When Is JAMB Registration Ending 2026? Full Deadline Dates
When Is JAMB Registration Ending 2026? If you’re planning to sit for the 2026 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) or Direct Entry (DE) in Nigeria, one of the first questions on every aspirant’s mind is:
“When is JAMB registration ending in 2026?”
Understanding this deadline isn’t just about meeting a schedule, it can make the difference between qualifying to write the exam and being locked out of your dream tertiary institution.
In this guide, we’ll break all key dates, explain the difference between UTME and DE deadlines, highlight common mistakes, and provide strategic advice to avoid stress and last-minute rushes.
Let’s dive in.
Official JAMB 2026 Registration Deadlines (UTME & DE)
Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)
For most candidates applying through the traditional UTME process:
- Registration Start: January 26, 2026
- UTME Registration Ends: February 28, 2026
- E-PIN Sales Deadline: February 26, 2026 (important because your portal access depends on this)
In plain terms: You must complete all steps, starting with generating your profile code, purchasing an e-PIN, and submitting your form by February 28, 2026. Even though the portal stays open until that date, you can’t start the process without an e-PIN, which stops selling on February 26.
This deadline applies to both local and foreign UTME candidates.
Direct Entry (DE) Candidates
If you are applying via Direct Entry (for example, using an NCE, OND, HND, or equivalent credits):
- Direct Entry Registration Begins: March 2, 2026
- DE Registration Ends: April 25, 2026
Unlike UTME, DE registrations cannot be done at CBT centers and must be completed at JAMB State or Zonal offices.
Why Meeting the Deadline Is Important
1. No Late Registrations
Once a JAMB registration deadline passes, no application can be accepted under normal circumstances. The Board does not extend deadlines unless under exceptional and widely publicized circumstances.
Missing the deadline means you’ll have to wait until next year, which will be a costly delay for you.
2. E-PIN vs Registration Deadline (Know the Difference)
A common source of confusion is e-PIN vending vs registration close:
- E-PIN vending ends earlier:— February 26, 2026.
- Registration portal closes later:— February 28, 2026.
So even if the portal is open on February 27–28, you cannot start a new registration without an e-PIN. That’s why many education experts advise candidates to complete the process several days before the final dates.
Other Critical 2026 JAMB Dates to Know
Understanding registration deadlines is only part of the picture. Below are related JAMB activities and their deadlines that every candidate should take note of:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Mock UTME (Optional) | March 28, 2026 |
| Main UTME Examination Begins | April 16, 2026 |
| Main UTME Ends | April 25, 2026 |
These dates help you plan your study schedule and avoid last-minute rush in preparation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Knowing when the registration ends is only half the battle. Here are frequent pitfalls candidates fall into:
A. Waiting Until the Last Minute
As deadlines approach, CBT centers experience congestion — slow registration, long queues, and even technical delays. This can easily derail your plan if you wait until the final week.
B. Ignoring PIN Deadlines
Some candidates assume they can register up until February 28. But without an e-PIN before February 26, registration is impossible.
C. Not Preparing Your Documents Early
You must have a valid National Identification Number (NIN) before attempting registration and ensure details match your academic credentials exactly.
Studentful’s Recommended Strategy For JAMB Registration 2026
To avoid pitfalls and ensure a smooth registration:
1. Create Your Profile Early
Don’t wait until the vending date — generate your profile code as early as possible by sending your NIN via SMS to JAMB codes (e.g., 55019).
2. Buy e-PIN Ahead of Time
E-PIN vending stops before the final registration deadline. Ensure you buy yours before February 26.
3. Complete Registration Weeks Before the Deadline
Aim to finalize all steps at least 1–2 weeks before February 28. This gives time to resolve mistakes or reprint your slip without pressure.
4. Track Official JAMB Bulletins
Always cross-check online articles with announcements on jamb.gov.ng — this is the authoritative source.
JAMB 2026 Deadlines Summary
Let’s recap the most important parts:
- JAMB UTME Registration Ends: February 28, 2026
- e-PIN Sales Ends: February 26, 2026
- Direct Entry Ends: April 25, 2026
- Register early and avoid waiting until the last minute.
Final Advice
Plan ahead. Schedule your profile creation, e-PIN purchase, and registration in advance. Respect the deadlines and prepare early for exam content. With the correct approach, you not only beat the stress of last-minute rush but also position yourself for a solid exam experience.
