JAMB 2026 UTME Subject Combination Correction Begins as Registration Deadline Nears

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has officially opened the portal for correction of subject combinations for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), allowing candidates to amend errors before the registration window closes.

The announcement comes as the 2026 UTME registration approaches its final deadline, prompting candidates to urgently review and correct any mistakes that could affect admission eligibility into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

UTME Subject Combination Correction Now Available

According to the Board, candidates who selected incorrect subjects during registration can now visit any accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre nationwide to make the necessary adjustments.

The correction window is designed to help candidates align their subject combinations with the requirements of their chosen course and institution. Incorrect subject combinations remain one of the major reasons candidates lose admission opportunities despite meeting cut-off marks.

Prospective candidates are advised to act promptly to avoid last-minute congestion at accredited centres.

2026 UTME e-PIN Sales and Registration Deadline

The Board has confirmed that the sale of e-PINs for the 2026 UTME will officially close at midnight on February 26, 2026. The e-PIN is mandatory for candidates to proceed with registration at accredited CBT centres.

While e-PIN vending ends on February 26, actual registration for candidates who have already purchased their e-PIN will close on February 28, 2026.

The Board emphasized that there will be no extension of the registration deadline. The UTME timetable forms part of a nationally coordinated examination calendar agreed upon by major examination bodies across Nigeria.

Candidates are therefore encouraged to complete their registration and corrections well before the deadline to avoid disqualification.

2026 UTME Examination Schedule

The 2026 UTME is scheduled to hold nationwide from April 16 to April 25, 2026.

Direct Entry registration is expected to run from March 2 through April 25, 2026, providing opportunities for candidates seeking admission into 200-level programs across Nigerian tertiary institutions.

The UTME remains Nigeria’s primary computer-based entrance examination used to rank candidates for admission into higher institutions.

Over 1.5 Million Candidates Registered

As of February 17, 2026, more than 1.5 million candidates had successfully completed their registration for the 2026 UTME.

Despite having a daily registration capacity of up to 100,000 candidates, many CBT centres across the country are reportedly operating at about 30 percent capacity. This indicates that a large number of eligible candidates are yet to finalize their registration.

The Board reiterated that failure to meet the official deadline may result in forfeiture of the opportunity to sit for the 2026 UTME.

Clarification on Undergraduates Registering for UTME

The Board has also addressed circulating reports claiming that undergraduates are prohibited from registering for the 2026 UTME.

According to the clarification, it is not an offence for an already enrolled undergraduate to register for UTME or Direct Entry. However, candidates must disclose any existing admission status during registration.

Failure to disclose current matriculation status may lead to forfeiture of both previous and newly secured admission offers. Nigerian law does not permit candidates to hold two admissions simultaneously, and securing a new admission automatically invalidates any prior one.

This directive is aimed at preventing multiple admissions and ensuring transparency within Nigeria’s tertiary education admission system.

Mandatory Microsoft Camera Technology for CBT Centres

In a move to strengthen examination security and eliminate malpractice, the Board has mandated the installation of Microsoft Camera systems at all accredited CBT centres nationwide.

The upgraded identity verification system is expected to curb impersonation and image-blending irregularities observed in previous examination cycles. Centres that fail to comply with the new directive risk being delisted.

The Board reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining examination integrity and protecting the credibility of the UTME process.

What Candidates Should Do Now

Candidates preparing for the 2026 UTME should immediately review their subject combinations, confirm their registration status, and ensure compliance with all Board directives.

With registration deadlines fixed and no extension planned, timely action is critical to securing eligibility for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in the 2026 academic session.

For many students, the UTME remains a decisive step toward gaining admission into competitive programs, making accuracy during registration and subject selection essential for success.