Success! Your JAMB Parent Guide is Ready

📅JAMB Timeline & Deadlines

2026 JAMB Calendar

January – February

• Sale of ePINs begins (usually in January)
• Registration portal opens (typically in January / early February)

February – March

• Registration period (4-6 weeks)
• Mock examination (optional, usually mid-March)

April – May

• Main UTME examination period
• Results released (usually 3-14 days after exam)

May – September

• Post-UTME screening by universities

September – December

• Admission lists released in batches
• JAMB CAPS (Central Admission Processing System) active

📝JAMB Registration Guide

Before Registration Day – Get These Ready:

• Valid email address (create new if needed)
• Working phone number (mustn’t be used on another SIM)
• O’Level result (WAEC/NECO, Awaiting Result is acceptable)
• NIN (National Identification Number)
• Profile Code (see how to get it below)

Step 1: Profile Code Creation

• Generate new profile code (if it is the first time your child is registering. Old profile code can be reused)
• To get profile code, your child must send their NIN to 55019 or 66019. This should cost ₦50 airtime.
• Message format: NIN [space] 11-digit NIN (e.g., NIN 00123456789)
• After sending NIN, you will receive a 10-character Profile Code on the same phone number
• The phone number used to receive profile code will be automatically linked to your child’s name
• Important: JAMB does not allow changes to the registered phone number after the profile has been created

Step 2: Obtain JAMB ePIN

• ePIN can only be bought after you have a profile code
• You can obtain the JAMB ePIN from any approved sales point (Banks, MMOs, MFBs, Opay/PalmPay, etc)
• Upon successful payment, the e-PIN will be sent to your registered phone number via SMS

Step 3: Complete Registration at CBT Centre

• Visit any JAMB-accredited CBT center with your Profile Code and e-PIN
• Biometric capture (10 fingerprints + photograph)
• Select exam subjects
• Choose up to 3 university/course combinations
• Submission of O’level Details (Awaiting results are acceptable)
• Print registration slip immediately

Common Registration Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Wrong subject combinations for chosen course
• ❌ Spelling errors in name or personal details
• ❌ Choosing universities without checking their requirements
• ❌ Not keeping registration number safe

🎯Subject Combinations Guide

How It Works

Students need 4 subjects: English (compulsory) + 3 relevant subjects

Popular Courses & Their Combinations

MEDICINE & SURGERY, NURSING, PHARMACY

English, Biology, Physics, Chemistry

LAW

English, Literature, Government/History, CRK/IRK

ACCOUNTING

English, Mathematics, Economics, plus one of Government/Commerce/Geography

COMPUTER SCIENCE

English, Mathematics, Physics, plus one of Chemistry/Biology/Economics

ENGINEERING (All)

English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry

ECONOMICS

English, Mathematics, Economics, plus one of Government/Geography/Commerce

MASS COMMUNICATION

English, Literature, Government/Economics, plus one Arts/Social Science subject

ARCHITECTURE

English, Mathematics, Physics, plus one of Chemistry/Geography/Art/Economics

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

English, Mathematics, Economics, plus one of Government/Commerce/Accounting

O’Level Requirements

Students need 5 credits including English in not more than 2 sittings (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or GCE).

📚Study Strategy for Parents

Creating the Right Environment

1. Study Space

• Quiet, well-lit area
• Minimal distractions (limit phone/TV)
• All materials within reach

2. Study Schedule

• Minimum 3-4 hours daily
• Morning hours often most productive
• Regular breaks (25-minute study, 5-minute break)

Recommended Resources

JAMB-Approved Textbooks

• Official JAMB syllabus (FREE)
• JAMB recommended textbooks per subject
• JAMB Past Questions

Practice Platforms

• JAMB CBT Practice Software
• Reputable online platforms (allschool.ng)
• Mobile apps for CBT practice (ALLSCHOOL JAMB CBT APP)

How to Monitor Progress

Your child must:

• ✅ Do weekly practice tests
• ✅ Review incorrect answers and know why they failed it
• ✅ Track scores improvement
• ✅ Identify weak subjects early

Red Flags to Watch Out For:

• Consistently scoring below 40% in practice
• Avoiding hard subjects
• Last-minute cramming
• Lack of confidence

🏛University Selection Strategy

Choosing Your 4 Choices Wisely

• 1st Choice – Target School: Your child’s ideal university (competitive)
• 2nd Choice – Realistic Option: Good university with moderate competition
• 3rd Choice – Safe Option: University or Polytechnic with lower cut-off marks
• 4th Choice – IEI: (Registration center will show you one)

Understanding Cut-Off Marks

What are cut-off marks? Minimum JAMB score needed for a course at a university.

