A student guide to the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination: who sits it, how to register, how subjects and scores work, and where admission decisions actually happen.
Published 14 Sept 2026 · Reviewed 14 Sept 2026
The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination is the national entrance exam run by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. Most students who want to enter a Nigerian university, polytechnic, or college of education sit UTME.
You need the O-level sitting pattern JAMB and your chosen course require, usually including English. Some courses also require Mathematics or science subjects. JAMB publishes the current brochure and subject combinations; your school counsellor should not replace that brochure.
UTME is four subjects. Use of English is compulsory. The other three must match the course you want. A wrong combination is one of the fastest ways to be rejected even with a high score.
UTME is computer-based. You sit at an assigned CBT centre on your scheduled day. The interface, number of questions, and timing are set by JAMB for that year. Arrive with the slip and identity document listed on your notification.
JAMB reports an aggregate UTME score. Institutions then apply their own cut-off marks and screening. A JAMB score is necessary; it is not a guaranteed admission letter. Check both the JAMB result portal and the institution you chose.
Results are released on the JAMB portal. Admission offers, if any, appear through CAPS. Accepting or rejecting an offer also happens there. Screenshots from friends are not an offer.
This page stays with official process. Learn is where you practise UTME-style questions by subject and see explanations from LearnAI when a topic will not stay in your head.
Practise JAMB UTME on Learn
Open the JAMB workspace for subject practice and timed sessions.
Open JAMB prepNo. WAEC or NECO is your O-level result. UTME is the entrance exam JAMB uses for tertiary admission.
Only in the official change windows JAMB opens. There is usually a fee, and the new combination must still be valid.
On jamb.gov.ng and the e-facility. Learn will not invent a timetable.
See the JAMB UTME subjects and topic outline on the public syllabus.
See articles and official updates for JAMB UTME.