How to Register for JAMB 2026: If you are about to register for JAMB for the first time? That’s a huge step, and I’m super proud of you! But let me guess: you’re probably a bit confused, maybe even stressed. You are asking yourself, “Where do I start?” “What do I need?” “Hope I won’t make mistakes?” These are all overwhelming.
Don’t worry. I’ve got you. Let’s walk through the process together, step by step, in plain, simple English.
What Is JAMB Registration?
JAMB registration is the process taken to enroll in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s UTME for any given academic session to get qualified for admission and then study your intended course at your choice of institution.
As a first-timer, let me now walk you through the simple ways on how to register for JAMB 2026.
How To Register for JAMB 2026
Here is a complete step-by-step first-timer guide you can follow to get your JAMB 2026 registration done as easily as possible:
Step 1: Get Your National Identification Number (NIN)
Why it matters: You can’t register for JAMB without your NIN. It’s compulsory.
- If you already have a NIN, you’re good to go.
- If not, just walk into any NIMC office (usually located in most local government secretariats, some banks, or even schools) and register.
- It’s free or super cheap, and they’ll give you your NIN slip.
Tip: Make sure the name and date of birth on your NIN is correct. Any mismatch during JAMB registration can cause big issues later.
Step 2: Create Your JAMB Profile via SMS
Once you have your NIN, the next step is to create your JAMB profile. Here’s how you should do it:
- Open the message application on your phone
- Text this message using your NIN:
- NIN [your 11-digit NIN]
- Then send to either 55019 or 66019
Example:
NIN 12345678901
Send it to 55019 or 66019 from your personal phone number (the number you’ll use throughout the registration process).
You’ll be charged ₦50, and then you’ll receive a 10-digit profile code. This code is super important, you’ll need it to buy your JAMB ePIN.
Step 3: Buy Your JAMB ePIN
Now that you have your profile code, it’s time to pay for the actual JAMB form.
Where to buy your ePIN:
- Any bank (like First Bank, Zenith, UBA, etc.)
- Mobile money agents
- Online platforms like Remita, Interswitch, or Quickteller
- Some CBT centers also sell ePINs
What you’ll need to buy your JAMB E-pin:
- Your Profile Code
- Your payment (around ₦6,200 for UTME with mock, ₦5,700 without mock)
Once payment is successful, you’ll receive your JAMB ePIN via SMS and email (if you provided one).
Step 4: Visit an Accredited JAMB CBT Registration Centre
You can’t register by yourself online; JAMB has stopped that. You must go to a JAMB-accredited CBT centre. Make sure to go with the following:
- Your ePIN
- Your NIN
- O’Level results (WAEC, NECO, or awaiting)
- A passport photo (some centers will snap it for you)
- Choice of institutions and courses
- Your correct subject combination
What will happen there:
- They’ll input your details (double-check everything, it is very important!)
- You’ll choose your exam town
- Your photo and fingerprints will be captured
- You’ll get a printout/slip with your registration number
Step 5: Double-Check Everything Before You Submit
Before they click “submit,” go through every detail:
- Your name
- Subject combination
- Institution/course choices
- Email, phone number
- Spelling!
Once submitted, you can’t change it unless you pay to make corrections later. So be sharp here.
Step 6: Collect Your JAMB Slip and Keep It Safe
Once done, you’ll get:
- A JAMB registration slip
- A copy of the JAMB reading text (novel) to read for the Use of English exam
Keep everything safe. You’ll need your slip later to:
- Check your exam date
- Print your exam schedule
- Check your results
Because it is your First time registering for JAMB:
- Use your own phone number: Don’t use someone else’s line — it will be tied to your profile forever.
- Use a valid email address: Create a simple one like firstnamelastname@gmail.com — no slang, no numbers overload.
- Know your correct subject combination: Check the JAMB Brochure or ask your school counselor. Wrong subjects = no admission (that will be very sad)
- Register early: Don’t wait till the last minute. Early registration means less stress, better center options, and fewer errors.
- Avoid cyber cafés: Only register at JAMB-accredited CBT centres. Cafés are not allowed, and they often make costly mistakes.
Conclusion
JAMB registration doesn’t have to be stressful. It’s all about knowing the process, being prepared, and avoiding common traps. Take your time, ask questions, and don’t be shy to double-check things before you submit. You’ve got this! If you need help finding an accredited CBT centre near you, I can help you with that too — just ask!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I register for JAMB without a NIN?
No, you can’t. Your NIN is the first and most important requirement for JAMB registration. Make sure you get it from a verified NIMC center before starting the process.
2. What happens if I lose my profile code or ePIN?
No worries. If you lose your profile, just take the steps to get a profile code as seen above.
For lost ePIN, go back to the platform or bank where you bought it, they can help retrieve it with your profile code and payment info.
3. Can I register at any cyber café?
Nope. JAMB has banned registration at cyber cafés. You must use an official JAMB-accredited CBT center to avoid errors or scams.
4. What’s the difference between UTME with mock and without mock?
If you choose UTME with mock, you’ll write a mock exam before the main one (to test your readiness). It costs a bit more. If you pick without mock, you just go straight to the main JAMB exam.
5. Can I use someone else’s phone number for the registration?
Please don’t. Use your own number. That number will be linked to your JAMB profile and used for all communication, from results to admission updates.
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