The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that some categories of candidates will receive free UTME forms for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
This decision has generated massive interest among Nigerian students, parents, and education stakeholders, especially at a time when economic hardship has made UTME registration difficult for many families.
In this article, you will learn:
-
Who qualifies for free JAMB UTME forms in 2026
-
JAMB’s official policy
-
Other state government and NGO-sponsored free UTME programs
-
How beneficiaries are selected
-
Important warnings candidates must know
👉 Read carefully, because not everyone qualifies.
Does JAMB Give Free UTME Forms in 2026?
Yes — but not for everyone.
JAMB does NOT give free UTME forms to all candidates.
However, for the 2026 UTME, JAMB has officially confirmed that certain groups of candidates will not pay for the UTME form.
These free forms are part of JAMB’s Equal Opportunity and Social Inclusion policy.
1. Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) – Official JAMB Free UTME Policy
Who Qualifies?
JAMB has confirmed that Persons Living With Disabilities (PWDs) will receive free UTME application forms for the 2026 UTME.
This policy is implemented through the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG).
Types of Disabilities Covered
Candidates with the following conditions may qualify:
-
Visual impairment (blind or partially sighted)
-
Hearing impairment
-
Physical disabilities
-
Autism spectrum disorder
-
Down syndrome
-
Dyslexia
-
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
-
Other certified learning or developmental disabilities
Important Conditions
To qualify, candidates must:
-
Meet normal JAMB UTME requirements
-
Have a valid NIN
-
Possess at least five O’Level credits
-
Provide medical or professional evidence of disability
👉 JAMB will not waive requirements — only the payment.
Extra Support for Disabled Candidates
Apart from free UTME forms, JAMB also provides:
-
Special examination centres
-
Extra time during exams
ADVERTISEMENT -
Audio-based questions for blind candidates
-
Dedicated officials to assist during CBT exams
This makes the UTME more accessible and fair.
2. State Government Free UTME Form Programs (2026)
Apart from JAMB’s official policy, several state governments and political leaders are sponsoring free UTME registration for indigent students.
⚠️ These programs are NOT from JAMB directly, but they are valid.
Lagos State – Free UTME Forms for Indigent Students
In Lagos State, a lawmaker distributed free 2026 UTME forms to over 1,200 indigent students in his constituency.
Who Benefited?
-
Students from poor homes
-
Residents of the constituency
-
Candidates with valid identification
The aim was to reduce the financial burden on parents and encourage education.
Jigawa State – Screening 30,000 Candidates
Jigawa State launched a massive program where about 30,000 students were screened for free UTME registration.
How It Works
-
Candidates are screened academically
-
Successful students receive free JAMB e-PINs
-
Registration is done at approved CBT centres
This approach combines merit and social support.
Kebbi State – Over 2,700 Free UTME Forms
The Kebbi State government, through the First Lady’s office, distributed over 2,700 free UTME forms to:
-
Indigent students
-
Orphans
-
Persons with disabilities
3. NGO & Philanthropist Sponsored Free JAMB Forms
Many foundations, NGOs, and private individuals also sponsor free UTME forms every year.
These initiatives are common in:
-
Churches and mosques
-
Community-based organizations
-
Youth foundations
-
Political empowerment programs
Common Requirements
-
Proof of indigence
-
Local government or community confirmation
-
Academic seriousness
⚠️ Availability depends on location and sponsorship.
4. Who Does NOT Qualify for Free UTME Forms?
Let’s be very clear.
❌ JAMB does NOT give free UTME forms to:
-
All candidates
-
Candidates who failed O’Level repeatedly
-
Candidates without disabilities
-
Candidates without sponsors or state support
If you do not fall into the approved categories, you must buy the UTME form normally.
5. How Much Is the Normal JAMB 2026 UTME Form?
For candidates buying the form normally, the cost includes:
-
JAMB UTME form fee
-
CBT centre charges
-
Registration service fees
👉 This is why many students seek free or sponsored options.
6. How to Apply for Free UTME Form (Step-by-Step)
For Persons with Disabilities
-
Obtain medical or professional certification
-
Get your NIN
-
Visit a JAMB-approved CBT centre
-
Register under JEOG (JAMB Equal Opportunity Group)
For State or Sponsored Programs
-
Follow official announcements
-
Submit required documents
-
Attend screening if required
-
Receive free e-PIN
-
Complete registration at CBT centre
7. Important Warnings to Candidates
⚠️ Beware of scams
-
JAMB does NOT sell free forms online
-
Do not pay agents claiming “connections”
-
Always verify announcements from official sources
⚠️ Deadlines matter
Even free beneficiaries must register within the official JAMB registration period.
8. Why JAMB Does Not Make UTME Free for Everyone
Many Nigerians ask:
“Why not make UTME free for all?”
Reasons include:
-
High administrative costs
-
CBT centre operations
-
Nationwide logistics
-
Exam security
However, targeted support ensures help goes to those who truly need it.
9. Benefits of Free UTME Forms
Providing free UTME forms helps:
-
Reduce school dropout rates
-
Increase access to higher education
-
Support vulnerable students
-
Promote educational equality
For many students, this opportunity is life-changing.
Conclusion
For the 2026 UTME, JAMB will give free UTME forms ONLY to persons with disabilities, while state governments, NGOs, and philanthropists are supporting indigent students through sponsored programs.
👉 If you qualify, take advantage of it.
👉 If you don’t, ensure you register early and correctly.
Education remains the strongest tool for success.
🔔 Related Posts on Naijamixed
if you need jamb 2026 whatsapp tutorials (N7500 for 3 months chat 08068642845 via whatsapp ) pay and learn
