15 Simple Steps to Apply for JAMB 2025

If you want to gain admission into a university, polytechnic, or college of education in Nigeria, you must register for the JAMB UTME or Direct Entry (DE) exam. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is responsible for conducting this exam every year, and it is the first step toward getting into your desired school.

The JAMB 2025 registration will begin on January 31, 2025, and end on March 5, 2025, so it’s important to register early and avoid the last-minute rush. The exam itself will take place from April 25 to May 5, 2025. If you plan to take the Mock UTME, it is scheduled for April 5, 2025.

This guide will show you 15 simple steps to help you register for JAMB 2025 without stress. Whether you’re a first-time candidate or someone who has taken the exam before, this step-by-step guide will help you avoid mistakes and complete your registration smoothly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for JAMB 2025

Step 1: Obtain Your National Identification Number (NIN)

Before you can register for JAMB 2025, you must have a National Identification Number (NIN). This is a unique number issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and is now a mandatory requirement for JAMB registration.

How to Get Your NIN for JAMB Registration

1. Visit a NIMC Enrollment Center – You can register at any NIMC office, designated banks, or NIN registration agents near you.
2. Provide Your Personal Information – You will be required to provide your full name, date of birth, phone number, address, and other details.
3. Biometric Capture – Your fingerprints and passport photograph will be taken.
4. Get Your NIN Slip – After successful enrollment, you will receive a NIN slip with your 11-digit NIN number.

Why is NIN Important for JAMB?

• You cannot register for JAMB without a valid NIN.
• Your JAMB profile code is generated using your NIN.
• It helps prevent multiple registrations and ensures a fair admission process.

Once you have obtained your NIN, keep your 11-digit number safe because you will need it for the next step in your JAMB registration.

Step 2: Create Your JAMB Profile

Before purchasing your JAMB ePIN, you must create a JAMB profile, which is required for all candidates.

How to Create Your JAMB Profile

1. Send an SMS in this format: NIN [Your 11-digit NIN] Example: NIN 12345678901
   2. Send the SMS to 55019 or 66019 using a phone number you have never used for JAMB registration before.
2. You will receive an SMS with your JAMB Profile Code (a 10-digit number).

Important Notes:

• You must use a valid phone number, as JAMB will send important updates to it.
• If you mistakenly delete the SMS, you can resend the NIN SMS to get your Profile Code again.
• If you don’t receive a reply, check if your NIN is properly linked to your phone number or try another network.

This JAMB Profile Code is very important, as you will need it to buy your JAMB ePIN in the next step. Keep it safe!

Step 3: Purchase Your JAMB ePIN

After creating your JAMB Profile Code, the next step is to buy your JAMB ePIN. This is the official payment for your JAMB registration, and without it, you cannot proceed.

Where to Buy Your JAMB ePIN

You can purchase your ePIN from any of the following authorized payment channels:

• Banks: Access Bank, First Bank, Zenith Bank, FCMB, Polaris Bank, UBA, Union Bank, etc.
• Online Payment Platforms: Remita, Interswitch, eTransact, SystemSpecs, etc.
• Mobile Money Operators: Paga, Opay, Quickteller, and other registered agents.
• USSD Payment: Dial the USSD code of your bank and follow the instructions to pay.
• Post Offices: Some NIPOST offices also sell JAMB ePINs.

How to Buy Your JAMB ePIN

1. Visit any of the approved payment channels listed above.
2. Provide your JAMB Profile Code (the 10-digit number you received via SMS).
3. Pay the official JAMB registration fee:
   • ₦7,200 (without Mock-UTME)
   • ₦8,200 (with Mock-UTME)
   • ₦5,700 (Direct Entry – DE)
4. After successful payment, you will receive an SMS containing your JAMB ePIN.

Important Notes:

• The ePIN is valid for one registration only, so do not share it with anyone.
• If you mistakenly delete the SMS, you can retrieve your ePIN by sending “UTMEPIN” to 55019 or 66019.
• Ensure you use your JAMB Profile Code when making payment to avoid errors.

Now that you have your JAMB ePIN, the next step is to visit an accredited JAMB CBT centre to complete your registration.

Step 4: Visit an Accredited JAMB CBT Centre

To continue with your JAMB registration, you must visit a JAMB-accredited CBT centre. JAMB does not allow cyber cafes to handle registrations to prevent errors and fraud.

