Complete Guide to JAMB UTME Registration: E-pin, Profile, and Form Filling

The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration is the foundational step of your academic career.

A successful admission process doesn’t start in the exam hall; it starts the moment you jamb register.

Many candidates face disqualification not because they failed the exam, but because of avoidable errors made during registration—wrong subject combinations, misspelled names, or mismatched records. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough to ensure your application is flawless from the very first step.

Prerequisites for JAMB UTME Registration

Before you rush to a cyber cafe, ensure you have the mandatory requirements. Without these, you cannot proceed.

  • National Identification Number (NIN): This is compulsory. The name on your NIN must match exactly with the name you intend to use for JAMB.
  • Active Phone Number: A unique SIM card that has not been used for another candidate’s registration.
  • O’Level Results: WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB (or an indication of “Awaiting Result”).
  • Minimum Age: Candidates must be 16 years old by October 31st of the admission year.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

The registration process is divided into three critical stages: Profile Creation, E-PIN purchase, and Data Capture.

Obtaining Your JAMB E-pin

The jamb epin is a unique 10-digit PIN that validates your payment and allows you to register. You cannot buy an E-PIN without first creating a profile code.

How to acquire it: Once you have your Profile Code, you can purchase the E-PIN via:

  • Banks: Visit any commercial bank (FirstBank, UBA, Zenith, etc.) with your profile code.
  • Online Payment: Use platforms like Remita or Quickteller.
  • POS Agents: Authorized mobile money agents can also process this payment. The cost is typically regulated by the board (usually around ₦3,500 plus a vending fee).

Creating Your JAMB Profile

This is the very first step. You do not do this online; you do it via SMS.

Instructions:

  1. Open SMS on the phone number you want to use.
  2. Type: NIN followed by a space, then your 11-digit NIN.
    • Example: NIN 12345678901
  3. Send to 55019 or 66019.
  4. You will receive a 10-digit Profile Code via SMS. Keep this code safe; it is your permanent identity ID.

Filling the Application Form

Once you have your E-PIN, proceed to an accredited Computer Based Test (CBT) Centre. Do not go to a regular cyber cafe; they are not authorized to complete the full registration.

At the center, you will be asked for:

  • Personal Information: Bio-data, address, and state of origin.
  • Choice of Institutions: You will select your preferred 1st Choice (University), 2nd Choice, 3rd Choice, and 4th Choice institutions.
  • Subject Combination: This is critical. Ensure your four UTME subjects align with the course you want to study.

JAMB vs. UTME: Understand the Difference and Relationship

Uploading Documents and Photo

During the registration at the CBT center, two key things happen:

  1. Biometric Capture: Your fingerprints and live photo will be taken. This photo will appear on your result slip later.
  2. JAMB Uploading: You must upload your O’Level results (WAEC/NECO) to the JAMB portal. If your results are not ready, you register as “Awaiting Result” but must upload them immediately after they are released.

Printing Your Registration Slip

After submission, the CBT center will give you a printed slip. This document contains your registration number for jamb, your exam town, and your jamb slip with choice of institution. Keep this safe, but remember, this is different from your result slip which comes later.

Guide to Printing Your Original JAMB UTME Result (PDF)

Essential Tips for Successful Registration

  • Review Before Submitting: When the operator is filling your form, look at the screen. Confirm the spelling of your name and your subject combination before the final click.
  • Use Accredited Centers: Only centers listed on the Official JAMB Website are valid. Registration done elsewhere is void.
  • Protect Your SIM: The phone number used for registration is your lifeline for receiving your exam date and results. Do not lose it.

What to Do in Case of Registration Errors

Mistakes happen. If you realize you chose the wrong course or misspelled a name after submitting:

  • Wait for the “Correction of Data” window to open on the JAMB portal.
  • You can correct Names, Dates of Birth, Gender, State/LGA of Origin, and choice of Institution/Course.
  • This service attracts a separate fee and must be done online or at a CBT center depending on the correction type.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

“I lost my E-pin, what should I do?” If you deleted the SMS containing your E-PIN, simply resend the message UTMEPIN or DEPIN to 55019 or 66019 using the same phone number. The system will retrieve it for you.

“Can I change my course/institution after registration?” Yes. You can purchase a “Change of Institution/Course” form on the JAMB portal for a fee (usually ₦2,500) to modify your preferences.

Conclusion

The jamb register process is designed to be seamless if you follow the rules. By securing your NIN early, creating your profile correctly via SMS, and using only accredited CBT centers, you avoid the common pitfalls that frustrate many students. Pay attention to detail now to ensure your registration number for jamb leads to a successful admission letter later.