JAMB’s Change of Course and Institution feature allows candidates who have been offered admission to switch to a different institution or course before the admission window closes. This guide explains exactly how to use the JAMB Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) portal to make changes in 2026.
What Is JAMB Change of Course and Institution?
Change of Course/Institution (also called “Change of Course/Change of Institution”) is a JAMB service that allows UTME candidates to switch their first choice of institution or course after the examination but before or during the admission process. It is different from the Regularisation of Admission or Change of Course within an institution — this service is handled entirely on the JAMB CAPS portal.
Who Can Change Course or Institution?
- Candidates who have not yet received an admission offer can change freely.
- Candidates who have been offered admission can reject the offer on CAPS and then change to a different institution or course.
- Candidates who have already accepted an admission offer cannot change — you must first reject the current offer before switching.
How to Change Institution on JAMB CAPS Portal
- Log in to the JAMB portal at www.jamb.gov.ng using your registration number and password.
- Click on “CAPS” (Central Admissions Processing System).
- Under your admission status, look for the option to “Change Institution” or “Change Course”.
- If you have a pending or accepted offer, you must first click “Reject Admission”.
- After rejecting, select “Change of Institution” or “Change of Course” from the available options.
- Search for and select your new institution and course.
- Pay the change of institution fee if applicable (JAMB charges ₦2,500 for this service as of 2026).
- Submit and note your new registration details.
How to Change Course Within the Same Institution
If you want to keep your institution but change your course, the process is similar — log in to CAPS, select “Change of Course” within your current institution, and select the new course from the dropdown. Not all institutions allow this; some require a separate internal application.
Important Rules and Conditions
- Change of institution/course is allowed only within the windows JAMB opens. Outside those windows, changes are not possible.
- Your JAMB score must meet the minimum cutoff for the new institution and course.
- Your O’Level subject combination must satisfy the new course requirements.
- JAMB does not allow unlimited changes — track your actions on CAPS carefully.
How to Accept Admission on JAMB CAPS
- Log in to JAMB portal and open CAPS.
- If you have been offered admission, you will see a green “Offered” notification.
- Review the offer carefully — confirm institution name, course, and entry level (100 or 200 Level).
- Click “Accept Admission” to confirm.
- Print your JAMB admission letter.
- Proceed to the university for post-UTME screening and payment of acceptance fee.
What Happens If You Reject an Offer?
Rejecting an offer on CAPS frees up your slot for another candidate. Once you reject, you can apply to a different institution using Change of Institution. However, there is no guarantee you will receive another offer quickly, and rejected slots are not automatically reoffered. Use this option carefully and only when you have a clear alternative plan.
How to Check JAMB Admission Status
To check if you have been admitted, log in to CAPS on the JAMB portal or send your registration number to the JAMB SMS line (55019). Your status will show as: Not Offered, Offered, Admitted, or Provisionally Admitted.
