If you sat for the 2026 UTME or are planning to apply for Direct Entry, things are moving fast. JAMB has released several important updates in the past few weeks — from exam results to cut-off mark decisions — and this guide pulls everything together so you know exactly where things stand and what to do next.
2026 UTME: The Exam Is Done — Here’s What Happened
The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination ran from April 16 to April 25, 2026, across Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide. A total of 2,243,761 candidates registered for the exam, making it one of the largest in JAMB’s history.
Lagos State recorded the highest number of registered candidates at 321,814, followed by Kaduna State with 303,498.
Results have been released in batches. By the end of the first three days alone (April 16–18), JAMB had published results for 1,897,692 candidates. To check your result, send UTMERESULT via SMS to 55019 or 66019 using the same SIM you registered with. Note that result slips are not yet available for printing — only score viewing is currently active.
Cut-Off Marks: Decision Coming May 11, 2026
Here is the big one that every candidate needs to watch. JAMB has scheduled its 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions for Monday, May 11, 2026, to be held at the Body of Benchers Auditorium, Plot 688, Institute and Research District, FCC Phase III, Jabi, Abuja.
At this meeting, stakeholders — including vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, registrars, and representatives from the NUC, NCCE, and NBTE — will officially set the minimum UTME cut-off marks for the 2026/2027 admission cycle.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, is expected to unveil major policy directions for the new session at the event.
How Have Cut-Off Marks Changed Over the Years?
For context, here is how the scores have trended:
| Year | Universities | Polytechnics & COE |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 140 | 100 |
| 2025 | 150 | 100 |
| 2026 | To be decided May 11 | To be decided May 11 |
The 2026 figure will be announced after the May 11 meeting. Check JAMB’s official website (jamb.gov.ng) or this blog for the update as soon as it drops.
Direct Entry Registration: Deadline Extended to May 8
If you are applying through Direct Entry (DE), JAMB extended the sale of DE application documents to May 8, 2026, from an earlier closing date. This extension was announced by JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin.
Five new registration centres were also approved in high-demand areas to reduce congestion:
- Centre for Open and Distance Learning (CODL), Mini Campus, University of Ilorin, Kwara State
- Bells University of Technology, Km 8, Idiroko Road, Ota, Ogun State
- Olabisi Onabanjo University, Centre 1, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State
JAMB’s zonal and state offices, alongside Professional Registration Centres (PRCs) and Professional Testing Centres (PTCs), remain active for Direct Entry registration.
What Changed in the 2026 UTME Registration Process
For candidates who registered earlier this year, here is a recap of the key updates that JAMB introduced for 2026:
NIN Was Compulsory Every candidate was required to link their National Identification Number (NIN) before generating a profile code. You sent your 11-digit NIN to 55019 or 66019 in the format: NIN [space] YourNIN. Once your profile code was generated, biodata could not be changed — it was pulled directly from the NIMC database.
Unique SIM Per Candidate Each candidate needed a unique phone number for registration. That SIM remains your identifier for all future JAMB transactions. Candidates were advised to use the Keep My Number (KMN) facility offered by telcos to prevent their SIM from expiring.
Cashless Registration Continued JAMB maintained its cashless system for 2026, with centralised collection of all third-party fees and weekly remittances to beneficiaries. This was a deliberate move to stop exploitation at CBT centres.
Official Novel: The Lekki Headmaster The recommended text for 2026 UTME candidates was The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba. Candidates were entitled to a free copy upon completing registration at an accredited CBT centre.
Biometric Verification Was Mandatory No candidate could enter the exam hall without biometric verification. Candidates with biometric abnormalities were directed to JAMB’s Abuja headquarters, with the Board facilitating their travel.
UTME Registration Timeline
- e-PIN sales opened: January 19, 2026
- e-PIN sales closed: February 26, 2026 (no extension was granted)
- CBT centre registration closed: February 28, 2026
- Exam period: April 16–25, 2026
What to Do Right Now as a 2026 Candidate
Depending on where you are in the process, here is what you should focus on:
If you sat for the UTME:
- Check your result via SMS (UTMERESULT to 55019 or 66019)
- Wait for the May 11 cut-off mark announcement
- Monitor CAPS (Central Admissions Processing System) on jamb.gov.ng for admission updates once the cycle begins
If you are a Direct Entry applicant:
- Complete your registration before May 8, 2026
- Use only accredited JAMB centres — not unauthorized agents
If you are planning for 2027:
- Get your NIN sorted early through NIMC
- Correct any name, date of birth, or gender discrepancies with NIMC before the next registration window opens — JAMB does not correct these during or after registration
Where to Get Official JAMB Updates
The safest sources for JAMB information are:
- jamb.gov.ng — the official JAMB website
- JAMB’s official X (Twitter) handle — @JAMBHQ
- SMS notifications to 55019 or 66019 for result-related queries
Avoid relying solely on WhatsApp forwards or unofficial blogs that do not cite JAMB directly. While student groups can be a useful starting point, always verify time-sensitive details — like deadlines and cut-off marks — from the official sources listed above before acting.
Final Word
The 2026 UTME cycle is entering its most critical phase. The exam is done, results are rolling out, and the cut-off marks that will determine admission chances for over two million candidates will be set on May 11. If you are applying through Direct Entry, your deadline is May 8.
