Introduction

Did you register for JAMB (UTME) for but later realize you want to study a different course or go to another school? Don’t worry—that is possible! In Nigeria, changing your JAMB course and institution is allowed before the new UTME is conducted.

What Does “Change JAMB Course and Institution” Mean?

Changing JAMB course and institution means altering the course (e.g., from Chemistry to Mass Communication) or changing the intended university or polytechnic you want to attend (e.g., from University A to University B). This process is done through JAMB’s online platform using a special change request form before the next UTME is held.

This is different from changing course AFTER you gain admission—it is done during the registration window, and it’s allowed within that period.

Why You Might Want to Change JAMB Course or Institution

Many students decide to change for several reasons:

• Realizing a different course suits their passion or future career better.

• Their WAEC or O’level results do not meet the cut‑off mark for original course or school.

• The institution they selected is too expensive or not accessible.

• Top-up scholarships or more affordable schools become available.

• Desire to apply for a program like medicine, law, or engineering, which needs strong grades and a different registration.

It is good to think carefully before making changes to ensure academic and personal fit.

When Can You Change Your JAMB Course or Institution?

You can only change your JAMB course and/or institution before the UTME exam period of the next academic session. Specifically, JAMB typically opens a portal window for prospective change before the UTME is sat. For the 2025/2026 screening year, changes are allowed maybe a few weeks before 2025 UTME is held (usually April/May). So, be sure to watch JAMB announcements, because after the UTME is written, change is no longer allowed for that session.

Requirements for Changing JAMB Course or Institution

To request a change, you need:

• JAMB Registration Number (UTME number) – the same one used during original registration.

• Access to your phone number or email used during registration.

• Means to pay the change fee (bank, ATM, or mobile money).

• Personal information – Name, Date of Birth, State of Origin, etc.

• Your O’level qualification and aware if the new course requires specific subjects or grades—verify you meet requirements for choice changes like medicine/law/engineering.

Always check JAMB’s updated guidelines and the specific entry requirements for the new course or school.

Step‑by‑Step Guide: How to Change JAMB Course and Institution

.1 Purchase JAMB Change of Course and Institution Form

You can get change form tokens in two ways:

• From JAMB portal (eFacility) – Log into your JAMB profile during the change window and pay online.

• At accredited cybercafé or CBT (Computer Based Test) centre – They sell the form and help you process the request.

Do NOT buy from unauthorized sources—only use official JAMB CBT centres or portal.

.2 Choose New Course and School

Think carefully. Use JAMB’s official cut‑off marks or admission grid to match your O’level scores to the new course and institution. Make sure:

• You meet the subject requirements (e.g., English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology for medicine).

• You also note the adjusted JAMB UTME cut‑off for the new institution.

.3 Submit the Change Online or at Accredited CBT Centres

Options:

• Online (via eFacility): Log in with your email, select “Change of Course and Institution,” enter your JAMB registration number, pick new course and institution, and pay.

• At CBT centre: Provide your JAMB number, tell them your desired new course and institution, they submit it using the change form token.

.4 Pay Required Fees

Usually, the service fee is around ₦2,500 to ₦3,500. The CBT centre may charge a bit more for service—confirm cost beforehand.

.5 Confirmation and Next Steps

• You will get a message as confirmation, either via text or email.

• After UTME is completed, check your JAMB CAPS portal to ensure the change reflects.

• This is your official registration for the next admission steps like screening or admission.

Pros and Cons of Changing JAMB Course or Institution

Pros

• Better career fit: Aligns your course to your interest and WAEC results.

• Increased admission chances: Choosing a course or school with a lower cut‑off raises your chance.

• Cost savings: Choosing a cheaper school or closer location can save money.

• Flexibility: Allows mid‑registration tweaking for smarter planning.

Cons

• Risk of mistakes: Choosing a course you are not aware of may lead to failure or wasted fees.

• Extra cost: Fees for change plus service charges from CBT centres.

• Time limit: Must act early; after UTME, changes are closed.

• Different requirements: New course or school may need extra exams/subjects; careful research is needed.

Comparison: Before and After Change of Course/Institution

Real Examples from Nigerian Students

Example 1: Changing from Medicine to Mass Communication

Chiamaka initially registered for Medicine at University A. Her WAEC Chemistry and Biology were low. She decided to switch to Mass Communication at University B with a lower cut‑off. She followed the change process, and now she has better chance of admission.

Example 2: Switching from University of Lagos to University of Benin

Ibrahim registered for Economics at UNILAG. But it’s far from home. He changed to Economics at UNIBEN, closer and more affordable. His JAMB CAPS reflected change, and he saved money on hostel fees later.

Example 3: Changing to Course with Better Future Scope

Kemi registered for Geography but learned she could combine Environmental Science with future job prospects. She successfully changed to Environmental Studies, and her new course had fewer competition.

Summary Table Before Conclusion

Conclusion

Changing your JAMB course and institution for the 2025/2026 session is doable and helpful—if done within the allowed period and with correct information. The process is simple: purchase the change form, select a better fitting course and school, submit your request online or at CBT centres, pay the fee, then confirm the update in your JAMB CAPS portal. Doing so can raise your chance of success, save money, and position you for a course you truly care about. Plan ahead, choose wisely, and act early—it could change your future!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I change both course and institution together?
Yes. You can change either one or both at once using the same change token.

2. What is the deadline to change JAMB course/institution?
It is before the UTME exam and depends on JAMB announcements—keep an eye on official updates.

3. How much does it cost to change?
Typically ₦2,500 to ₦3,500, plus any service charge at CBT centres.

4. Do I need to go to JAMB office for change?
No. You can do it online through your JAMB profile or at accredited CBT centres.

5. Can I change after writing UTME?
No. Once UTME is written, changes are closed for that session.

6. Will changing affect my score?
No. Your UTME result remains the same. Change only affects your course/institution choice.

7. What if the new course requires extra subjects I didn’t register?
Your admission might be disqualified. Always verify the new course requirements before changing.

8. Can I change if I’ve already gotten admission?
Changing course and institution at that point would require internal change of course at the school, not through JAMB. That’s a different process.

9. How do I confirm that the change was successful?
Check your JAMB CAPS portal after UTME. The new course and school should be displayed.

10. Does changing mean I lose my registration?
No. You keep your registration—only your course and school are updated.

11. Can O’level subjects limit change options?
Yes. Some courses require certain O’level subjects. If you didn’t register or pass those, you may not qualify.

12. Should I pay CBT centre after online payment?
If you do it fully online, no need. At CBT centre, their service fees apply in addition to JAMB’s token.