JAMB UTME to Direct Entry Conversion 2026 Has Started: Deadline, Fee, How to Convert and Everything Share

JAMB UTME to Direct Entry Conversion 2026 Has Started -- Here is Everything You Need to Know

The JAMB UTME to Direct Entry conversion exercise for 2026 is confirmed started and currently active. This is the process by which a candidate who registered and paid for the 2026 UTME can convert their JAMB registration profile into a Direct Entry application, effectively switching their mode of entry into Nigerian universities from UTME (100 level entry) to Direct Entry (200 level entry).

This is not a new process. JAMB has run the UTME to DE conversion exercise annually since 2021, typically opening it a few months after UTME results are released. If you have completed a qualifying post-secondary programme -- an Ordinary National Diploma, Higher National Diploma, Nigeria Certificate in Education, A'Level, JUPEB, or a first degree -- and you want to enter university at 200 level rather than starting from scratch at 100 level, the conversion exercise is your gateway.

The conversion fee is FREE IN JAMB OFFICE ONLY. For guidance on how to complete the conversion and choose the right university and programme for your Direct Entry application,

Has the Conversion of JAMB to Direct Entry Started for 2026?

Yes. The JAMB UTME to Direct Entry conversion for 2026 has officially started. You can confirm this through the official JAMB e-Facility platform and any JAMB-accredited CBT centre. The exercise opened following the release of the 2026 UTME results, which is the standard JAMB pattern.

JAMB began running this conversion exercise formally from 2021. Since then, it has become a yearly exercise that opens a pathway for OND, HND, NCE, A'Level, and JUPEB holders who initially registered for the UTME to redirect their applications toward Direct Entry admission without having to purchase a separate new JAMB form in most cases.

What is the JAMB UTME to Direct Entry Conversion?

Let me explain this clearly for candidates who are encountering this term for the first time.

When you registered for JAMB in 2026, you registered as a UTME candidate. That means JAMB has you on its database as someone seeking admission into 100 level of a Nigerian university through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. Your score, subject combination, institution choice, and all other data are on your UTME profile.

Direct Entry is a different mode of admission. Under Direct Entry, candidates enter university directly at 200 level -- bypassing 100 level entirely -- based on the strength of their post-secondary qualifications such as OND, HND, NCE, A'Level, JUPEB, or IJMB results. This saves you one academic year of study.

The UTME to DE conversion exercise allows you to switch your JAMB profile from UTME mode to Direct Entry mode. After the conversion: - Your JAMB profile now shows you as a Direct Entry applicant - You choose your institution and course through JAMB CAPS as a DE candidate - You apply for Post UTME or screening at your chosen university as a DE candidate - If offered admission, you enter at 200 level

The conversion does not give you a new JAMB registration number. It converts the profile attached to your existing JAMB registration.

Can I Convert My JAMB to Direct Entry?

Yes, but only if you meet the qualifying conditions. You cannot convert your UTME registration to Direct Entry simply because you want to enter at 200 level. You must have a qualifying post-secondary academic credential. Here are the credentials that qualify you for Direct Entry in Nigeria:

• Ordinary National Diploma (OND): minimum of Lower Credit from a recognized polytechnic or college of technology. Some universities require Upper Credit -- confirm for your specific programme
• Higher National Diploma (HND): minimum of Lower Credit from a recognized polytechnic
• Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE): minimum of Merit from a recognized College of Education
• A'Level (GCE Advanced Level or Cambridge International AS and A Level): minimum of two passes in relevant subjects at A'Level or AS Level
• JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board): minimum of 6 points from a recognized JUPEB programme
• IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board): relevant A'Level passes from the IJMB programme
• First degree: candidates who already hold a first degree from a recognized university and want to study a second course can apply through Direct Entry

Candidates who have not completed any of the above qualifications cannot convert their UTME to DE. If you only have your SSCE or WAEC and scored 160 in JAMB, you cannot use this exercise -- it is not designed for you. The UTME to DE conversion is exclusively for holders of the post-secondary qualifications listed above.

How Much is JAMB Conversion to Direct Entry?

The fee for the JAMB UTME to Direct Entry conversion for 2026 is N2,700. This is the standard JAMB service charge for the conversion exercise. It is paid through the JAMB e-Facility portal online or at a JAMB-accredited CBT centre using the Remita payment platform.

The N2,700 covers only the conversion service charge. It does not include the Direct Entry application itself or any university-specific Post UTME or screening fee. After completing the conversion, you will need to apply for the Post UTME or DE screening at your chosen university, which typically carries its own separate fee of between N2,000 and N10,000 depending on the institution.

