JAMB Timetable for 2026 Direct Entry (DE) Registration and Examination

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the 2026 JAMB timetable for Direct Entry (DE) registration.

This timetable provides a clear schedule for candidates seeking admission into Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions through the Direct Entry pathway.

Understanding the 2026 JAMB timetable for Direct Entry is essential for candidates who already possess post-secondary qualifications and want to avoid missing important deadlines. Early awareness allows applicants to prepare documents, secure their e-PIN, and complete registration without stress.

This page carefully analyzes the 2026 JAMB Direct Entry timetable, highlighting registration dates, e-PIN details, eligibility requirements, and other key information candidates need to ensure a successful application.

JAMB 2026 Direct Entry Timetable

JAMB has released the official timetable for the 2026 Direct Entry application exercise. This timetable outlines the sale of e-PINs, registration period, and other critical milestones for Direct Entry candidates.

The JAMB Direct Entry (DE) programme is designed for candidates who already hold recognized post-secondary qualifications and wish to gain admission directly into the 200-level of Nigerian universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education, without writing the UTME.

Through this admission pathway, qualified candidates can apply using advanced-level credentials such as NCE, OND, HND, IJMB, JUPEB, or a university diploma. As a result, the Direct Entry option offers a faster academic progression for eligible applicants under the 2026 JAMB timetable.

About Direct Entry e-PIN

The Direct Entry e-PIN is the official payment authorization required for JAMB Direct Entry registration. Without this e-PIN, candidates cannot proceed with registration at any accredited JAMB CBT centre.

In addition, the Direct Entry e-PIN covers all compulsory registration costs approved by JAMB. Therefore, candidates are not required to make any additional payments at the CBT centre once they present a valid e-PIN.

Most importantly, candidates must ensure they purchase the correct Direct Entry e-PIN, as JAMB does not issue refunds after payment. Choosing the right e-PIN option remains a crucial step in following the 2026 JAMB timetable correctly.

Types of JAMB Direct Entry e-PIN

There is only one approved type of e-PIN for JAMB Direct Entry registration. This e-PIN includes:

• JAMB Direct Entry (DE) e-PIN: This category of e-PIN is strictly for candidates who intend to apply for admission through the JAMB Direct Entry programme.

Candidates must simply confirm that they are applying via Direct Entry before making payment.

Cost of Direct Entry e-PIN Fee Breakdown

JAMB has announced the approved cost of the Direct Entry e-PIN for the 2026 registration exercise.

• Direct Entry e-PIN – ₦5,700

The breakdown of the approved charges includes:

1. Direct Entry JAMB Application Fee – ₦3,500
2. Reading Text – ₦1,000
3. CBT Centre Registration Service Charge – ₦700
4. Bank Charges – ₦500

Candidates must confirm the Direct Entry option at the point of purchase. Since refunds are not allowed, careful verification before payment is strongly advised.

Approved Outlets for Purchase of JAMB Direct Entry e-PIN

Candidates can purchase the JAMB 2026 Direct Entry e-PIN from any approved outlet nationwide. These outlets ensure secure and standardized payment processing.

Approved physical outlets include:

1. NIPOST
2. Banks
3. MMOs
4. MFBs

Alternatively, candidates may purchase their e-PIN online through:

1. Remita
2. Quickteller
3. Moniepoint

Process Flow for JAMB Direct Entry e-PIN Purchase

The Direct Entry e-PIN purchase process follows a structured sequence, starting from profile code generation and ending with registration at an accredited JAMB CBT centre.

Understanding this process helps candidates avoid errors that may delay registration or cause disqualification under the 2026 JAMB timetable.

Each step below explains the procedure clearly and in the correct order.

ALSO READ: How to Purchase JAMB e-PIN Online.

Profile Code Generation

To purchase a JAMB Direct Entry e-PIN, candidates must first generate a JAMB profile code. This is done by sending NIN (space) 11-digit NIN number via SMS to 55019 or 66019.

After sending the message, JAMB generates a unique 10-digit profile code and sends it back to the candidate via SMS. This profile code remains permanent and can be reused for future UTME or Direct Entry applications.

Candidates must use an active SIM card loaded with airtime. Post-paid lines or special bundle packages may not function unless credited.

Steps for Payment and Registration

1. Present the generated profile code at any approved JAMB e-PIN outlet.
2. Pay for the Direct Entry e-PIN.
3. Receive the e-PIN via SMS on your registered phone number.
4. Visit an accredited JAMB CBT centre with your profile code and e-PIN to complete registration.

Candidates must be physically present at the CBT centre for biometric capture, including a photograph and all ten fingerprints.

JAMB 2026 Direct Entry Sales of e-PIN Date

According to the 2026 JAMB timetable, the sale of Direct Entry e-PINs will run from Monday, 2nd March to Saturday, 25th April 2026.

Candidates are advised to purchase their e-PINs early to avoid network congestion and last-minute delays.

JAMB 2026 Direct Entry Registration Date

JAMB Direct Entry registration is scheduled to take place from Monday, 2nd March to Saturday, 25th April 2026.

Late registration will not be allowed, making it essential for candidates to complete all steps within the approved period.

Eligibility for JAMB Direct Entry

Candidates are eligible for JAMB Direct Entry if they possess any of the following qualifications:

1. National Certificate in Education (NCE)
2. Ordinary National Diploma (OND)
3. Higher National Diploma (HND)
4. Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB)
5. Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB)
6. Nigeria Certificate in Nursing
7. University Diploma or Degree

All qualifications must be obtained from recognized and accredited institutions.

O’Level Requirements for Direct Entry

In addition to advanced qualifications, candidates must meet the following O’Level requirements:

1. A minimum of five O’Level credit passes
2. Credits must include English Language and Mathematics (where applicable)
3. Results may be from WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB
4. Combination of results is allowed, depending on institutional policies.

JAMB Direct Entry Registration Process

The Direct Entry registration process involves the following steps:

1. Creation of JAMB profile using NIN
2. Purchase of Direct Entry e-PIN
3. Visit to an accredited JAMB CBT centre
4. Submission of academic qualifications and O’Level results
5. Biometric capture and registration confirmation
6. Printing of the Direct Entry registration slip.

JAMB 2026 Direct Entry Timetable

The complete Direct Entry timetable has been outlined above in line with the official 2026 JAMB timetable.

JAMB Direct Entry Age Requirement

Unlike UTME, JAMB does not set a strict minimum age requirement for Direct Entry candidates. However, applicants are expected to have completed the required post-secondary qualifications before applying.

There is also no official upper age limit for Direct Entry. Nevertheless, candidates should note that individual institutions may impose age restrictions for specific programmes.

Therefore, candidates are strongly advised to confirm institution-specific requirements to avoid disqualification during admission processing.

Conclusion

The 2026 JAMB timetable for Direct Entry provides a clear and structured guide for candidates seeking admission into 200-level through the Direct Entry pathway. By understanding the approved dates and requirements, candidates can complete registration smoothly.

In addition, candidates should regularly check official JAMB communication channels for updates, especially regarding registration instructions or document verification notices.

Ultimately, strict adherence to the 2026 JAMB timetable, early preparation, and careful documentation remain the keys to a successful Direct Entry application.