The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially commenced the sale of JAMB 2026 UTME and Direct Entry e-PIN.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to buying JAMB e-PIN, including the different e-PIN categories, where to purchase them, and how to register for JAMB using your e-PIN.
What is JAMB e-PIN?
A JAMB e-PIN is a unique electronic Personal Identification Number issued to candidates intending to register for UTME or Direct Entry. It acts as proof of payment and authorization to begin registration at accredited CBT centres.
Once purchased from authorized vendors such as banks, mobile money agents, or online platforms, the e-PIN is generated and sent via SMS or printed on a receipt. This number is required to access the JAMB registration portal and complete your biodata and examination details.
It is very important to note that the e-PIN is single-use and linked to the candidate’s profile code. Therefore, candidates must safeguard their e-PIN carefully, as it is mandatory for successful registration.
ALSO READ: JAMB Timetable for 2026 UTME and Direct Entry.
Purpose of JAMB e-PIN
The JAMB e-PIN serves several important purposes:
- Confirms a candidate’s payment for UTME or Direct Entry registration.
- Grants access to the JAMB registration portal at accredited CBT centres.
- Link the candidate’s profile code to the registration process.
- Prevents multiple or duplicate registrations.
- Acts as official authorization to start JAMB registration.
- Ensures proper tracking and validation of candidate records.
Categories of JAMB e-PIN
There are three main categories of JAMB e-PIN for the 2026 registration:
- JAMB UTME WITHOUT MOCK e-PIN – For candidates sitting only the UTME examination without the optional mock exam.
- JAMB UTME WITH MOCK e-PIN – For candidates registering for both UTME and the optional mock examination.
- JAMB Direct Entry (DE) e-PIN – For candidates seeking admission through direct entry.
Breakdown of JAMB e-PIN Fees
Below is the breakdown of the JAMB e-Pin fees for the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry Registration.
| ITEM | FEE |
| UTME/DE Application Fee | ₦3,500 |
| Reading Text | ₦1,000 |
| CBT Centre Registration Service Charge | ₦700 |
| CBT Centre UTME Service Charge | ₦1,500 |
| Bank Charges | ₦500 |
| CBT Mock-UTME Centre Charge | ₦1,500 |
Cost of JAMB e-PIN for 2026 UTME and Direct Entry
The fee structure varies by category, and can be reviewed below:
| CATEGORY OF E-PIN | TOTAL COST |
| JAMB UTME WITHOUT MOCK | ₦7,200 |
| JAMB UTME WITH MOCK | ₦8,700 |
| JAMB DIRECT ENTRY (DE) | ₦5,700 |
Differences Between JAMB Profile Code and JAMB e-PIN
The difference between JAMB e-PIN and JAMB Profile code can be reviewed below:
| JAMB PROFILE CODE | JAMB E-PIN |
| A unique code generated after sending your NIN to JAMB via SMS. | A one-time electronic number purchased to access registration. |
| Used to identify and create a candidate’s profile in JAMB’s system. | Used to pay for and authorize UTME or Direct entry registration. |
| Required before purchasing an e-PIN. | Linked to the candidates’ profile code. |
| Does not expire and is valid for future registrations. | Single use only; expires after registration. |
| Does not serve as proof of payment. | Acts as proof of payment for registration. |
Requirements for Purchasing JAMB e-PIN
Before buying a JAMB e-PIN, candidates must have the following ready:
- National Identification Number (NIN).
- JAMB Profile Code generated via SMS.
- Active personal mobile phone number.
- Valid email address.
- Correct personal details as captured on the NIN database.
- Payment amount for the selected e-PIN category.
Where to Buy JAMB ePIN
Candidates can buy JAMB ePINs from these authorized channels:
- NIPOST (Nigerian Postal Service branches nationwide)
- Commercial Banks (all major banks in Nigeria)
- Microfinance Banks (MFBs)
- Mobile Money Operators (MMOs)
- Quickteller Platform
- Moniepoint
- Remita Platform
- OPAY Platform
- Kuda Platform
- Other authorized financial institutions
How to Vend JAMB ePIN
- Visit an authorized bank, NIPOST office, or online platform.
- Provide your JAMB profile code, NIN, email, and phone number, then make payment.
- Receive your e-PIN via slip, SMS, or email and use it to complete registration at a CBT centre or JAMB portal.
How to Buy JAMB ePIN in Nigeria
Follow these steps to purchase your e-PIN:
- Generate Profile Code First – Send your NIN to 55019 or 66019 via SMS.
- Visit Any Authorized Vendor – Go to any approved sales point listed above.
- Present Profile Code – Give the code generated from your phone.
- Choose Category – Select UTME only, UTME with mock, or Direct Entry.