JAMB UTME to Direct Entry Conversion 2026 Deadline

The specific official closing date for the 2026 JAMB UTME to DE conversion exercise had not been published as a single fixed public date at the time of writing. JAMB has typically run this exercise with a window of six to eight weeks from the date of opening, and has sometimes extended the deadline upon application.

Based on the historical pattern from previous sessions: - 2021: JAMB opened the conversion exercise in June 2021 and ran it through August 2021 - 2022: the exercise ran through August and September 2022 - 2023 and 2024: similar windows in the July to September period

For the 2026 session, candidates should treat the exercise as time-sensitive and complete the conversion as soon as possible. Do not wait for a specific deadline announcement. JAMB can and has closed the exercise with limited advance notice in previous sessions.

For real-time updates on the current deadline for the 2026 JAMB UTME to DE conversion,

Has JAMB Started Selling Direct Entry Forms for 2026?

Yes. JAMB's Direct Entry registration for 2026 has also been active. There are two separate but related DE-related processes running simultaneously:

Process 1 -- UTME to DE Conversion: This is for candidates who already registered and paid for the 2026 UTME. Instead of buying a new form, they convert their existing UTME registration to a Direct Entry application by paying the N2,700 conversion fee. This is the exercise this article covers.

Process 2 -- Fresh Direct Entry Registration: This is for candidates who did NOT register for the 2026 UTME at all and are applying directly through Direct Entry for the first time. These candidates buy a fresh JAMB DE form for N3,500, complete a new registration, and choose their institution and course.

If you already registered for JAMB UTME in 2026, you use the conversion route (Process 1). If you never registered for JAMB in 2026 at all, you use Process 2 and buy a fresh DE form. Do not buy a fresh DE form if you already registered for UTME -- you only need to convert.

Can I Use JAMB for Direct Entry?

Yes. JAMB coordinates all Direct Entry admissions into Nigerian universities, just as it coordinates UTME admissions. Whether you are converting from UTME or applying fresh through DE, your JAMB profile is what universities use to verify your eligibility. DE candidates must choose an institution and course on JAMB, and admission is offered through JAMB CAPS the same way it works for UTME candidates.

What is different for DE candidates is the screening process at universities. Many universities do not treat DE candidates the same as UTME candidates in their Post UTME exercise. Some universities -- such as FUNAAB, ABU, NDU, and others -- require DE candidates to submit transcripts, appear for interviews, or go through additional documentation verification that UTME candidates do not face.

How Many Years Does Direct Entry Take?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions about Direct Entry admission, and the answer has a nuance that many candidates miss.

Direct Entry candidates enter university at 200 level, which means they start their second year of the undergraduate programme. A standard 4-year undergraduate programme at 100 level takes:

• 100 level to 400 level = 4 years

A Direct Entry candidate who enters at 200 level spends: - 200 level to 400 level = 3 years for a 4-year programme

For 5-year programmes such as Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) and Architecture: - 100 level to 500 level = 5 years for UTME candidates - 200 level to 500 level = 4 years for Direct Entry candidates (where DE is available -- note that most medical schools do not accept DE candidates into MBBS)

For 6-year programmes such as Pharmacy at some universities: - DE candidates typically save one year

The practical implication is that Direct Entry candidates graduate one year earlier than their UTME counterparts in the same programme. This is the central appeal of DE, particularly for OND, HND, and NCE holders who want to complete their degree upgrade as quickly as possible.

However, there is an important institutional variation: some universities in Nigeria treat DE candidates as entering at 200 level but still require them to spend the full number of years at the university. This varies by institution and programme. Confirm your specific university's DE duration policy when applying.

What Happens After Converting UTME to Direct Entry?

After completing the conversion on the JAMB e-Facility or at a CBT centre:

• Your JAMB profile changes from UTME to Direct Entry mode
• You must now choose your institution and preferred course through JAMB CAPS
• Visit the CAPS page on JAMB e-Facility and update your institution and course choices to reflect your Direct Entry application
• Apply for the Post UTME or DE screening at your chosen university -- each university has its own DE application process and fees
• Submit your OND, HND, NCE, A'Level, or other qualifying result to the university as part of the DE screening documentation
• If screened and found eligible, the university recommends you for admission through JAMB CAPS
• Accept your admission on JAMB CAPS and proceed with acceptance and clearance at the university

Note: changing from UTME to DE resets your institution and course choices. Ensure you update your choices correctly on JAMB CAPS after the conversion is complete.

Which Universities Accept Direct Entry in Nigeria?

