JAMB Timetable 2026 for UTME & Direct Entry

Knowing the correct JAMB dates early is very important for every candidate. The JAMB timetable 2026 guides your registration, mock exam, main UTME exam, and Direct Entry (DE) application, and missing any deadline can affect your eligibility to sit for the examination.

Many candidates lose opportunities every year simply because they miss registration deadlines, forget mock selection dates, or fail to print their examination slips on time.

All dates in this guide are based on official announcements by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the only body responsible for conducting the UTME and Direct Entry examinations in Nigeria.

Bookmark this page to stay updated on JAMB 2026 dates.

JAMB Timetable 2026 for UTME (Official Schedule)

Below are the key dates every JAMB 2026 candidate should take note of.

Explanation of Key JAMB 2026 Dates (Why They Matter)

Registration Start & End Dates

JAMB registration starts on 26th January, 2026 and ends on 28th February, 2026. Candidates who fail to register within this period will not be allowed to write the UTME.

Mock Exam & Mock Selection Deadline

The mock selection deadline (16th February, 2026) is the last day to indicate interest in writing the mock exam. If you miss this date, you cannot take part in the mock, even if you register later.

UTME vs Direct Entry (DE) Timeline

UTME registration ends in February, while Direct Entry (DE) forms are sold between March and April. UTME is for secondary school leavers, while DE is for candidates with A-Level, ND, NCE, IJMB, or JUPEB qualifications.

Printing of Examination Slips

The exam slip contains your exam date, time, and CBT centre. Printing begins shortly before the UTME, and candidates must print early to avoid last-minute issues.

JAMB Mock Examination 2026 (What Candidates Should Know)

The JAMB mock exam is designed to prepare candidates for the CBT environment.

Purpose of the Mock Exam

• Familiarizes candidates with CBT format
• Helps reduce exam fear
• Tests system readiness

Who Is Eligible?

Only candidates who select the mock option during registration before 16th February, 2026.

Benefits of Taking the Mock

• Better time management
• Experience real exam conditions
• Identify weaknesses early

You cannot take the mock exam, but you can still write the main UTME.

Main JAMB UTME Examination 2026

The main UTME examination will run from 16th April to 25th April, 2026.

JAMB will assign each candidate a specific date, time, and CBT centre within this period. Candidates may not write on the same day.

Important: Always check and print your exam slip early to know your exact schedule.

Important Instructions for JAMB 2026 Candidates

• Register early to avoid network problems and overcrowded CBT centres
• Register only at accredited JAMB CBT centres
• Keep your registration slip and profile code safe
• Follow only official JAMB announcements
• Avoid last-minute registration or exam slip printing

Common Mistakes Candidates Make with JAMB Timetable

• Waiting until the last week to register
• Missing the mock selection deadline
• Forgetting to print exam slip
• Trusting unofficial social media dates
• Not checking updates after registration

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Conclusion

Following the official JAMB timetable is one of the smartest ways to succeed in JAMB 2026. Early registration, timely mock selection, and proper preparation can save you from unnecessary stress and mistakes.

Candidates are advised to start preparing early, monitor updates regularly, and always rely on official JAMB information, as dates may be updated when necessary.

Save this page, share it with other candidates, and keep checking back for JAMB 2026 updates.

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