How to Locate a JAMB CBT Centre

• Visit the official JAMB website (www.jamb.gov.ng) to see the list of approved CBT centres in your state.
• You can also check JAMB social media pages for updates on CBT centre accreditation.

What to Bring to the CBT Centre for Registration

1. Your JAMB Profile Code (10-digit number).
2. Your JAMB ePIN (received after payment).
3. National Identification Number (NIN).
4. A valid phone number and email address.
5. Personal details (name, date of birth, state, LGA, etc.).

At the CBT centre, your biometric data (fingerprints) and passport photograph will be captured. After that, you will proceed with selecting institutions, courses, and UTME subjects.

Once this step is complete, you will receive a printout of your JAMB Registration Slip, which confirms that your registration was successful.

Step 5: Provide Personal Information & Choose Institutions

At the JAMB CBT centre, you will be required to provide your personal details and select your preferred institutions and courses. It is important to provide accurate information to avoid errors that may require corrections later.

Personal Information to Provide

• Full Name (must match your NIN details).
• Date of Birth (ensure it is correct to meet the minimum admission age of 16 years).
• Gender.
• State and Local Government Area (LGA) of Origin.
• Nationality.
• Email Address and Phone Number (use an active email for receiving JAMB updates).
• Home Address.

Selecting Your Institutions of Choice

You will need to select four institutions in this order:

1. First Choice – A university, polytechnic, college of education, or innovative enterprise institution (most candidates pick a university here).
2. Second Choice – A polytechnic, university (less competitive), or college of education.
3. Third Choice – A college of education, polytechnic, or innovative enterprise institution.
4. Fourth Choice – An innovative enterprise institution (IEI) or other specialized schools.

How to Choose the Right Institution

• Check the cut-off marks and admission requirements of the institution.
• Consider schools that accept second-choice applicants if needed.
• Pick a backup option in case your first choice is too competitive.

Step 6: Select Your UTME Subjects

Your UTME subject combination depends on the course you want to study. Choosing the wrong subjects can disqualify you from admission, so be careful.

How to Choose the Right UTME Subjects

1. English Language is compulsory for all candidates.
2. The remaining three subjects depend on your course of study.
3. Check the official JAMB Brochure (www.jamb.gov.ng) to see the correct subject combination for your course.

Examples of UTME Subject Combinations

• Medicine & Surgery: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
• Engineering Courses: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry.
• Law: English, Government, Literature-in-English, and any other Art subject.
• Mass Communication: English, Literature-in-English, Government, and any other Art subject.
• Accounting: English, Mathematics, Economics, and any other Social Science subject.

Once your institutions and subjects are selected, you will proceed to the biometric capture and photo submission stage.

Step 7: Biometric Capture & Passport Photograph Submission

JAMB uses biometric verification (fingerprint capture) to ensure that each candidate’s identity is unique. This is a mandatory step in the registration process.

What Happens During Biometric Capture?

• The CBT centre official will scan your 10 fingerprints (both hands).
• Your passport photograph will be taken (ensure you look neat and presentable).
• Your biometric data will be linked to your JAMB registration to prevent impersonation.

Why Biometric Capture is Important

• No fingerprint, no exam! JAMB uses biometric verification on exam day to confirm your identity.
• It prevents multiple registrations and ensures exam security.

After completing the biometric capture and photo submission, you will proceed to make final payments for JAMB registration.

Step 8: Pay the JAMB Registration Fee

To complete your JAMB 2025 registration, you must pay the required fees at the CBT centre. The total cost depends on whether you opt for the Mock UTME or not.

Breakdown of JAMB 2025 Registration Fees

• ₦3,500 – JAMB ePIN (Registration Form).
• ₦1,000 – Reading Text (The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba).
• ₦700 – CBT Centre Registration Service Charge.
• ₦1,500 – UTME Service Charge.
• ₦500 – Bank Charges.
• ₦1,500 – Optional Mock UTME Service Charge.
• ₦1,500 – Optional Mock UTME Centre Charge.

Total Cost of Registration:

• ₦7,200 – UTME (Without Mock).
• ₦8,200 – UTME (With Mock).
• ₦5,700 – Direct Entry (DE).

Payment Methods at the CBT Centre:

1. Cash Payment at the Centre – Some CBT centres accept direct cash payments.
2. POS Payment – You can pay using your ATM card at some accredited centres.
3. Online Payment – Some centres allow Remita or Interswitch payments using mobile banking apps.
4. Bank Transfer – Some CBT centres provide account details for transfers.