Virtually all NUC-accredited Nigerian universities accept Direct Entry candidates, though the specific programmes available for DE and the minimum entry qualifications vary by institution. Here are general rules that apply across most universities:

• OND holders typically enter at 200 level for relevant programmes
• HND holders with Upper Credit can in some universities be admitted directly to 300 level for related programmes
• NCE holders enter Education-related degree programmes at 200 level
• A'Level and JUPEB holders enter at 200 level for the subjects passed at A'Level
• First degree holders seeking a second degree enter at 200 level for a different discipline

Universities that specifically encourage DE applicants and have historically run clear DE screening processes include UNILORIN, ABU, UI, UNIBEN, UNILAG, OAU, FUTA, FUNAAB, MOUAU, and many state universities. Always confirm the DE policy for your specific programme at your chosen institution before applying.

JAMB UTME to DE Conversion 2026 -- Key Facts at a Glance

| Who can convert | OND, HND, NCE, A'Level, JUPEB, IJMB, first degree holders | | Entry level after DE | 200 level (saves one year) | | Duration of degree via DE | One year shorter than UTME route | | Process after conversion | Update JAMB CAPS institution and course, then apply for university DE screening | | Deadline | Not yet fixed -- apply immediately |

Convert now before the exercise closes.

Frequently Asked Questions -- JAMB UTME to Direct Entry Conversion 2026

Has conversion of JAMB to Direct Entry started for 2026?

Yes. The JAMB UTME to Direct Entry conversion exercise for 2026 has officially started and is currently active. Eligible candidates can convert their UTME registration to Direct Entry through the JAMB e-Facility portal or at any JAMB-accredited CBT centre.

How much is JAMB conversion to Direct Entry?

The conversion fee is FREE.

What is the deadline for the JAMB UTME to DE conversion 2026?

The official closing date had not been fixed as a single public date at the time of writing. JAMB typically runs the exercise for six to eight weeks. Based on previous sessions, the window runs through July to September. Apply immediately without waiting for a deadline announcement. For real-time deadline updates, contact the Smartjamb Team.

Can I convert my JAMB to Direct Entry?

Yes, provided you hold a qualifying post-secondary credential. Eligible qualifications include OND (minimum Lower Credit), HND (minimum Lower Credit), NCE (minimum Merit), A'Level (minimum two passes), JUPEB, IJMB, or a first degree. Candidates with only SSCE and a UTME score cannot convert -- the exercise is for post-secondary qualification holders only.

Can I use JAMB for Direct Entry?

Yes. JAMB coordinates all Direct Entry admissions in Nigeria. DE candidates choose their institution and course through JAMB CAPS, and admission is offered and accepted on JAMB CAPS the same way it works for UTME candidates.

Has JAMB started selling Direct Entry forms for 2026?

Yes. Fresh Direct Entry registration is also available for candidates who did not register for the 2026 UTME. Fresh DE forms cost N3,500. Candidates who already registered for UTME should use the conversion route at N2,700 instead of buying a new form.

How many years does Direct Entry take?

DE candidates enter at 200 level and complete the remaining years of their programme. A 4-year degree takes 3 years via DE. A 5-year programme takes 4 years. In practice, DE candidates graduate one year earlier than UTME counterparts in the same programme. Some universities may have specific policies on DE duration -- confirm with your chosen institution.

What is the difference between UTME and Direct Entry?

UTME candidates write the Joint Tertiary Matriculation Examination and if admitted, enter university at 100 level for the full duration of their programme. Direct Entry candidates do not write UTME and instead gain admission based on post-secondary qualifications, entering university at 200 level and spending one fewer year in school.

What happens after I convert my UTME to Direct Entry?

your JAMB profile changes to Direct Entry mode. You must then update your institution and course choices on JAMB CAPS. Apply for the DE screening at your chosen university, submit your qualifying documents, and await admission through JAMB CAPS.

Which qualifications are accepted for Direct Entry in Nigeria?

OND, HND, NCE, GCE A'Level, JUPEB, IJMB, and first degrees from recognized institutions are all accepted. The minimum grade requirements vary by institution and programme -- OND Lower Credit is the most common minimum, though some universities and courses require Upper Credit.

Do I need to write Post UTME again as a Direct Entry candidate?

Most universities have a separate DE screening process. This may involve document verification, an interview, online credentials assessment, or a written test depending on the institution. It is not the same as the UTME candidate Post UTME, but DE candidates must still apply and be screened at their chosen university.

What is the difference between converting UTME to DE and buying a fresh DE form?

If you registered for the 2026 UTME, you convert your existing profile for N2,700 -- no new form needed. If you never registered for JAMB in 2026 at all, you buy a fresh DE form for N3,500. Do not buy a fresh form if you already have a UTME registration from 2026 -- simply convert.

Can a first degree holder use Direct Entry?

Yes. Candidates who already hold a first degree and want to study a different course can apply through Direct Entry to enter at 200 level for the new programme. Some universities also have specific provisions for first degree holders seeking professional qualifications or second degree programmes through the DE route.