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What is JAMB Admission List?

The JAMB admission list is the official list of candidates offered admission by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board through the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS).

Key Points About JAMB Admission:

1. It is managed by JAMB, not the school.
2. It is available on the JAMB CAPS portal.
3. It is the only admission recognized nationwide.
4. Students must either accept or reject the offer on CAPS.
5. If you do not accept it, your admission will not be valid.

In other words, the JAMB admission list is the final authority. Even if a school gives you admission, it is not valid until JAMB also confirms it.

What is School Admission List?

The school admission list is the list released by universities, polytechnics, or colleges showing the candidates they have admitted based on their internal process.

Key Points About School Admission:

1. It is managed by the institution (school).
2. It is usually released on the school portal or notice board.
3. It is the school’s way of telling candidates who passed their screening or Post UTME.
4. Sometimes, it comes before JAMB final approval.
5. It is subject to JAMB’s confirmation.

This means that the school admission list is like a provisional offer, while JAMB admission list is the official approval.

Main Difference Between JAMB Admission and School Admission List

Here’s a detailed breakdown:

In short:

• The school admission list shows candidates chosen by the school.
• The JAMB admission list confirms and legalizes the school’s decision.

Why Do We Have Two Different Admission Lists?

You might wonder why both JAMB and schools release different lists. The reason is simple:

• Schools select candidates based on their internal requirements (cut-off marks, catchment area, merit, supplementary lists, etc.).
• JAMB acts as a regulator to make sure the admission process is fair and follows national policies (quota system, course approval, etc.).

This system prevents schools from admitting more students than approved and ensures compliance with Nigeria’s admission guidelines.

Step-by-Step Guide: How JAMB and School Admission Works

Step 1: Write JAMB UTME

Students first register and sit for JAMB UTME.

Step 2: Participate in School Screening/Post UTME

Most schools require additional screening.

Step 3: School Sends Recommended List to JAMB

The school selects candidates and sends names to JAMB CAPS.

Step 4: JAMB Reviews and Approves

JAMB checks for eligibility, subject combination, and quota system.

Step 5: Admission Lists Released

• School publishes its admission list on the school portal.
• JAMB publishes its admission list on CAPS.

Step 6: Student Accepts on CAPS

The student must log in to CAPS and click “Accept”.

Scenarios Students Commonly Face

1. School Admission but No JAMB Admission Yet

• School has offered you admission.
• JAMB is still processing or has not yet approved it.
• Solution: Wait for JAMB to update CAPS.

2. JAMB Admission but No School Admission

• JAMB has offered admission on CAPS.
• School has not yet updated their portal.
• Solution: Be patient; the school portal will reflect it soon.

3. Both JAMB and School Admission Confirmed

• This is the best case.
• You can now print your admission letter and proceed with clearance.

Advantages of JAMB Admission List

1. National recognition and approval.
2. Allows you to print JAMB admission letter.
3. Ensures admission is legitimate.
4. Protects students from fake or illegal admission.

Advantages of School Admission List

1. Gives early notification to students.
2. Shows which candidates passed the school’s internal cut-off.
3. Helps students prepare for clearance while waiting for JAMB confirmation.

Disadvantages of JAMB Admission List

1. Sometimes delays cause anxiety.
2. Students may see “Not Admitted” even when the school has offered them admission.

Disadvantages of School Admission List

1. Not recognized until JAMB approves.
2. Some students get excited but later lose admission if JAMB rejects them.

How to Check JAMB Admission List

1. Visit JAMB CAPS portal.
2. Log in with your email and password.
3. Click on Check Admission Status.
4. Accept or reject admission.

How to Check School Admission List

1. Go to the school’s official admission portal.
2. Log in with your JAMB registration number.
3. Check your admission status.
4. Print admission notification if available.

Tips to Avoid Confusion

• Always check both JAMB CAPS and school portal.
• Don’t pay anyone for “special admission.”
• Accept your admission quickly once offered on CAPS.
• Upload your O’level results to JAMB portal.
• Follow school updates regularly.

Summary Table: Difference Between JAMB Admission and School Admission List

Conclusion

The difference between JAMB admission list and school admission list is very simple:

• The school admission list is a provisional list showing the candidates chosen by the school.
• The JAMB admission list is the final approval that makes your admission valid nationwide.

As a student in the 2025/2026 admission session, always check both portals, stay patient, and ensure you accept your admission on JAMB CAPS to secure your spot.

With this knowledge, you can avoid confusion and confidently handle your admission journey.