Important Payment Guidelines:

• Always collect your payment receipt as proof of registration.
• Ensure the correct amount is paid to avoid issues later.
• Keep a copy of your payment details for future reference.

Once you have successfully paid the registration fee, you will receive a JAMB Registration Slip, confirming your registration details.

Step 9: Receive and Verify Your JAMB Registration Slip

After paying your registration fee, the CBT centre will print your JAMB Registration Slip. This document is very important and serves as proof that you have successfully registered for JAMB 2025.

What’s on Your JAMB Registration Slip?

• Your Full Name (as registered).
• Your JAMB Registration Number.
• Your UTME Subject Combination.
• Your Selected Institutions and Courses.
• Your Exam Mode (CBT).
• A Barcode (used for verification).

What to Do After Receiving Your Slip

1. Check all details carefully – Ensure that your name, subject combination, institution choices, and personal details are correct.
2. Report any errors immediately – If you notice a mistake, request corrections at the CBT centre before leaving.
3. Keep multiple copies – Print extra copies or save a digital version on your phone.
4. Do not misplace it – You will need this slip for future reference and exam verification.

Once you have confirmed your JAMB Registration Slip, you can now decide whether to participate in the Mock UTME.

Step 10: Register for the Mock UTME (Optional)

The JAMB Mock UTME is an optional practice exam designed to help candidates familiarize themselves with the JAMB CBT exam format before the main UTME. If you are interested in taking the Mock UTME, you must indicate this during registration.

Important Details About the JAMB 2025 Mock Exam

• Mock Exam Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025.
• Mock Exam Registration Period: During JAMB registration (January 31 – March 5, 2025).
• Mock Exam Slip Reprinting Date: March 17, 2025 (to check venue, time, and exam details).
• Mock Exam Fee: ₦1,500 (plus ₦1,500 Mock CBT Centre Charge).
• Purpose: To help candidates practice under real exam conditions before the main UTME.

How to Register for the Mock UTME

1. Indicate interest in the Mock UTME while registering at the CBT centre.
2. Pay the additional ₦1,500 Mock service charge plus ₦1,500 centre charge.
3. Receive confirmation on your JAMB Registration Slip that you have registered for the Mock Exam.

Why Take the JAMB Mock Exam?

✔️ Helps reduce exam stress and anxiety.
✔️ Allows candidates to practice time management in a real exam setting.
✔️ Gives first-time JAMB candidates a better understanding of the CBT format.
✔️ Helps candidates identify areas they need to improve on before the main exam.

After registering for the Mock UTME, the next step is to get the JAMB recommended novel for the Use of English exam.

Step 11: Get the JAMB Recommended Novel

Every year, JAMB selects a compulsory novel for the Use of English paper, which all candidates must read before the exam. Questions will be set from the novel, so it is important to read and understand it well.

JAMB 2025 Recommended Novel

📖 “The Lekki Headmaster” by Kabir Alabi Garba.

Where to Get the JAMB Novel

• Available at JAMB-accredited CBT centres during registration.
• Can be purchased at bookstores nationwide.
• Some schools and tutorial centres may provide PDF summaries and analysis.

How to Use the Novel for JAMB Preparation

• Read the full novel carefully to understand the themes, characters, and plot.
• Take notes of important events and character roles.
• Practice past JAMB questions related to Use of English novels from previous years.
• Look out for likely exam questions on character traits, moral lessons, and key events.

Once you have obtained and studied the JAMB 2025 novel, the next step is to reprint your JAMB exam slip before the main UTME.

Step 12: Print Your JAMB Exam Slip

The JAMB exam slip contains important details about your UTME, such as your exam date, time, and venue. Every candidate must reprint their exam slip before the main JAMB exam to know when and where they will sit for the test.

JAMB 2025 Exam Slip Reprinting Details

• Reprinting Starts: Friday, April 18, 2025.
• How to Reprint: Available online via the JAMB portal.
• Details Contained in the Slip:
  • Exam date and time.
  • Exam venue (CBT centre).
  • Personal JAMB registration details.
  • Important instructions for the exam.