General Benchmarks:

• Medicine/Law/Engineering: 250-300+
• Sciences: 200-250
• Arts/Social Sciences: 180-220
• Education: 170-200

Factors to Consider

Academic Factors

• Course availability
• Department reputation
• Accreditation status

Practical Factors

• Location and security
• Cost of living
• Accommodation availability
• Travel distance from home

Research Tools

• University websites
• JAMB brochure
• Allschool.ng website
• Social media groups of current students

💡 Exam Day Preparation

One Week Before

• ✅ Confirm exam centre location (check registration slip)
• ✅ Visit the centre together if possible
• ✅ Print exam slip in multiple copies
• ✅ Double-check exam date and time
• ✅ Plan transportation (arrive 1-2 hours early)

Night Before the Exam

Help Your Child:

• Ensure they sleep early (by 10 PM)
• Pack everything the night before
• Avoid last-minute cramming (rest is more important)
• Give words of encouragement, not pressure
• Set multiple alarms

Allowed / Prohibited Items

Required:

• JAMB UTME Examination slip

Not Allowed:

• Smart buttons, Wallets/Purses, Necklaces, Rings, Bangles
• Keyholders, Bluetooth devices, Cameras, Microphones, Recorders
• Contact lenses, Books, Spyglasses, Smartwatches
• Pens/biros, Earpieces, Flash drives

Exam Day Morning – Your Role as a Parent:

1. Wake up early – 2 hours before departure
2. Prepare light breakfast – Nothing too heavy (bread, egg, tea, fruit)
3. Check everything is packed – Go through checklist together
4. Stay calm and positive – Your anxiety transfers to them
5. Pray together (if that’s your practice)
6. Drive carefully – Better to arrive very early than rushed

What to Tell Your Child:

• “You’ve prepared well, just do your best”
• “Take your time and read questions carefully”
• “Don’t panic if others finish before you”
• “Remember to click Submit when you’re done”
• “We’re proud of you no matter what”

While Your Child is Taking the Exam

What You Should Know:

• Exam Duration: 3 hours for 180 questions
• Timing Strategy: About 1 minute per question
• No Negative Marking: Answer ALL questions
• CBT System: Computer-based test

Where Should You Wait?

• Most centres don’t allow parents inside
• Wait in your car or nearby
• Stay within 5 minutes of the centre
• Keep your phone on (in case they need you)
• Bring something to do (it’s a long 3 hours!)

🎓After JAMB – The Admission Process

Checking Results

When: Usually 2-3 days after the last exam day

How: Send UTMERESULTS to 55019

What you’ll see: Total score (maximum 400)

What Happens Next?

If Score is Good (Above Cut-Off):

1. Wait for Post-UTME Announcement
   • Universities announce screening dates (May-July)
   • Check school websites regularly
2. Register for Post-UTME
   • Fee: ₦2,000 – ₦10,000
   • Online registration
   • Screening may be just submission of details (no exam) or CBT exam
3. Accept Admission (JAMB CAPS)
   • Check admission status on JAMB CAPS
   • Accept or reject offers
   • You can only accept ONE admission
4. Pay Acceptance Fee
   • Fee varies: ₦10,000 – ₦200,000
   • Deadline is strict
   • Confirms your place

If Score is Below Target:

• Consider change of course/institution (JAMB allows this)
• Consider A’level programs (JUPEB / IJMB, etc) – they offer 200level admission
• Register for next year’s exam
• Some schools admit with lower scores
• Don’t lose hope!

Important Websites

• JAMB Portal: www.jamb.gov.ng
• JAMB CAPS: https://www.jamb.gov.ng/caps
• Allschool Website: allschool.ng – Check regularly for updates

💰Complete Cost Breakdown

JAMB Registration Costs

Item	Amount (₦)
UTME/DE JAMB Application Fee	3,500
Reading Text	1,000
CBT Centre Registration Service Charge	700
CBT Centre UTME Service Charge	1,500
CBT Mock Service Charge (optional)	1,500
Bank Charges	500
Total (with Mock)	₦8,700
Total (without Mock)	₦7,200

Study Materials (Recommended)

Item	Cost Range
JAMB Textbooks (4 subjects)	₦8,000 – ₦15,000
Past Questions	₦2,000 – ₦3,500
Private JAMB Tutorial (4 months)	₦150,000 – ₦300,000
Physical Tutorial (4 months)	₦25,000 – ₦40,000

Post-JAMB Costs (After Exam)

Item	Cost Range
Post-UTME Forms (Public Schools)	₦2,000 – ₦5,000
Post-UTME Forms (Private Schools)	₦10,000 – ₦20,000
Acceptance Fee (Public Schools)	₦10,000 – ₦50,000
Acceptance Fee (Private Schools)	₦40,000 – ₦200,000

Final Budget Estimate

Scenario	Min (₦)	Max (₦)
Public School + Physical Tutorial	55,700	122,200
Public School + Private Tutorial	180,700	382,200
Private School + Physical Tutorial	93,700	287,200
Private School + Private Tutorial	218,700	547,200

✅ Parent’s Checklist

4 Months Before JAMB

• [ ] Discuss university choices together
• [ ] Purchase study materials
• [ ] Start a JAMB Tutorial
• [ ] Create study schedule
• [ ] Obtain NIN (if not yet done)
• [ ] Verify O’Level results are available

1 Month Before Registration

• [ ] Obtain Profile Code
• [ ] Buy the JAMB ePIN
• [ ] Gather all required documents
• [ ] Confirm subject combinations

1 Week Before Exam

• [ ] Confirm exam centre and time
• [ ] Visit exam location
• [ ] Prepare exam day items
• [ ] Ensure child is well-rested

After Exam

• [ ] Check results online
• [ ] Monitor university Post-UTME announcements
• [ ] Register for relevant Post-UTME
• [ ] Check JAMB CAPS regularly

Final Words of Encouragement

Remember:

• ✨ JAMB is challenging, but thousands pass every year
• ✨ Early preparation is the key to success
• ✨ Your support matters immensely
• ✨ A good score opens many doors

Your Role: Provide resources, encouragement, and a stress-free environment. Avoid excessive pressure—it’s counterproductive.

This guide is updated for the 2026 JAMB examination.

Good luck to your child!