"The 2026 UTME registration and exam schedule has been officially announced by JAMB."
A Comprehensive Guide To The 2026 UTME Registration And Exam Schedule — Official Timetable and Requirements
Published: August 1, 2026 | Source: CampusAI News
---
📌 Overview
The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration officially commenced on January 26, 2026, and concluded on February 28, 2026. An optional Mock UTME was held on March 28, 2026. The main examination window for the 2026 UTME spanned from April 16 to April 25, 2026.
Over 2.2 million candidates sat for the examination across nearly 1,000 accredited CBT centres nationwide.
---
📅 Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|--------|-------------|
| UTME Registration Period | January 26 – February 28, 2026 |
| E-PIN Vending Period | January 19 – February 26, 2026 |
| Mock UTME Date | March 28, 2026 |
| Main UTME Period | April 16 – April 25, 2026 |
| Total Candidates | Over 2.2 million |
| Registration Fee (UTME Only) | ₦7,200 |
| Registration Fee (UTME with Mock) | ₦8,700 |
| Direct Entry Registration Fee | ₦5,700 |
---
💰 Registration Fee Breakdown
| Fee Category | Amount |
|--------------|--------|
| UTME Only (Without Mock) | ₦7,200 |
| UTME With Mock | ₦8,700 |
| Direct Entry (DE) | ₦5,700 |
Breakdown of UTME Only Fee:
- Application Fee: ₦3,500
- Reading Text: ₦1,000
- CBT Centre Registration Service Charge: ₦700
- CBT Centre UTME Service Charge: ₦1,500
- Bank Charges: ₦500
- Total: ₦7,200
---
📝 Who Is Affected
The 2026 UTME registration affects all candidates seeking admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education through the UTME or Direct Entry programmes.
---
📋 What to Do Next
For candidates who have already registered, the next steps are:
1. Check Your UTME Result
- Send `UTMERESULT` via SMS to 55019 or 66019
- Or visit the JAMB e-Facility portal at efacility.jamb.gov.ng
2.
Upload O'Level Results to JAMB CAPS- Visit any JAMB-accredited CBT centre with your original O'Level result slip
- The CBT officer will scan and upload your results
3.
Monitor JAMB CAPS for Admission Offers- Log in to efacility.jamb.gov.ng
- Click on "Check Admission Status" and "Access my CAPS"
- Accept or reject admission offers within the stipulated timeframe
4.
Check Post-UTME Screening Deadlines- Visit your chosen university's official portal
- Complete Post-UTME registration before the deadline
---
📌 Important Updates & Policy Changes
JAMB CAPS Rules
All admissions must be processed through the JAMB CAPS system. Candidates must monitor CAPS for offers and accept or reject them promptly.
O'Level Upload Requirement
Uploading O'Level results to JAMB CAPS is
mandatory. Candidates without uploaded results will not be considered for admission.
Age Requirement
Candidates must have reached age
16 before 30 September 2026.
Payment Warning
Candidates are warned against making payments to unauthorised individuals or centres. Report any centre charging above the official fees.
---
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the UTME registration fee?
A: The UTME registration fee is ₦7,200 (without Mock) and ₦8,700 (with Mock).
Q: When did UTME registration start and end?
A: Registration started on January 26, 2026, and ended on February 28, 2026.
Q: When was the 2026 UTME held?
A: The main UTME was held from April 16 to April 25, 2026.
Q: How can I check my UTME result?
A: Send `UTMERESULT` via SMS to 55019 or 66019, or log in to the JAMB e-Facility portal at efacility.jamb.gov.ng.
Q: Is UTME registration still open?
A: No. Registration closed on February 28, 2026.
Q: What happens if I don't upload my O'Level results?
A: The CAPS system will bypass your profile, and you will not be considered for admission.
---
📚 Related Articles
---
🛠️ Useful Tools
| Tool | Description | Link |
|------|-------------|------|
| ✅ Aggregate Calculator | Calculate your admission aggregate score | Try Now → |
| ✅ Admission Chance Predictor | Get a personalised assessment | Check Now → |
| ✅ Post-UTME Tracker | View real-time updates on deadlines and exams | View Tracker → |
| ✅ AI Admission Assistant | Ask questions and get instant answers | Chat Now → |
---
🔗 Follow CampusAI for Daily Updates
---
> 📌 Editor's Note: This article is based on official JAMB announcements and verified sources as of August 2026. Always verify critical information on the official JAMB website at jamb.gov.ng.
