PeterIf you are a student studying in Nigeria, and you would like to join the university without attending the JAMB exam, you should know the deadline of the direct entry form 2026. It can be the most crucial day in deciding whether you will enter the course of your choice this year.
A lot of students lose the opportunity, as most of them wait until the end and presume that they will be granted extensions and then realize that it is already too late. Don’t let that be your story. This article will take you through all the necessary information on the direct entry form due date of 2026, the date of registering, the application process and even some information that you cannot get in other places.
When Is The Deadline For 2026 Direct Entry Form?
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially stated that direct entry registration will commence on Monday, 2nd March, 2026. The last day to fill the direct entry form is Saturday, 25th April 2026. That gives all the qualified applicants a period of eight weeks to go through their registration.
But eight weeks can be tricky. There can be technical issues in the CBT centres, incompleteness of documentation or incomplete receipt of the transcripts. It is a huge risk to wait till late in April.
What Is Direct Entry and Who Is It For?
Direct Entry (DE) is a pathway to admission whereby students who already possess a diploma, NCE, A-level qualification or other advanced qualification can directly enter the university without doing the first year of their undergraduate and instead proceed directly to second year (200) level.
Direct Entry is available to you in case you:
– Hold an ND or HND qualification in a polytechnic.
– National certificate of education obtained in a college of education.
– A -level results (IJMB, JUPEB or Cambridge A-levels)
It is important to remember that you have to be registered before it is too late.
Read also | Jamb Registration Date For 2026: Starting Date and Deadline
Why the Deadline For 2026 Direct Entry Form Matters More Than You Think
A larger proportion of students believe that the deadline is merely a formality and as such, he or she can work in at the final hour. That’s risky because:
– There are a set number of DE slots at schools; usually, those who first apply are able to get a better slot.
– There should be documentation, particularly transcripts which have to be verified and may delay the processing.
– “Biometric problems” (wrong fingerprints) may nullify your application.
– Network challenges are experienced in some centres of CBT, which is time-wasting.
– JAMB seldom offers extensions on DE; and even when they extend it, they are not assured.
What You Need Before You Register
This is a list of things you need to possess before beginning to process the registration:
On your computer, browse to the following location:
– JAMB Profile (create one in case you do not have it)
– National Identification number (NIN).
– 100 percent verifiable O-Level results.
– A-level performance or comparative (ND, NCE, IJMB, JUPEB, and so on)
– Institutional transcript (ND holders or HND holders)
– Recent passport-like photograph.
– Authentic email and phone number (JAMB will communicate with you through them)
Knowing all this will enable you to save time as you get ready to meet the deadline.
Step-by-Step Guide to Register for Direct Entry 2026
1. Get your NIN.
2. Register or revise your JAMB Profile on the portal.
3. Buy an e-PIN at a bank, web site or mobile money operator.
4. Register at a recognised centre of CBT.
5. Send your qualifications, certificates and transcripts.
6. Carry out biometrics checks (fingerprints and photo).
7. Record your registration slip and place it in a safe place.
The ideal time to accomplish these steps is the first half of March. Waiting till it is the last week of April will not help; the centres will be full of people and errors will be rampant.
Many students are searching for | How to Buy JAMB E-PIN for 2026
What Happens If You Miss The Deadline For 2026 Direct Entry Form?
You have missed the deadline, now you cannot join the admission cycle of this year. There is no late registration nor any special consideration. That will be after one year. Consequences include:
– Wasting a full year of school time.
– Redoing the transcript checking procedure.
– The results of your A-Levels can go out of date when they are near the deadline.
-The lost opportunity to receive scholarships and school specific DE programmes.
It is not merely a deadline that has been missed; it postpones your whole future.
What Makes This Year’s Direct Entry Process Different?
The 2026 process provides some changes that would not be seen in other blogs:
– Digital transcripts uploads: JAMB is working with the institutions to enable direct uploads to make the verification quick.
– New biometric mandate: In case you were not captivated in 2022 or prior, you will have to complete another biometric capture.
– Uses of strict matching policy: The name on O-Level, A-Level and NIN should be an exact match to minimize fraud as well as enhance transparency.
Direct Entry Form 2026 Deadline: What to Do Right Now
Today, if you are serious about joining university this year via Direct Entry, do the below:
– Confirm your eligibility
– Gather all documents
– MODIFY JAMB profile or create your profile.
– Indicate the date of registration: 2 March 2026.
– Have an individual deadline not later than 25 April 2026.
– Only visit accredited centres.
– Keep copies of everything
Avoid procrastination. The direct entry form 2026 date is real and failure to meet it may make you lose a whole year of your time.
Read Also| Jamb Registration Fee For 2026: Complete Payment Guide For Aspirants
Conclusion
Direct entry is a very good option with a path to 200 level, but needs a lot of planning and awareness.
The deadline for 2026 direct entry form is not a laughing matter. It divides the ones who proceed with the ones who will need to wait one more year.
Start early. Get your papers together, do it in advance and confirm your information. The deadline (2026) is rapidly coming closer. Do not be the type of student who realizes that it is too late to register for the form..
Stay focused, stay ahead.
Peter
Collins