"The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has introduced new guidelines for the 2026 admission exercise. The guidelines aim to ensure a smooth and transparent admission process for candidates."
JAMB Overhauls 2026 Admission Framework: New Directives on CAPS, Age Limits, and Credential Verification
> ✅ VERIFIED REPORT: This update has been cross-referenced with official institutional portals as of 2026-07-29.
Published: 2026-07-29 | Source: CampusAI News
📌 Overview
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released its updated regulatory framework governing the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) admission exercises across Nigerian tertiary institutions. Designed to eliminate illegal admissions, streamline credential authentication, and enforce institutional compliance, the new guidelines make the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) the sole legitimate pathway for tertiary admission in Nigeria. Under the leadership of Registrar Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the Board has introduced stricter biometric checks, real-time O'Level verification integrations, and firm adherence to national candidate eligibility criteria.
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📅 Official Timetable / Key Details
To maintain operational integrity, JAMB has mandated strict compliance with the registration schedules, fee structures, and processing timelines outlined below:
| Event / Activity | Date / Fee Detail | Target Audience |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| NIN Registration & Profile Code Creation | Ongoing | All Prospective UTME/DE Candidates |
| UTME Registration Window | January 15 – February 26, 2026 | UTME Candidates |
| Direct Entry (DE) Registration Window | February 28 – April 8, 2026 | Direct Entry Applicants |
| Mock-UTME Examination | March 14, 2026 | Optional for UTME Candidates |
| Main UTME Examination | April 18 – April 28, 2026 | All Registered UTME Candidates |
| O’Level Upload Window on CAPS | Deadline: August 31, 2026 | UTME & DE Candidates awaiting results |
| Standard UTME Registration Fee (Without Mock) | ₦6,200 | Regular UTME Applicants |
| UTME Registration Fee (With Mock-UTME) | ₦7,700 | Applicants opting for practice exams |
| Direct Entry Application Fee | ₦10,000 | DE Applicants |
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📝 Step-by-Step Registration Guide
Candidates must strictly follow this verified sequential workflow to complete their registration without risking disqualification.
Step 1: Profile Code Generation via NIN
1. Ensure your
National Identification Number (NIN) is active and linked to an individual mobile phone number.
(Note: A single phone number can only be used by one candidate).
2. Open your SMS application and text `NIN` followed by a space and your 11-digit NIN (e.g., `NIN 12345678901`) to either
55019 or
66019.
3. You will receive a 10-character
Profile Code via SMS along with your registered NIN details.
Step 2: e-PIN Procurement
1. Visit an accredited bank, JAMB CBT Center, or approved digital payment platform (e.g., Remita, Interswitch, Quickteller).
2. Present your 10-character Profile Code to purchase your registration e-PIN.
3. Safeguard the e-PIN deliverable sent to your registered phone number via SMS.
Step 3: Biometric Data Capture at Accredited CBT Centers
1. Proceed to an official
JAMB-Accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) Center with your e-PIN and profile details.
2. Complete your ten-finger biometric registration and facial capture under official supervision.
3. Submit your personal details, choice of institutions (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th choices), and preferred subject combinations.
Step 4: Document Verification & Printout
1. Carefully review all captured details on the operator's screen before final submission.
2. Collect your official
JAMB Registration Slip, which contains your registration number, exam photograph, and biometric verification status.
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🛠️ Useful Tools for Candidates
Candidates are strongly advised to utilize verified digital tools throughout the 2026 registration and admission lifecycle:
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⚠️ Critical Policies & Warnings
1. Zero Tolerance for Offline Admissions
JAMB has reiterated that
no tertiary institution in Nigeria has the authority to offer admission outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS). Any candidate who accepts an admission letter issued directly by an institution without a corresponding notification on JAMB CAPS does so at their own risk. Such admissions are illegal, non-regularizable, and will render the candidate ineligible for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) or Exemption Certificates.
2. Direct Entry (DE) Certificate Verification Protocol
All Direct Entry applicants presenting A’Level qualifications (IJMB, JUPEB, NCE, ND, HND, or First Degrees) must undergo verification through the
A’Level Verification Portal (ALIVE). Qualifications from unverified awarding bodies will be flagged, and affected applicants will be denied admission approval.
3. Minimum Age Requirement Enforceability
In alignment with federal directives, candidates must reach the statutory minimum age threshold required by the Ministry of Education prior to institutional matriculation. The JAMB portal will automatically restrict admission processing for candidates who do not satisfy the age criteria by the designated institution's deadline.
4. Mandatory O'Level Result Verification
Candidates using "Awaiting Result" (AR) status during registration must upload their verified O’Level results (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB) onto their JAMB profile via an accredited CBT center before the institutional admission screening deadline. Failure to upload O'Level credentials on CAPS automatically excludes the applicant from institutional placement lists.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I change my choice of institution or course after completing registration?
Yes. JAMB allows candidates to apply for a Data Correction / Change of Institution or Course on the portal after registration. This service carries an official fee of ₦2,500 payable strictly through approved channels on the official JAMB portal.
Q2: How do I know if my admission offer is genuine?
A genuine admission offer is visible directly on your
JAMB CAPS profile. You must log into your JAMB profile, navigate to the `CAPS` tab, check your `Admission Status`, and explicitly click
ACCEPT or
REJECT. An admission letter printed directly from the JAMB e-Facility portal serves as the only legally recognized proof of admission.
Q3: What should I do if my NIN profile code generation fails?
Ensure your SIM card has a minimum credit balance of ₦50 (standard SMS rates apply, and bonus balances are not accepted). Confirm that your NIN is active with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). If errors persist, send `UTME` or `DE` followed by a space and your NIN to 55019/66019 or visit a NIMC enrollment center to resolve data discrepancies.
Q4: Are CBT centers allowed to charge extra cash fees for registration?
No. All mandatory fees are included in the e-PIN payment. Accredited CBT centers are strictly prohibited from collecting cash payments above the approved operational fees. Any center demanding extra cash payments should be reported immediately to JAMB through its official ticketing platform.
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Editor's Note: Always verify dates, fees, and guidelines on the official portal before initiating payments. Avoid third-party agents claiming to offer guaranteed admissions.