JAMB New Policy 2026 for Matriculated Students: Full Explanation

JAMB has introduced a stricter rule for 2026 registration.

The key update is this: If you have ever been admitted (matriculated) before, or you are already a student in any tertiary institution, you must declare it during your 2026 UTME or DE registration.

To receive more updates, check here: https://smartjamb.com/remind_process/JAMB-2026

What exactly changed in JAMB 2026?

JAMB now requires "compulsory disclosure of previous admission status" during registration. That means you must enter your previous registration details and the year you did UTME or DE if you were previously admitted.

If you do not declare it (or you declare falsely), JAMB says your current registration or previous admission can be invalidated and you can be sanctioned.
JAMB also warns that running more than one undergraduate programme at the same time is an offence.
Source: JAMB 2026 registration rules and JAMB bulletin statements.

Does this mean JAMB has banned previously matriculated students?

Not exactly.

JAMB is not saying you can never apply again in your life. What JAMB is saying is: - You must disclose your previous admission status - You must not try to run two undergraduate programmes at the same time - You must not hide your admission history to manipulate the system

JAMB even states that a candidate who was previously admitted and wants to change or start afresh in another institution or programme is allowed, but disclosure is compulsory.

Who is affected by this new policy?

This policy affects: - Students currently in a university, polytechnic, college of education, or similar institution - Anyone who has previously matriculated through JAMB and is trying to apply again - Candidates who want to leave their current course or school and start again - Candidates who previously got admission but did not disclose it when registering

What you should do if you have already matriculated

Follow these rules to stay safe:

1) Tell the truth during registration

When the registration template or CBT centre asks about previous admission or current studentship: - declare it correctly - provide the previous registration details and year if required

2) Do not attempt "double admission"

Do not try to keep your current admission and still use UTME to secure another one secretly. JAMB has clearly warned that running more than one undergraduate programme at the same time is an offence and failure to disclose will be sanctioned.

3) If you truly want to change school or course, disclose it and follow due process

If your plan is to leave your current programme and start again elsewhere: - disclose your previous admission during registration - follow the proper institutional and JAMB process for your situation

If you need continuous updates on this policy and registration rules, check: https://smartjamb.com/remind_process/JAMB-2026

What happens if you lie or fail to declare your previous admission?

JAMB has stated that false or non-declaration can invalidate your registration or previous admission. JAMB also mentions sanctions for non-disclosure, including cancellation of registration and other disciplinary steps.

Why did JAMB bring this policy?

JAMB says this is part of efforts to stop abuse of the admission system and reduce malpractice linked to already-admitted students trying to manipulate the process.

Quick summary

• If you have ever matriculated, disclose it during registration
• If you are already a student, do not try to run two programmes at once
• If you want to start afresh, it may be allowed, but disclosure is compulsory

To receive more updates, check here: Jamb Ai Update

JAMB New Policy 2026 FAQs (Matriculated Students)

Can a matriculated student register for JAMB 2026?

Yes, but JAMB now requires compulsory disclosure of previous admission (matriculation) status during registration. If you fail to disclose, you risk sanctions.

Did JAMB ban students who have already matriculated from applying again?

JAMB focuses on stopping non-disclosure and preventing people from running more than one undergraduate programme at the same time. If you want to start afresh, disclosure is required.

What does "compulsory disclosure of previous admission status" mean?

It means you must declare your previous admission or current studentship status during 2026 UTME or DE registration and provide the required previous registration details and year.

What happens if I do not declare my previous admission?

JAMB states that false or non-declaration can invalidate your registration or previous admission and can lead to sanctions.

I am currently in school but I want to change institution. What should I do?

Declare your previous admission during registration and follow the proper process for your situation. Do not hide your status.

Is it allowed to run two admissions at the same time?

JAMB warns that running more than one undergraduate programme at the same time is an offence. Avoid double admission attempts.

Does this policy affect Direct Entry candidates too?

Yes. The rule is about declaring your admission history and status, and it applies to the 2026 UTME and DE process.

How do I declare my previous admission during registration?

During registration (and the registration template), answer the admission status question truthfully and provide any requested previous registration details and year.

Where can I get more updates anytime?

Jamb Update