What is JAMB CAPS?
JAMB CAPS means Central Admission Processing System. It is an online platform created by JAMB to control, monitor, and approve admission into Nigerian higher institutions.
CAPS ensures that:
- Admissions are fair and transparent.
- Students can track their admission progress online.
- Candidates have full control to accept or reject any admission offer.
Without JAMB CAPS, no admission in Nigeria is valid.
What Does It Mean to Accept Admission on JAMB CAPS?
When you accept admission on CAPS, it means you agree to study the course and institution offered to you.
- The offer becomes official and cannot be changed.
- Your name appears in JAMB’s database as an admitted student.
- You can print your JAMB admission letter for school clearance.
Example:
If UNILAG offers you Economics, once you click “Accept Admission,” you cannot switch back to Law unless through JAMB Change of Course or Transfer Approval.
What Does It Mean to Reject Admission on JAMB CAPS?
When you reject admission on CAPS, it means you do not want the course or institution offered.
- The admission is withdrawn.
- JAMB may place your name in the Marketplace for other schools with available slots.
- You can still be considered by other institutions if they have space.
Example:
If LASU offers you Political Science but you prefer UNIBEN, you can reject LASU’s offer and wait for UNIBEN. But this comes with risks.
Step by Step Guide on How to Accept or Reject Admission on JAMB CAPS
Here’s the process explained in simple detail:
Step 1: Visit JAMB CAPS Portal
- Go to https://efacility.jamb.gov.ng.
- Login with your email address and password used during JAMB registration.
Step 2: Access Your Dashboard
- After logging in, click on Check Admission Status.
- Then select Access CAPS.
Step 3: Check Your Admission Status
You will see one of the following:
- Not Admitted – No admission yet.
- Admission in Progress (AIP) – Your school is processing your admission.
- Offered Admission – Congratulations, you’ve been admitted.
Step 4: Accept or Reject the Admission
- If “Offered Admission” appears, two buttons will show: Accept Admission and Reject Admission.
- Click the option that suits you.
Important: Once you accept, you cannot reject later. Once you reject, you cannot accept that same offer again.
Step 5: Print Your Admission Letter (If Accepted)
- After accepting, pay a small fee on JAMB portal.
- Download and print your admission letter.
Pros of Accepting Admission on JAMB CAPS
- Secures Your Spot – You officially become an admitted student.
- Allows Clearance – Schools require your JAMB admission letter for verification.
- Prevents Loss – If you delay, your admission may be given to someone else.
- Peace of Mind – Once accepted, you can relax and prepare for resumption.
Cons of Accepting Admission on JAMB CAPS
- Locked In – You cannot wait for another school once you accept.
- Course Limitation – Even if it’s not your preferred course, you must continue with it.
- No Switching Back – Rejecting after acceptance is impossible.
Pros of Rejecting Admission on JAMB CAPS
- More Opportunities – You can wait for another school to admit you.
- Course Preference – If you don’t like the offered course, you can reject it.
- Marketplace Advantage – JAMB may forward your name to other schools with available slots.
Cons of Rejecting Admission on JAMB CAPS
- Risk of Losing Admission – Another school may not pick you.
- No Second Chance – Once rejected, you cannot reclaim that same admission.
- Time Wasting – Waiting for another offer can delay your academic journey.
Example Scenarios of Accepting or Rejecting Admission
- Scenario 1 (Safe Choice):
Blessing applied for UNILAG Medicine but was offered UNILAG Biology. She accepted the admission to avoid missing out completely. Later, she applied for a change of course after her 100 level. - Scenario 2 (Risky Choice):
Chinedu applied for UNN Law but was offered Political Science. He rejected the offer, hoping UNILORIN would pick him. Unfortunately, no other school admitted him. He had to wait till the next year.
Common Mistakes Students Make on JAMB CAPS
- Forgetting to check CAPS regularly.
- Accepting admission without thinking carefully.
- Rejecting admission without confirming other options.
- Using phone browsers without switching to desktop mode, causing buttons not to show.
- Failing to upload O’level results, which delays admission.
Important Tips Before Accepting or Rejecting Admission
- Always check if your preferred school has released admission lists.
- Confirm if your O’level results are correctly uploaded.
- Use a computer or switch phone browser to desktop site for full features.
- If unsure, consult your school admission office before making a decision.
- Remember: once you accept or reject, you cannot reverse it.
JAMB CAPS Admission Process Timeline (2025/2026 Example)
| Month | Action |
|---|---|
| February 2025 | JAMB UTME registration begins |
| March/April 2025 | JAMB UTME exams |
| June/July 2025 | Post-UTME/Screening exercises |
| August 2025 | Schools recommend candidates to JAMB |
| September 2025 | Admission in Progress (AIP) starts showing on CAPS |
| October–December 2025 | Students see “Offered Admission” and must Accept/Reject |
| January 2026 | Admission closes |
Summary Table: Accept vs Reject Admission on JAMB CAPS
| Option | Meaning | Advantage | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accept Admission | Agree to the course/institution | Secures your place immediately | Stuck with the offer |
| Reject Admission | Decline the offer | May get another chance elsewhere | Risk of no admission at all |
FAQs on How to Accept or Reject Admission on JAMB CAPS
1. How do I accept admission on JAMB CAPS?
Login to JAMB CAPS, check your admission status, click “Accept Admission.”
2. How do I reject admission on JAMB CAPS?
Login to JAMB CAPS, check admission status, click “Reject Admission.”
3. Can I reverse my decision after accepting admission?
No, once accepted, you cannot reject it again.
4. What happens if I reject admission?
The offer is withdrawn, and you may wait for another school.
5. Will rejecting admission stop me from being admitted by another school?
No, but there’s a risk another school may not pick you.
6. Can I accept two admissions at once?
No, JAMB CAPS only allows one admission per session.
7. What if my name is on school admission list but not on CAPS?
Wait, JAMB may not have approved it yet.
8. Why can’t I see accept/reject buttons on CAPS?
Switch browser to desktop mode or use a computer.
9. Do polytechnics and colleges also use CAPS?
Yes, all accredited Nigerian higher institutions use CAPS.
10. Is accepting admission on CAPS free?
Yes, but printing the admission letter requires a small fee.
11. What is JAMB Marketplace in CAPS?
It is where JAMB matches rejected candidates with other schools needing students.
12. How often should I check my CAPS?
At least twice a week during the admission season.
Conclusion
The decision to accept or reject admission on JAMB CAPS is one of the most important steps in your academic journey. Accepting means you are officially admitted into the course and school offered, while rejecting means waiting for another opportunity with some risk.
To avoid mistakes, always:
- Check CAPS regularly.
- Upload your O’level results.
- Think carefully before making your choice.
- Remember: once you accept or reject, there is no going back.
With this guide, you now have everything you need to make the right decision on JAMB CAPS in the 2025/2026 admission session.