How to Print Your JAMB Exam Slip Online

1. Visit the JAMB eFacility Portal at www.jamb.gov.ng.
2. Click on “Print Examination Slip”.
3. Enter your JAMB registration number, phone number, or email used during registration.
4. Click “Print” and download the exam slip.
5. Print at least two copies (one for yourself and one as a backup).

Important Notes:

✔️ The exam slip is mandatory for entry into the exam hall.
✔️ Ensure all details are correct and match your registration information.
✔️ Keep multiple copies in safe places in case you misplace one.

Once you have printed your JAMB exam slip, the next step is preparing for the UTME using past questions and study materials.

Step 13: Prepare for Your JAMB Exam

Now that you have successfully registered, the next important step is JAMB preparation. Scoring high marks in UTME increases your chances of gaining admission into your preferred institution.

Best Ways to Prepare for JAMB 2025

📌 Study the JAMB Syllabus – Available on the JAMB website (www.jamb.gov.ng).
📌 Use Past Questions – Practicing previous years’ JAMB questions helps you understand question patterns.
📌 Enroll in a CBT Practice Platform – Use online CBT apps or websites for mock tests.
📌 Read the Recommended Novel – The Lekki Headmaster will have questions in the Use of English section.
📌 Manage Your Time Well – JAMB is a timed exam, so practice answering questions quickly.
📌 Stay Updated on JAMB News – Follow JAMB’s official social media pages for updates.

What to Expect on JAMB Exam Day

• Arrive at least 1 hour before your exam starts.
• Bring your JAMB exam slip and a valid ID.
• No phones, smartwatches, or electronic devices are allowed in the exam hall.
• You will be biometrically verified before entering the hall.

Once you have prepared well, the next step is to take your JAMB exam on your scheduled date.

Step 14: Sit for Your JAMB Exam

After all the preparation, it’s finally time to take your JAMB exam. Your performance in this exam will determine your eligibility for admission into your preferred university, polytechnic, or college of education.

What to Do on Exam Day

✔️ Arrive Early – Get to your CBT centre at least 1 hour before your exam to avoid last-minute stress.
✔️ Bring Your Exam Slip – This is your official entry ticket into the examination hall.
✔️ Complete Biometric Verification – JAMB officials will verify your fingerprint before allowing you into the hall.
✔️ Follow Instructions Carefully – Listen to the invigilators and read all exam instructions before starting.
✔️ Manage Your Time Wisely – JAMB is a computer-based test (CBT) with a limited duration of 2 hours. Answer questions quickly and accurately.
✔️ Stay Calm and Focused – Don’t panic if you don’t know an answer; move on and return to it later.

What NOT to Bring to the JAMB Exam Hall

🚫 Mobile phones, smartwatches, or any electronic devices.
🚫 Calculators (except for the one provided in the CBT software).
🚫 Writing materials (JAMB provides everything needed).
🚫 Any unauthorized materials or notes.

Once you complete your JAMB exam, your results will be processed and released within a few days. The final step is checking your JAMB result online.

Step 15: Check Your JAMB Result

After the UTME, JAMB will release results within a few days. Candidates can check their scores online or via SMS.

JAMB 2025 Result Release Date

📅 Expected Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

How to Check Your JAMB Result Online

1. Visit the JAMB eFacility Portal at www.jamb.gov.ng.
2. Click on “Check UTME Result”.
3. Enter your JAMB Registration Number or Phone Number.
4. Click “Check My Result” to view your score.

How to Check Your JAMB Result via SMS

1. Send UTMERESULT to 55019 or 66019 (using the number you used for JAMB registration).
2. You will receive an SMS reply with your JAMB score.

What’s Next After Checking Your Result?

• If you scored above the required cut-off mark, you can proceed with admission screening in your chosen institution.
• If your score is low, you may consider a change of institution/course (this can be done on the JAMB portal for ₦2,500).
• Candidates applying through Direct Entry (DE) will wait for their institution’s admission screening process.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully completed the JAMB 2025 registration process. By following these 15 simple steps, you have taken the first step toward securing admission into your dream university, polytechnic, or college of education.

To increase your chances of success:
✔️ Study smart and use past questions.
✔️ Follow JAMB updates on their official website.
✔️ Reprint your exam slip early to avoid last-minute rush.
✔️ Stay confident and focused on exam day.

If you have any questions or concerns, visit the official JAMB website at www.jamb.gov.ng or check with accredited CBT centres.

We wish you the best in your JAMB exam and admission process!