Skip 100 Level: The Ultimate Guide to JAMB 2026 Direct Entry Success

Why spend four years in university when you can do it in three? If you have already put in the work to earn an ND, HND, NCE, or finished your IJMB/JUPEB program, you are eligible to jump straight into the second year of your degree. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the guidelines for the 2026 Direct Entry (DE) session. But take note: the rules have tightened. From strict biometric protocols to specific age requirements, navigating this registration requires precision to avoid being disqualified before you even start.

This isn’t your average registration. JAMB has shifted to a heavy digital security model to ensure that only legitimate candidates gain admission. Between managing the new “unique SIM” policy and meeting the age cutoff, there are several hurdles you must clear. Here is a simplified breakdown of how to lock in your 2026 DE registration without the typical headaches.

2026 JAMB Calendar: Essential Deadlines

Missing a deadline is the easiest way to lose a year. JAMB operates on two different schedules for UTME and Direct Entry make sure you are following the one that applies to your status.

Direct Entry (DE) Timeline

• e-PIN Sales & Registration Opens: Monday, March 2, 2026
• Registration and e-PIN Sales Conclude: Saturday, April 25, 2026

UTME Timeline (For Comparison)

• e-PIN Sales: January 19  February 26, 2026
• Registration Period: January 26  February 28, 2026

Checking Your Eligibility

Before you spend any money on an e-PIN, you must be absolutely certain that you satisfy these three mandatory criteria:

1. Advanced Credentials: You must hold a valid qualification such as a National Diploma (ND), Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), Higher National Diploma (HND), or certificates from IJMB and JUPEB. Existing degree holders can also apply.
2. The O’Level Foundation: Regardless of your advanced diploma, you still need five credits in your O’Level subjects (including Mathematics and English) achieved in a maximum of two sittings.
3. The Age Limit: You must hit the age of 16 by September 30, 2026. If your 16th birthday falls after this date, JAMB will consider any admission you receive as null and void.

Your Step by Step Registration Checklist

Forget about using regular cyber cafés; JAMB will only recognize registrations done through official channels. The process is now entirely built around your biometrics at accredited Computer Based Test (CBT) centres.

• Step 1: Get a Fresh SIM Card. You need a phone number that has never been used for any JAMB activity in the past. This number will be your permanent link to your academic records.
• Step 2: Generate Your Profile Code. Use your National Identity Number (NIN) to send a text to the official JAMB shortcode. This generates the unique code you’ll need for the rest of the process.
• Step 3: Secure Your e-PIN. Take your Profile Code to a registered bank or use an approved online payment platform to pay for and receive your e-PIN.
• Step 4: Biometric Capture at a CBT Centre. Head to a JAMB-certified centre with your e-PIN and certificates. They will scan all ten of your fingerprints and take a digital photo for their records.

Important Warnings for Candidates

JAMB has a zero-tolerance policy for multiple registrations. If you notice a mistake on your profile, do not try to start over with a new number; instead, contact JAMB’s official support for a correction. Additionally, do not bring gadgets like smartwatches, phones, or even basic calculators into the registration or exam halls, as they are strictly banned.

For our students living abroad, JAMB has designated specific international centres in countries like the United Kingdom, South Africa, UAE, and Ghana. These centres follow the same rigorous biometric and verification standards as those within Nigeria.