For thousands of students across Nigeria, JAMB Direct Entry (DE) is the only pathway to securing admission into 200 level without writing UTME. It offers hope to those who have already earned advanced qualifications such as ND, NCE, HND, IJMB, and JUPEB, giving them a shortcut into the university system.

But here is the truth: not everyone is eligible for Direct Entry, and making mistakes during registration can cost you your admission. Before you apply, you need to fully understand JAMB’s requirements for Direct Entry 2025/2026 to avoid errors that could lead to disqualification.

READ ALSO: JAMB Direct Entry Registration Procedures 2025/2026

Who Can Apply for JAMB Direct Entry 2025/2026?

JAMB has made it clear that only candidates with higher academic qualifications beyond O’Level results can apply. To be eligible, you must have at least one of the following:

• National Diploma (ND) – Upper Credit or Lower Credit
• Higher National Diploma (HND)
• Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) – Merit or Distinction
• IJMB, JUPEB, or other recognized A-Level certificates
• A Bachelor’s Degree for those transferring to another university or course

If you do not have any of these qualifications, you cannot apply for Direct Entry.

Required Documents for JAMB Direct Entry Registration 2025/2026

During registration, you must provide certain documents to prove your eligibility. Failure to present these documents will result in automatic disqualification. The required documents include:

1. O’Level Results (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or GCE): Minimum of five (5) credits, including English Language and Mathematics. Accepted in not more than two sittings.
2. A-Level Certificates (ND, NCE, HND, IJMB, JUPEB, or equivalent): Must be from a recognized institution. Candidates with Awaiting Results are not eligible.
3. JAMB Registration Profile Code and e-PIN: This is obtained by sending “NIN” followed by your National Identification Number (NIN) to 55019 or 66019.
4. JAMB Direct Entry Registration Slip: After completing registration at an accredited JAMB Professional Registration Centre (PRC), you will receive a registration slip with your unique registration number.
5. Institutional Transcript (For Some Universities): Some universities require Direct Entry candidates to submit their academic transcripts. Confirm with your chosen university if this applies to you.
6. Birth Certificate or Age Declaration: This confirms that you meet the age requirements for university admission.
7. Local Government Identification Certificate: Required for state of origin verification, especially for candidates applying to state universities.

What Grade Is Required for Direct Entry Admission?

Your chances of securing admission through Direct Entry depend on the grade you obtained in your A-Level qualification. Below is the general grading system used by most universities:

• ND (National Diploma) – Upper Credit or Lower Credit (Some universities accept Pass)
• HND (Higher National Diploma) – Distinction or Upper Credit
• NCE (Nigeria Certificate in Education) – Merit or Distinction
• IJMB/JUPEB – Minimum of 6 points (Higher points increase chances of admission)

Some competitive courses like Medicine, Pharmacy, and Engineering require higher grades for admission through Direct Entry. Always check the specific requirements of your chosen university before applying.

Additional Requirements Set by Universities

While JAMB sets the general requirements for Direct Entry, each university has its own specific rules. Some universities may require:

• A minimum CGPA for ND, NCE, or HND holders.
• Additional entrance exams or interviews.
• Submission of transcripts before admission consideration.

It is important to visit the official website of your preferred university or check JAMB’s Brochure to confirm specific admission requirements.

Why Is JAMB Introducing Stricter Direct Entry Requirements?

In recent years, JAMB has identified cases of fraud involving fake A-Level certificates. To combat this, they have set up a verification committee that will screen all Direct Entry applications before admission is granted.

This means that:

• Fake certificates will be detected, and such candidates will be disqualified and possibly prosecuted.
• All credentials must be uploaded on JAMB’s portal before admission can be processed.
• Universities will now cross-check certificates before offering admission.

What Happens If You Don’t Meet the Requirements?

If you do not meet the Direct Entry requirements, you have two options:

1. Consider Applying for UTME Instead – If you do not qualify for Direct Entry, you can register for JAMB UTME and apply as a 100-level student instead of 200-level.
2. Upgrade Your Qualifications – If your ND, NCE, or IJMB result is too low, you may need to retake some exams or improve your grades before applying next year.

Final Thoughts

JAMB Direct Entry is a golden opportunity for students who want to enter university at 200 level, but not everyone qualifies. If you rush into registration without confirming your eligibility, you could waste your money and lose your chance.

To avoid mistakes:

• Ensure you have the right qualifications before applying.
• Verify the admission requirements of your preferred university.
• Upload all required documents on JAMB CAPS.

If you follow the correct process, your Direct Entry application will be smooth, and you will be one step closer to gaining admission into your dream university.

This is your chance—don’t let simple mistakes hold you back!