JAMB Original Result Slip vs SMS Result: Which One Do Schools Accept?

You checked your score by SMS and saw your result. So can you take that message to your school for screening? Many candidates ask this question, and some only find the answer when they are turned away at the gate. The short answer is that the SMS is not enough. This guide explains the difference between your SMS result and your original JAMB result slip, and which one schools accept.

The Short Answer

Schools require the original result slip printed from JAMB’s portal. The SMS result is only a notification. It is useful for finding out your score quickly, but it is not an official document for admission screening or clearance.

SMS Result vs Original Result Slip

The SMS result

• You get it by sending UTMERESULT to 55019 or 66019 from your registered phone number.
• It shows your name, your four subject scores and your total score.
• It costs a small airtime charge, reported at ₦50 to ₦100.
• It is fast and convenient, and it is usually the first way results become available.
• It carries no passport photograph, so schools cannot use it to verify identity.

The original result slip

• It is printed from JAMB’s official portal after payment. In the 2026 cycle the fee was reported as ₦1,500.
• It carries your passport photograph, your subject scores and your total score, plus details needed for admission processing.
• Institutions ask for it during post-UTME screening, admission processing, clearance, and sometimes for scholarships and other applications.
• It becomes available only after JAMB activates slip printing, which can happen some days after results are released.

Which One Do Schools Accept?

The original result slip. Screening officers need something they can verify, with your photo and full details. A screenshot of an SMS, a photo of a phone screen or a typed copy will not be accepted for screening or clearance.

Quick Comparison

• Purpose: SMS is to know your score. The slip is to use for admission and clearance.
• Has passport photo: SMS no, slip yes.
• Cost: SMS is a small airtime charge, the slip has an official fee.
• Accepted by schools: SMS no, slip yes.

How to Print Your Original Result Slip

1. Go to efacility.jamb.gov.ng and log in with your JAMB email and password. (Some guides also point to a slip printing page on JAMB’s official site, so use whichever link JAMB announces.)
2. Click Print Result Slip on your dashboard.
3. Click Continue with Payment and pay the official fee.
4. Select your exam year and enter your JAMB registration number.
5. Download the slip and print it. Also save a PDF copy on your phone and email.

For more detail, see our guide on reprinting your JAMB admission letter and original result slip.

How Many Copies Should You Print?

Print at least two or three copies. You may need them for post-UTME screening, departmental clearance, the admission office and your own records. Colour copies are often preferred, so check what your school asks for.

What If the Slip Is Not Available Yet?

JAMB sometimes releases results by SMS first and enables slip printing later. In that case, wait for JAMB’s announcement. Meanwhile, check your school’s screening dates so that you are ready to print the slip once it opens. If you have login problems, fix them early using the guides on password recovery and registration number retrieval.

Warning: Never Edit or Fake a Result

JAMB has warned candidates against altering SMS messages or slips to show a higher score, including to parents and guardians. It has described this as a serious criminal offence and has reported arrests over result falsification. Schools verify results against JAMB’s records, so a fake will be found out, and it can end your chances of admission and lead to prosecution.

Beware of Scammers

• Do not pay anyone who says they can “upgrade” or change your result.
• Print your slip only from official JAMB pages, not from unofficial sites that ask for extra fees.
• Do not share your login details with agents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my SMS result for post-UTME?

No. Schools generally require the original result slip with your photograph.

Is the SMS score different from the slip score?

No. Both come from JAMB’s records, and they should match. If they do not, contact JAMB through official channels.

Do I have to pay to print the result slip?

Yes. There is an official fee for printing the original slip, reported as ₦1,500 in 2026. Confirm the current fee on the portal.

Can I print the slip on my phone?

You can log in and download it on your phone, then print it from a printer or business centre. Save the PDF.

Is a screenshot of my result acceptable?

No. Use the official printed slip.

Final Thoughts

The SMS tells you your score, but the original result slip is the document schools actually accept. Print it as soon as JAMB opens printing, keep several copies and a PDF backup, and never tamper with your result. For more guides and updates, keep visiting this blog.