- Make Payment – Pay the required fee for your selected e-PIN category.
- Receive e-PIN – The e-PIN will be sent directly to your registered phone number via SMS.
Steps to Buy JAMB 2026 ePIN via Banks
- STEP 1: Visit an Accredited Bank – Go to a JAMB-approved bank to purchase your e-PIN.
- STEP 2: Provide Your Details – Enter your profile code, NIN, email, and active phone number.
- STEP 3: Make Payment – Complete payment and keep the receipt.
- STEP 4: Receive Your e-PIN – Collect it via printed slip, SMS, or email.
- STEP 5: Complete Registration – Use it at a CBT centre or JAMB portal.
Steps to Buy JAMB 2026 ePIN Online via Interswitch
- Visit the official Interswitch portal for JAMB e-PIN sales.
- Select UTME or Direct Entry e-PIN and enter your details.
- Make payment using a debit card or supported method.
- Receive your e-PIN via SMS or email and complete registration at a CBT centre or portal.
How to Purchase JAMB e-PIN on Remita
- Visit the official Remita website or app.
- Select UTME or Direct Entry e-PIN and enter your profile code, NIN, email, and phone number.
- Make payment via debit card or a supported option.
- Receive your e-PIN via SMS or email and complete registration at a CBT centre or portal.
How to Buy JAMB ePIN on Opay
- STEP 1: Open the Opay App – Launch and log in.
- STEP 2: Select JAMB e-PIN Payment – Navigate to the education or bills section.
- STEP 3: Enter Your Details – Provide profile code, NIN, email, and phone number.
- STEP 4: Make Payment – Use your Opay wallet, bank account, or card.
- STEP 5: Receive Your e-PIN – It will be sent via SMS or email.
- STEP 6: Complete Registration – Use at a CBT centre or portal.
Steps to Purchase JAMB e-PIN on Kuda
- STEP 1: Open the Kuda App – Log in to your account.
- STEP 2: Select JAMB e-PIN Payment – Choose UTME or Direct Entry.
- STEP 3: Enter Your Details – Provide profile code, NIN, email, and phone number.
- STEP 4: Make Payment – Use Kuda wallet or linked debit card.
- STEP 5: Receive Your e-PIN – Sent via SMS or email.
- STEP 6: Complete Registration – At the CBT centre or JAMB portal.
How to Purchase JAMB ePIN on Moniepoint
- STEP 1: Open Moniepoint App or Visit an Agent – Log in or locate an agent.
- STEP 2: Select JAMB e-PIN Payment – Choose UTME or Direct Entry.
- STEP 3: Enter Your Details – Provide profile code, NIN, email, and phone number.
- STEP 4: Make Payment – Use wallet, bank account, or card.
- STEP 5: Receive Your e-PIN – Sent via SMS or email.
- STEP 6: Complete Registration – At the CBT centre or portal.
Steps to Buy JAMB e-PIN Using an ATM
- STEP 1: Visit Your Bank’s ATM – Go to any supporting ATM.
- STEP 2: Insert Card and Enter PIN – Access the menu.
- STEP 3: Select Payment Option – Choose “Pay Bills” or “Education Payment,” then “JAMB e-PIN.”
- STEP 4: Enter Your Details – Input profile code, NIN, email, and phone number.
- STEP 5: Make Payment – Confirm and complete transaction.
- STEP 6: Receive Your e-PIN – Displayed on screen, printed, or via SMS/email.
- STEP 7: Complete Registration – At the CBT centre or JAMB portal.
How to Recover a Lost e-PIN
Candidates can retrieve a lost e-PIN by sending “UTMEPIN” via SMS from the phone number used for the purchase to “55019”. The system verifies your identity and links the e-PIN to your profile.
Once confirmed, the e-PIN will be delivered via SMS to the registered number. It is essential to use the original phone number to ensure security and proper verification.
ALSO READ: How to Create JAMB Profile Code.
What’s Next After JAMB e-PIN Purchase?
After purchasing your e-PIN, proceed to a JAMB-accredited CBT centre to start registration. The e-PIN is your key to accessing the portal, so keep it safe and ready.
At the CBT centre, provide your e-PIN, profile code, and required details to complete registration. Staff will guide you through biometric capture and form submission.
Once registration is complete, double-check all personal information before submission. You will then receive confirmation and be officially ready for the 2026 examinations.
Conclusion
Purchasing a JAMB e-PIN is the first step toward a smooth UTME or Direct Entry registration. Following this guide on how to buy JAMB e-PIN will ensure that candidates can avoid delays and register successfully.
Using authorized vendors only, including banks, online platforms, and mobile apps, guarantees the authenticity of your e-PIN. Candidates must always keep their e-PIN and profile code secure to prevent unauthorized access.
