The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially fixed the dates for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), giving candidates clarity on when they should sit the exam nationwide. According to the Board’s announcement, the main UTME will hold from Thursday, April 16 to Saturday, April 25, 2026. In addition, the optional mock examination is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
These dates mark the peak of the UTME cycle for prospective tertiary students across Nigeria, many of whom have already started preparing months in advance. This announcement also comes with important timelines for registration, eligibility criteria, fees, and other logistical details that all candidates must understand to avoid last-minute setbacks.
Registration Timelines and Procedures
JAMB has outlined several key dates that candidates should note:
- UTME Registration: Registration for the 2026 UTME started in January and is set to close in February 2026.
- Direct Entry (DE) Registration: For candidates applying through Direct Entry, registration will continue from early March to April 25, 2026.
- Mock UTME (Optional): Held on March 28, 2026, this practice test gives candidates a feel of the real exam environment before the main UTME.
- Main UTME: Scheduled nationwide from April 16 to April 25, 2026.
Candidates are advised to confirm all dates on official JAMB platforms and print their examination slips early to avoid unnecessary stress as the exam approaches.
Fees and Requirements
JAMB has also revealed the fee structure for the 2026 UTME and related services. While exact figures vary slightly depending on the outlet used to procure the e-PIN, the main components typically include:
- UTME application fee: A base charge required to sit the exam.
- Reading text fee: A mandatory charge for the prescribed reading book.
- CBT centre registration and examination service charges: Fees paid to the testing centre for computer-based test services.
- Bank processing fees: Charges for handling transactions through approved banks.
- Mock-UTME charges (optional): Applies only if a candidate chooses to write the mock exam.
Candidates are urged to purchase e-PINs and complete registration only through authorised channels such as participating banks, online platforms, and approved CBT centres to avoid fraud.
Eligibility and Academic Requirements
To be eligible for the UTME, candidates must meet certain academic and age requirements. Prospective candidates must have at least five credit passes in their O’Level results, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings. Direct Entry candidates are expected to have relevant post-secondary certificates such as A-Level, ND, NCE, HND, or Degree in addition to O’Level requirements.
JAMB also requires candidates to provide a valid National Identification Number (NIN) before they can register, ensuring proper verification and tracking throughout the registration and examination processes.
Compulsory Reading Text
Another important requirement for the 2026 UTME is the inclusion of a prescribed reading text that candidates are expected to study prior to the exam. This year, JAMB has designated The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba as the compulsory reading book, and questions relating to the text may appear in either the UTME or associated subjects where reading comprehension is tested.
Why These Dates Matter to Candidates
The announcement of fixed UTME dates allows students to fine-tune their revision schedules, complete mock practices, and organise their registration details. Knowing the exact exam window is also critical for planning logistics such as transportation to exam centres, accommodation for out-of-town candidates, and review timelines for subjects that need extra attention.
Preparation is especially important considering how competitive the UTME can be. Candidates who begin revision early and stay consistent in their study plans often perform better than those relying on last-minute cramming.
To Conclude…
With the 2026 UTME scheduled between April 16 and April 25, 2026, and the optional mock test on March 28, 2026, candidates should prioritise completing their registrations, understanding the requirements, and engaging in structured revision. Following official guidelines and timelines will help reduce last-minute issues and give students the best chance of success.
This announcement brings clarity to what has been a long-anticipated schedule, and prospective undergraduates are encouraged to make the most of the remaining preparation time.
