Every year, one of the hottest questions on the minds of students in Nigeria is simple: “When will JAMB 2026 registration start and end?” And honestly, it makes sense. Nobody wants wahala with missing the deadline. If you’ve ever seen students rushing to cyber cafés during the last week of registration, you’ll understand. The queues can be crazy.
JAMB has not announced the exact 2026 registration dates. However, we can make guesses based on the previous years and official news. That way, you don’t wait till the last minute and find yourself stranded.
Find out more details on the JAMB 2026 registration deadline and do well to make good use of the JAMB 2026 registration tips below.
When Will JAMB 2026 Registration Start?
Let’s keep it real. JAMB likes to follow a pattern. In the last few years:
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2022: JAMB registration started around early February.
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2023: they opened it in January.
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2024: the same January period.
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2025: also January.
Now, due to the above facts, it is almost certain that JAMB 2026 registration will begin in January 2026. Most likely the first or second week.
Tip: Don’t wait until they announce before you prepare. Start getting your NIN ready now. If your NIN has issues, fix them. That’s where plenty of people get stuck.
When Will JAMB 2026 Registration End?
This is where many students mess up. JAMB normally extends registration to 5 or 6 weeks. Remember that in 2024, in early February, registration was closed. It also operated about the same period in 2025.
That is why, in 2026, assuming that the registration opens in January, one should expect the closing date to be in mid or late February 2026.
But here’s the thing, JAMB is not your cousin that will always wait for you. Sometimes they extend the deadline, sometimes they don’t. If you gamble with “they’ll extend it,” you may cry at the end. Better safe than sorry.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait for Deadline Rush
I’ll be honest with you. I once saw a guy back in 2023 trying to register for JAMB on the last day. The café was full, the system was slow, and eventually, the network went off. He ended up missing it. Imagine how painful that is — preparing for months and missing out because of procrastination.
That’s why you should register before the JAMB 2026 registration deadline once the portal opens, because, as they saying goes, “early bird catches the worm. Early birds enjoy peace of mind.
Things You Need Before JAMB 2026 Registration Starts
Since the question is not just about “when” but also “how to be ready,” let’s break down the checklist.
Below are some JAMB 2026 registration tips to help you:
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National Identification Number(NIN): Without this, you can’t even begin. Don’t dull on this, get your NIN.
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Valid phone number: Use a number you can keep till admission process is over. No borrowing.
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Email address: Simple Gmail works fine. Make it official. Don’t use something like lovelygirl123.
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Profile code: You’ll generate this via SMS (JAMB will explain once the date is out).
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Money for the form: Expect the cost to be around ₦4,700 – ₦6,200 depending on if you include CBT service charges.
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O’level results: If you already have them, fine. If not, you can register with awaiting results but don’t forget to update later.
Expected JAMB 2026 Timeline
The actual dates are not announced yet by JAMB, but it is likely to follow the following schedule:
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Registration begins: Early January 2026
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Registration closing date: Mid to late February 2026
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Mock exam (optional): Likely March 2026
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UTME exam proper: Usually around April
Now, when will JAMB 2026 registration start and end? Answer: Jamb registration is going to start between January and February 2026.
Common Mistakes Made By Students During JAMB Registration in Previous Years
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Rushing to register on the closing date. Already explained. Don’t try it.
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Using wrong details. Name mismatches between NIN and WAEC can scatter your admission later.
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Not keeping login details safe. Your profile email and password should not be forgotten.
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Registering at random cafés. Only go to approved JAMB CBT centers. Anything else is risky.
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Ignoring mock exam. Although it is not compulsory, but its helpful in the sense that it will test how ready you are for the main exams.
FAQs About JAMB 2026 Registration
1. When is JAMB 2026 registration date?
Well, nobody knows the exact date yet. But if we look at how JAMB does things, it usually kicks off in January and closes around February. That’s the pattern. Of course, the board will announce it. Best bet? Just keep checking JAMB’s official website and socials so you don’t hear late.
2. Do I need a NIN before I can register?
Yes, you really do. No NIN, no registration. That’s how it works now. So if you haven’t done yours, please go and fix it early.
3. What if I make a mistake in my form?
It’s not the end. JAMB normally gives a correction window. You’ll pay a small fee, then correct details like subjects, name spellings, or course choices. But trust me, double-check before submitting. Saves you stress and money later.
4. How can I avoid scams?
By the way, this one is serious. Only register at approved CBT centres. Forget anyone promising “special slots” or shortcuts. JAMB doesn’t run like that. And please, protect your login details. If something feels off, confirm straight from JAMB’s official site.
Conclusion
JAMB 2026 registration will almost surely start in January and end in February. That’s the plain truth. If you want to stay ahead, prepare now. Get your NIN, save money for the form, and plan to register once the portal opens.
Don’t wait for stories. Don’t wait for last-minute rush. Get registered early, prevent stress and concentrate on the actual examination.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about when JAMB registration starts and ends — it’s about whether you’ll be ready when it does.
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