Every year, one big question runs through the minds of students who want to gain admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Nigeria: “When will JAMB start?”
JAMB, which conducts the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE), is the gateway into higher institutions in Nigeria. Because of its importance, students, parents, and teachers eagerly await the official timetable each year.
In this article, we’ll break things down on what JAMB is, why the start date matters, what to expect for JAMB 2026, and how to prepare ahead.
What is JAMB and Why Its Schedule Matters
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is a Nigerian examination body responsible for conducting entrance exams into higher institutions. Every year, millions of candidates sit for the UTME or apply via Direct Entry.
Because admission into tertiary institutions heavily depends on JAMB results, knowing when registration and the exam start is very important.
Why the schedule matters:
- To avoid missing deadlines.
- To secure a convenient exam center.
- To prepare early and perform better.
- To manage stress and avoid last-minute rush.
Is the JAMB 2026 Date Officially Out?
As of now, JAMB has not released the official timetable for 2026. What many students see online are mostly speculated dates shared on forums or social media.
However, we can still make useful predictions by studying the pattern from previous years.
Past JAMB Timelines
Looking at past years, here is the usual sequence:
- Registration: Mostly begins late January or early February and closes in early March.
- Mock UTME: Usually takes place in March or April.
- Main UTME Exam: Normally scheduled between late April and early May.
For example:
- In 2025, registration opened in February and closed in March. The exam itself was conducted around the last week of April into the first week of May.
- In earlier years, the pattern was almost the same, with only slight shifts depending on logistics and national events.
So, even though the 2026 timetable is not out yet, it’s safe to expect registration around late January to early February 2026, and the exam in April or early May 2026.
Likely JAMB 2026 Timeline (Unofficial Prediction)
| Activity | Expected Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UTME Registration Opens | Late January 2026 | Based on past patterns |
| Registration Deadline | Early March 2026 | Usually 5–6 weeks after opening |
| Direct Entry (DE) Registration | March–April 2026 | Normally starts after UTME registration |
| Mock UTME | March/early April 2026 | Optional but useful for practice |
| Main UTME Exam | Late April – Early May 2026 | Core nationwide exam period |
Important: This is only a prediction. The official timetable will be announced directly by JAMB.
How to Stay Updated on JAMB 2026
Since rumors spread fast online, the best approach is to follow verified sources only.
- JAMB Official Website: Visit regularly for official bulletins.
- Accredited CBT Centers: These centers get first-hand information and official circulars.
- National Newspapers: They usually report JAMB’s press releases quickly.
- Official JAMB Social Media: Updates are posted on verified accounts.
Avoid relying solely on forums, random WhatsApp broadcasts, or unverified blogs.
Preparing Before JAMB Registration Starts
To avoid stress, here’s what you should prepare before registration begins:
1. Gather Required Documents
- National Identification Number (NIN)
- A valid email and phone number
- O’Level result (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or equivalent)
- Passport photograph (meeting JAMB standards)
2. Save Up Funds
Registration involves several costs:
- e-PIN purchase
- CBT service charges
- Mock exam fee (if interested)
- Reading text provided by JAMB
3. Choose Your Institutions and Courses Early
Don’t wait until registration to start thinking. Research the requirements of your dream course (e.g., medicine, law, engineering) and make decisions early.
4. Start Reading Ahead
JAMB is competitive. Early preparation using the official syllabus and past questions gives you an advantage.
5. Understand CBT (Computer-Based Testing)
If you are not familiar with computers, practice with demo CBT platforms. Confidence with the system reduces exam tension.
Tips for Parents and Guardians
Many parents worry about how best to support their children during JAMB season. Here are simple ways:
- Provide moral support and encouragement.
- Budget money for registration, mock, and travel.
- Reduce household distractions during study periods.
- Help them monitor official announcements.
- Remind them not to fall for fraudsters selling “miracle centers.”
Common Questions About JAMB 2026
1. Has JAMB announced the official date for 2026?
Not yet. The official date will be published by JAMB on its website and major newspapers.
2. Can I still register after the deadline?
No. Once registration closes, JAMB rarely reopens it. Missing it means waiting another year.
3. Is the mock exam compulsory?
No, it is optional. But it’s a good opportunity to practice.
4. What happens if the exam dates change?
Sometimes JAMB shifts exam dates due to logistics or national events. Always check for updates even after registering.
5. What if I don’t have my O’Level result yet?
You can register with “awaiting result,” but you must upload your result before admission processing begins.
Mistakes to Avoid in JAMB 2026
- Waiting until the last minute to register.
- Using fake or unaccredited CBT centers.
- Choosing courses without checking requirements.
- Ignoring updates after registration.
- Not preparing for the CBT format.
Key Takeaways
- JAMB 2026 official date is not yet announced at the time of publishing this blog post.
- Based on past trends, expect registration in January/February and the exam in April/May 2026.
- Stay updated through official JAMB channels.
- Prepare documents, funds, and study early.
- Avoid misinformation, scams, and last-minute stress.
