JAMB 2026 UTME Registration Begins — Key Updates for Candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially kicked off registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), opening the door for millions of Nigerian students seeking admission into universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

This marks the start of another major admission season, and prospective candidates are advised to begin the process early to avoid last-minute rush and costly mistakes.

Registration Timeline and Where to Register

According to the announcement, registration is now ongoing and will close on Saturday, 28 February 2026.

However, candidates must note an important rule:
Registration can only be completed at approved JAMB CBT registration centres.

Before visiting any centre, candidates must first purchase the JAMB ePIN, then download and complete the official registration template ahead of their physical registration appointment.

Starting early gives candidates enough time to verify their information and avoid mistakes that could affect their admission chances.

2026 JAMB Novel Revealed

Every UTME year comes with a compulsory reading text, and for 2026, the chosen novel is:

“The Lekki Headmaster” by Kabir Alabi Garba.

Candidates are entitled to receive a free copy of the novel after completing their registration at an accredited CBT centre.

This novel will form part of the Use of English examination, so early reading and preparation are highly recommended.

New Rule: Mandatory Disclosure of Previous Admission

JAMB has introduced a strict update that candidates must not ignore.

All applicants must now declare any previous admission or matriculation history during registration.

Failure to disclose previous admission details may lead to:

• Automatic invalidation of registration

• Cancellation of previous admission records

Candidates who wish to change institutions or start afresh are allowed to do so — but transparency is now compulsory.

Biometric Verification Is Mandatory

To complete registration, candidates must confirm their details and print their registration slip using biometric fingerprint authentication.

This step ensures accuracy and prevents registration errors from being blamed on CBT centres.

Before confirming your fingerprint, JAMB strongly advises candidates to carefully review all entered details.

How Candidates Should Prepare Early

With registration already in progress, students are encouraged to begin serious exam preparation immediately.

Early preparation advantages include:

• Enough time to master JAMB syllabus

• Better familiarity with CBT exam format

• Reduced exam anxiety

Starting now can significantly improve performance.

What This Means for Students

The start of JAMB registration signals the beginning of the 2026 admission race. Students planning to secure admission this year should treat registration and preparation as top priorities.

FundPeeps encourages all candidates to:

• Register early

• Verify their details carefully

• Start studying immediately

The earlier you prepare, the higher your chances of success.