JAMB Unveils Comprehensive Guidelines for 2026 UTME Registration
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has rolled out its official registration procedures and critical advisory notes for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), offering prospective candidates a clearer pathway ahead of the nationwide enrolment exercise.
The guidelines, released on Sunday, December 7 2025 through JAMB’s verified X handle, detail step-by-step registration requirements, essential documents, and common errors students should avoid as preparations intensify for the annual examination that determines admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Registration Procedure
JAMB stressed that candidates must confirm the accuracy of their personal data, especially their National Identification Number (NIN), email address, phone number and A-Level details, before attempting to generate a profile code.
To generate the code, candidates are required to send their 11-digit NIN in the format “NIN 00000011111” to 55019 or 66019. Once issued, the profile code becomes permanent, as biodata is automatically synchronised with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and cannot be altered.
After obtaining the profile code, candidates are to visit any JAMB office or accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre to complete their registration. JAMB emphasised that E-PINs must only be purchased from authorised channels, including designated banks, approved online platforms, and certified vendors at registration centres.
Candidates are also advised to ensure that the correct registration template is used and that all provided information is thoroughly verified before final submission.
Vital Reminders
According to the board, candidates must address all NIMC-related corrections (such as name, date of birth, gender or state of origin) ahead of registration and verify that such updates reflect on their profile portal.
JAMB further cautioned that the GSM number and email address used for registration are unique identifiers and must not be shared or changed. They must also be active throughout the admission cycle.
Students experiencing biometric challenges during registration should report directly to the nearest JAMB office, as no CBT centre is authorised to “force-register” candidates with fingerprint or facial recognition issues.
The board also mandated the use of a dual-screen system during enrolment to enable candidates confirm that their passport photograph and biometrics are correctly captured.
Common Challenges & Error Codes
JAMB listed frequent issues encountered by applicants during profile code generation, including:
Error 550/66019: Often triggered by incorrect request format. Candidates must use the correct SMS structure: “NIN 00000011111” sent to 55019 or 66019.
“Number Already Registered”: Indicates the phone number is already tied to an existing profile. Candidates should retrieve the original SIM or use a different number.
“Unable to Verify NIN”: Candidates may experience temporary delays and are advised to wait and retry later.
Sale of 2026 UTME Form
The board confirmed that the 2026 UTME application documents will be available for sale from Friday, January 31, 2026, and registration will close on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
With millions of candidates expected to participate, the board urged students to begin early preparations and follow all guidelines to avoid avoidable setbacks.
