate assessment.
The Board added that UTME results for underage candidates would only be released after the completion of the full evaluation process.
On registration timelines, JAMB announced that UTME registration, including for candidates in foreign countries, will run from Monday, January 26, 2026 to Saturday, February 28, 2026.
E-PIN vending for UTME candidates will begin on Monday, January 19, 2026 and end on Thursday, February 26, 2026, while registration will close on February 28.
For Direct Entry admissions, the Board disclosed that the sale of 2026 Direct Entry application documents and E-PIN vending will commence on Monday, March 2, 2026 and end on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
JAMB noted that Direct Entry registration would only be conducted at its State and Zonal Offices nationwide.
The Board also announced three categories of e-PINS, listing Direct Entry at N5,700, UTME without mock at N7,200, and UTME with mock at N8,700.
It explained that the fees cover the JAMB application fee, reading text, CBT centre registration and UTME service charges, bank charges, and mock examination fees where applicable.
On examination dates, JAMB confirmed that the 2026 UTME will hold from Thursday, April 16, 2026 to Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Also read: JUST IN: Nigerian gospel singer Omije Ojumi dies at 46
The optional Mock-UTME is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, as part of preparations for the main examination.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
