Nigeria JAMB UTME Registration: Complete 2026 Examination Guide

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is the standardized entrance examination for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions (universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education). Conducted annually by JAMB, the UTME is the primary gateway for secondary school graduates seeking admission to higher education in Nigeria.

The UTME is a computer-based test (CBT) that assesses candidates' knowledge and aptitude in four subjects relevant to their intended field of study. The examination is conducted over several weeks, with candidates assigned to specific dates and times.

Registration Process

The JAMB UTME registration is conducted online through the official JAMB portal:

1. Create a JAMB profile at jamb.gov.ng using your National Identification Number (NIN)

2. Obtain your ePIN by paying the registration fee through approved banks or online payment platforms

3. Fill in the registration form with your personal details, O'Level results, and preferred institutions

4. Select four subjects relevant to your intended course of study

5. Upload a passport photograph meeting JAMB specifications

5. Print your registration slip and examination timetable

Subject Selection

Candidates must select four subjects for the UTME. The combination typically includes:

• English Language: Mandatory for all candidatesThree additional subjects relevant to the intended course

Common subject combinations by field:

| Field of Study | Recommended Subjects |

|---|---|

| Medicine/Surgery | Biology, Chemistry, Physics |

| Engineering | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |

| Law | Literature-in-English, Government, History |

| Business Administration | Economics, Commerce, Accounting |

| Computer Science | Mathematics, Physics, Computer Studies |

Examination Format

| Section | Questions | Duration |

|---|---|---|

| Use of English | 60 questions | 1 hour |

| Subject 2 | 40 questions | 1 hour |

| Subject 3 | 40 questions | 1 hour |

| Subject 4 | 40 questions | 1 hour |

| Total | 180 questions | 2 hours |

University Cut-Off Marks

Different universities set their own minimum JAMB score requirements:

| University Type | Minimum Cut-Off |

|---|---|

| Federal Universities | 200+ |

| State Universities | 180-200 |

| Private Universities | 150-180 |

| Polytechnics | 120-150 |

| Colleges of Education | 100-120 |