JAMB Registration Requirements & Guidelines for UTME 2026

There are eight (8) requirements you must fulfil to register for the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination.

Registering for the JAMB exam can be a stressful process, especially if it is your first time, and more frustrating if you encounter issues like NIN, incorrect name arrangement, etc.

In this post, I will guide you from my over 10 years of experience with the JAMB registration guidelines on all the things you need to register successfully for your UTME exam.

Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or require further clarification. I would love to hear from you.

JAMB Registration Requirements for UTME

Here are the 8 things you need for your JAMB registration;

1. JAMB Profile Code 
2. National Identification Number (NIN)
3. Phone Number Linked to your NIN
4. Minimum Age Requirement
5. O-level Subject Combination
6. E-mail Address
7. JAMB ePin & Registration Fee
8. Choice of Institution & Preferred Course of Study

1. JAMB Profile Code

JAMB profile code is a ten (10) digit number unique to every candidate used for the UTME registration and other related processes.

The profile code is like your bank account number; you will use it for everything related to JAMB, from registration to accepting your admission on the JAMB Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).

Here is how to get your JAMB profile code;

1. Using the SIM card linked to your NIN
2. Type the 11 digits of your NIN as a text message
3. Send the message to “55019” or “66019”
4. You’ll receive a 10-digit code, which is your profile code

Note that this code is permanently assigned to you; it means you cannot generate another code even if you decide to register for JAMB again in the next five years.

When you get this code, ensure you keep it safe by saving it to your email, diary, and writing it somewhere where it cannot be misplaced.

2. National Identification Number (NIN)

The National Identification Number (NIN) is a compulsory requirement for the JAMB registration process.

As we have seen in the first point above, you need to have your NIN to process your admission. 

NIN is an 11-digit unique code being assigned by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) across Nigeria.

All you have to do is visit the NIMC office close to you for your registration if you don’t yet have your NIN number.

As I pointed out, I snap my documents, like my NIN slip and upload them to my Google Drive, and I write down the numbers and save them as a draft in my email. In this way, you won’t be stranded if you forget to take any of your documents or details to the JAMB CBT centre for your registration.

3. Phone Number Linked to your NIN

An active phone number linked to your NIN is necessary for your JAMB registration, especially for getting your profile code.

Do not allow the CBT centre officer or anyone else to use their phone number to request your profile code.

If you’re less than eighteen (18) years old and don’t have a registered SIM card, you can use your parents’ phone number to request your profile code. But, ensure none of your siblings has used their SIM to request the profile code. 

Let me know in the comments if you still have further questions about requesting your profile code.

4. Minimum Age Requirement

The minimum age requirement for JAMB is sixteen (16) years of age. If you’re below 16, you would only be considered for admission if you have a UTME score above 320, a Post UTME score of at least 80%, and a minimum of 80% in a single sitting of your O-Level exams (WAEC or NECO).

The age requirement implemented by JAMB is to prevent the admission of underage candidates to the university.

If you are below 16, you have the option of meeting the JAMB score requirement or waiting till you’re eligible for admission.

5. O-level Subject Combination

O-level subject combination is all the subjects you took in the West African Examination Council (WAEC) or National Examination Council (NECO) exams.

For admission, you need five subjects in your O’level results relevant to the course you’re applying to to qualify for admission.

For example, if you want to study Medical Laboratory Science, you need the following subjects in your WAEC or NECO results;

• Mathematics
• English Language
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology

Note that during your JAMB registration, you are required to provide eight (8) or nine (9) subjects in your O-level, but only five (5) subjects will be used for your admission process, depending on your preferred course of study.

If you’re sitting for the WAEC or NECO exam this year, you have nothing to worry about, as you will fill in your awaiting result during your JAMB registration. But you will have to upload your results as soon as they are released.

In addition, you must also select the correct four (4) JAMb subject combination for the course you are applying to study.

6. E-mail Address

It is compulsory to have an email address for the JAMB registration process. Ensure that this email address is active, and you safeguard the password and login details.

Over the years, many aspirants have complained to me that they no longer have access to their email accounts.

I recommend you use Gmail to create your email address. Your email address and password must be written somewhere else in case you misplace your phone.

7. JAMB ePin & Registration Fee

JAMB ePin is the code you pay for to complete your registration.

You can buy it from:

• Banks
• Remita
• USSD
• Online payment platforms
• POS at CBT centres

Keep your payment receipt safe. I can help you purchase the JAMB ePin. Let me know in the comments if you need my assistance.

In addition to the ePin, you’re required to pay a service charge fee at the CBT centre for your registration.

8. Choice of Institution & Preferred Course of Study

As a JAMB applicant, you’re required to select four choices of institutions;

• First choice (usually a university)
• Second choice (usually a state university or polytechnic)
• Third choice (usually a college of education)
• Fourth choice (usually a vocational training centre)

Ensure your UTME subject combination matches your course, or you’d be denied admission or transferred to another department.

Conclusion

Registering for JAMB becomes much easier when you know what to expect. Gather your documents early, double-check your details, and follow the steps listed above.

Success starts with registering correctly. I would love to hear your questions in the comment box below. I wish you success as you prepare for your JAMB exam.

You can join my JAMB WhatsApp Channel by clicking here.