Babatunde QodriAre you gearing up to register for the JAMB UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) or Direct Entry (DE)? Knowing when JAMB registration starts—and ends—is absolutely critical. You don’t want to miss the deadline, risk scams, or face last-minute hurdles. This guide brings you all the essentials, straight from official and reliable sources.
Official Start & End Dates for 2025 Registration
For the 2025 UTME/DE, here’s the confirmed registration timeline:
- Start Date: Monday, February 3, 2025
- e-PIN Sales End: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
- Registration Closing Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025
Several sources confirm these dates:
- Myschool.ng states registration begins February 3 and ends March 5–8, 2025
- Legit.ng corroborates: UTME registration opened February 3, 2025, and closed March 8, 2025, with e-PIN sale ending March 5
- Miva.university mirrors these dates: February 3 to March 8.
Why This Matters
Missed registration = no exam, no admission. Here’s why keeping track of these dates is vital:
- Beat the Rush: Registration centers get crowded as deadlines loom. Registering early reduces stress and improves your chances of securing your preferred exam slot.
- Avoid Scams: Fraudsters often prey on anxious candidates near closing dates. Registering on time helps you stay safe.
- Plan Your Prep: Knowing your exam date lets you schedule effective study time and mock exams.
How to Register: Step-By-Step
Here’s a streamlined process to ensure smooth registration:
- Obtain Your NIN
Visit any NIMC office—or use the NIMC app—to get your National Identification Number (NIN). - Create a JAMB Profile
Send your NIN via SMS to 55019 or 66019 in the format: NIN 12345678901. You’ll receive a 10-digit JAMB Profile Code in response. - Purchase Your e-PIN
Use your Profile Code to buy an e-PIN from any accredited channel—banks, POS terminals, online platforms. The e-PIN for 2025 cost ₦3,500 - Visit an Accredited CBT Centre
Bring your e-PIN, NIN slip, O’Level/A’Level results, passport photo, and any required fees to a JAMB-accredited CBT center. - Complete Registration
At the center, you’ll select your courses, preferred exam date and center, and have your biometric data captured. Then you’ll receive a printed registration slip containing all your UTME details. - Print Your Exam Slip Later
Reprint your exam slip from the JAMB portal about a week before your exam via efacility.jamb.gov.ng
READ ALSO: What Does Outstanding Mean in WAEC Result? A Complete Guide
Cost Breakdown (2025)
Understanding fees upfront helps you budget better:
- e-PIN: ₦3,500
- Reading Text (Use of English): ₦1,000
- CBT Centre Registration Charge: ₦700
- UTME Service Charge: ₦1,500
- Optional Mock Exam Service Charge: ₦1,500
- Bank/Processing Fees: ~₦500
Total Cost:
- Without Mock: ~₦7,200
- With Mock: ~₦8,700
For Direct Entry candidates, the total fee is around ₦5,700.
When to Expect the Exam
- Mock UTME: Usually held in early to mid-April
- Main UTME: Typically late April through early May
For 2025: - Mock: April 5, 2025
- Main UTME: April 25 to May 5, 2025
Future Outlook: 2026 Registration
If you’re planning ahead for 2026, here’s what we know so far:
- Nairaland community suggests registration may begin Friday, January 31, 2026, ending March 5, 2026.
DE registration purportedly runs March 10 to April 7, 2026. - However, Jambexam.com notes that official dates have not yet been announced, and anticipates a similar January–February window based on past trends.
Stay updated by regularly checking the official JAMB site or trusted education platforms.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | 2025 Date / Cost |
|---|---|
| UTME Registration Opens | February 3, 2025 |
| e-PIN Sales End | March 5, 2025 |
| Registration Closes | March 8, 2025 |
| Mock UTME Exam | April 5, 2025 |
| Main UTME Exam | April 25 – May 5, 2025 |
| Registration Cost (No Mock) | ~₦7,200 |
| Registration Cost (With Mock) | ~₦8,700 |
| Direct Entry Fee | ~₦5,700 |
READ ALSO: What Does Outstanding Mean in WAEC Result? A Complete Guide
Final Tips for Candidates
- Register early to avoid system overloads and secure your preferred exam slot.
- Only register at accredited CBT centers to avoid scams.
- Prepare your documents (NIN, results, etc.) early.
- Budget enough for all fees—including reading text and center charges.
- Bookmark the official JAMB portal: www.jamb.gov.ng for real-time updates and access to your profile.
In Summary
To the question “when is JAMB registration starting?” for the 2025 cycle:
Registration opened on Monday, February 3, 2025, and closes Saturday, March 8, 2025. e-PIN sales end March 5. Association with Mock and main exams follow in April and May, respectively.
For 2026, while official confirmation is pending, registration may begin around January 31, 2026 based on earlier patterns.
Babatunde Qodri
