"When is JAMB 2027?" is one of the most common questions in Nigerian WhatsApp groups right now, and you will see a lot of confident answers. Some of them are copied from last year's dates and dressed up as new.
So here is a straight account of what JAMB has actually said, what has not been announced, and how to prepare while you wait.
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What JAMB has confirmed for 2027
There is one confirmed change so far.
JAMB's spokesman, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, announced on 14 September 2026 that arrival time for the first session of the 2027 UTME will move from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. The exam in that session will run from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
The reason JAMB gave is safety. Many candidates, some of them minors, were travelling in the dark and sometimes hours before dawn to get to centres.
The change applies only to the first session, and the other sessions keep their usual times. JAMB announced this after its management and IT retreat held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, from 6 to 11 September.
What has not been announced yet
As of now, the full 2027 UTME timetable has not been released. That means the registration dates, the mock date, the exam dates and the 2027 fees are all unconfirmed.
If a website gives you exact dates today, ask where they got them. JAMB normally announces these after its policy meeting, and the 2026 dates only came out in the new year.
The safest source is JAMB's own website, jamb.gov.ng, and its official social media pages. Anything else is a guess.
What the 2026 timetable can teach you
You should not copy last year's dates, but the 2026 pattern gives you an idea of how the year usually goes.
In 2026, e-PIN sales ran from 19 January to 26 February, registration ran from 26 January to 28 February, the mock was on 28 March, and the main UTME ran from 16 to 25 April.
The fees last year were ₦7,200 for UTME without mock and ₦8,700 with mock. Those figures may change, so do not budget as if they are final.
Keep in mind that JAMB can shift its dates, so check the official notice before you plan around any of these.
Who can register for 2027
For 2026, JAMB required candidates to be at least 16 years old by 30 September of that year. Younger candidates had to meet a very high score standard.
Expect something similar for 2027, with the age date likely to be 30 September 2027, but wait for the official notice before you decide.
Also remember that JAMB does not allow you to register more than once for the same year. Multiple registrations can lead to sanctions, so do not let a centre talk you into two forms.
A new tool to watch for
JAMB also said it is developing a National Digital Pre-Registration App. The idea is that candidates can look up courses, check eligibility and confirm their personal details before they go to a centre for registration.
It is still in development, so do not pay anybody who says they can give you early access.
What to do between now and registration
You have months, and that is an advantage. Here is a simple plan you can start this week.
- Sort out your O'Level. If you are waiting for a result or need a correction, deal with it early. Our guide on what to do if a NECO result is missing a subject can help.
- Decide on your course and your four subjects. Your subjects must match the course you want, and getting that wrong is a common reason for admission problems.
- Link your NIN to your phone number. You will need it for registration.
- Start practising on a computer. The UTME is a CBT exam, so typing, scrolling and managing time on a screen is a skill.
- Check the cut-off marks for your target schools using our cut-off mark checker, so you know what score to aim for.
This plan is simple on purpose. If you do one item a week, you will be ready before the registration window opens.
Do not wait for the dates to be announced before you start. The preparation does not depend on them.
Protect your money
Every year, people sell "early forms", "pre-registration slots" and "sure centres". JAMB has one official process, and it does not involve paying a stranger. Buy your e-PIN only through the channels JAMB lists on its website, and register only at accredited centres.
Still undecided about this year? Read our guides on what to do if the admission deadline passes and late admission options before you make a plan for 2027. You can also estimate your own result with the JAMB score calculator.
How to spot fake JAMB news
When dates are not yet out, rumours spread fast. A few habits will protect you.
Check whether the post names JAMB's official website or social media as its source. Be careful with posts that give exact dates without any notice or link.
Ignore anyone who asks you to pay for "early information" or "pre-registration". If you are not sure, wait for JAMB's own announcement, because acting on a rumour can cost you money and time.
The takeaway
For 2027, the only confirmed change is the 7:30 a.m. arrival time for the first session. Everything else, including the dates and fees, still has to be announced.
Use the waiting time to sort out your O'Level, choose your subjects and practise on a computer. When you are ready to plan your preparation, read our guides on subject combinations and how to score high in JAMB.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about this guide
1When is JAMB 2027 registration?
JAMB has not announced the 2027 registration dates yet. In 2026, registration ran from 26 January to 28 February, but treat that only as a rough pattern until JAMB publishes the new timetable.
2When is the 2027 UTME exam date?
The full 2027 timetable has not been released. Check jamb.gov.ng for the official dates. The 2026 UTME ran from 16 to 25 April.
3What time should I arrive for the 2027 UTME?
JAMB announced that the first session arrival time moves from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., with the exam from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Other sessions keep their existing times.
4How much will JAMB 2027 form cost?
JAMB has not announced 2027 fees. For 2026, the e-PIN was 7,200 naira without mock and 8,700 naira with mock.
5Can I register for JAMB more than once?
No. JAMB does not allow multiple registrations for the same year, and doing it can bring sanctions.
6What is the JAMB National Digital Pre-Registration App?
JAMB says it is building an app for candidates to research courses, check eligibility and confirm personal details before registration. It was still in development when announced.
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