Thousands of SS3 students and school leavers are already asking when the 2027 UTME registration will start. As of late October 2026, JAMB has not officially announced the 2027 registration dates or fees. Anyone claiming to sell “2027 JAMB forms” now should be treated with caution.
What we can do is look at how the 2026 exercise ran, because JAMB’s calendar has been fairly consistent in recent years. This will help you plan.
How the 2026 UTME timetable ran
| Activity | 2026 dates |
|---|---|
| UTME e-PIN vending | 19 January to 26 February 2026 |
| UTME registration | 26 January to 28 February 2026 |
| Optional Mock-UTME | 28 March 2026 |
| Main UTME | 16 to 25 April 2026 |
| Direct Entry e-PIN vending and registration | 2 March to 25 April 2026 |
If JAMB follows a similar pattern, 2027 registration would open around January 2027 and the main UTME would hold around April 2027. This is an expectation based on past years, not an official date.
2026 UTME fees (for reference)
| e-PIN type | 2026 price |
|---|---|
| UTME without Mock | ₦7,200 |
| UTME with Mock | ₦8,700 |
| Direct Entry | ₦5,700 |
The 2026 UTME price was made up of the JAMB application fee (₦3,500), reading text (₦1,000), CBT centre registration charge (₦700), CBT centre UTME service charge (₦1,500) and bank charges (₦500). The optional mock added ₦1,500. Fees for 2027 may change, so wait for the official announcement before budgeting.
Requirements you should prepare now
- National Identification Number (NIN): JAMB uses your NIN to create your profile. If you don’t have one, enrol at a NIMC centre early, because queues grow when registration opens.
- A working phone number and email address that you will keep for the next few years. JAMB sends your profile code and admission updates to your phone.
- Your course and institution choices, with the correct UTME subject combination.
- O’Level results or expected results: SS3 students can register while awaiting WAEC or NECO results.
- Age: In 2026, candidates had to be at least 16 by 30 September of the admission year. Younger candidates needed exceptional scores and a special evaluation.
How UTME registration normally works
- Send your NIN by SMS to JAMB’s short code from your own phone to receive a profile code.
- Buy your e-PIN using the profile code through approved payment channels.
- Go to an accredited CBT centre with your NIN and e-PIN for registration and biometric capture.
- Choose your institutions and course, and confirm your subject combination before submission.
- Collect your registration slip and keep it safe. You will need it to print your exam slip later.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Registering twice. Multiple registration is not allowed and can lead to sanctions. If you made an error, request a correction from JAMB.
- Using a phone number you may lose. The phone number is tied to your profile.
- Wrong subject combination. Check the JAMB brochure for your course before you register.
- Paying unofficial agents extra money for “special centres” or “guaranteed scores”. There is no such thing.
A month-by-month plan for 2027 candidates
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Now to December 2026 | Get your NIN, choose your course, check subject combinations, start studying |
| January 2027 (expected) | Create your JAMB profile, buy your e-PIN, register at a CBT centre |
| February to March 2027 | Intensive study, timed CBT practice, optional mock exam |
| April 2027 (expected) | Write the UTME |
| May to September 2027 | Check results, policy meeting cut-offs, Post-UTME screening |
| August to December 2027 | Admission lists, CAPS acceptance, clearance |
Dates are expected based on the 2026 cycle. We’ll update this guide when JAMB announces the official 2027 timetable.
Choosing your institution and course
- Look at last year’s cut-offs for your target course. See UNILAG, UI and UNIBEN.
- Consider your catchment and ELDS status. See how admission quotas work.
- Have a realistic second option in mind in case you need to change later.
How to study for the UTME
- Use the official JAMB syllabus for each subject.
- Practise past questions under timed, computer-based conditions.
- Work on English every day: it’s compulsory and counts as much as any other subject.
- Read our UTME exam-day tips.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2027 JAMB form out?
Not yet. As of late October 2026, JAMB has not opened 2027 registration. We will publish the official dates as soon as they are announced.
Should I register for the mock exam?
The mock is optional. It costs more but lets you experience the CBT environment before the main exam, which helps many first-time candidates.
Can I use my 2026 UTME result for 2027 admission?
No. UTME results are valid only for the admission year of the exam. To be considered for 2027/2028 admission you must sit the 2027 UTME.
