How Many Days Does It Take JAMB to Give Admission?

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is responsible for regulating and granting admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges. Every year, students anxiously wait to know how long it will take JAMB to process and approve their admission after they’ve taken the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). If you’re wondering how long it takes JAMB to give admission, you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’ll discuss the steps in the JAMB admission process, how long each step takes, factors that affect the timing, and what students can do to stay updated on their admission status.

1. Understanding the JAMB Admission Process

To fully understand how long it takes JAMB to give admission, it is important to break down the entire admission process. JAMB works hand-in-hand with Nigerian higher institutions to offer admission based on merit, catchment area, and educationally less-developed states (ELDS).

Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how JAMB and the schools work together:

1. UTME Result Release:
   After taking the UTME, JAMB releases results within a few days. Most students get their results within 48 hours, while some may have to wait up to a week.

2. Post-UTME Screening:
   Many institutions conduct Post-UTME exams or screenings for students. This stage is used to further screen candidates based on their chosen courses.

3. Compilation of Lists:
   Institutions compile their lists of candidates who meet their admission criteria. The school sends the list to JAMB for approval.

4. JAMB Admission Approval:
   JAMB reviews the list of candidates from the institutions and ensures they meet all necessary admission requirements.

5. Admission on CAPS:
   Once JAMB approves the admissions, they update the candidates’ statuses on the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS).

2. How Long Does Each Step Take?

The time it takes for JAMB to give admission depends on various factors, including when a school sends its admission list and when JAMB processes it. Let’s break down the expected duration for each step:

1. UTME Result Release:
   This usually takes 2-7 days after the examination.

2. Post-UTME Screening:
   Schools typically conduct their screening exams within 2-6 weeks after the UTME results are released.

3. Institution’s Admission List:
   Schools take around 3-8 weeks to compile and send their admission lists to JAMB. Some institutions are faster than others.

4. JAMB’s Approval and Update on CAPS:
   Once JAMB receives the list from the school, it can take 2-4 weeks for JAMB to approve the list and update CAPS.

3. Total Time for JAMB to Give Admission

On average, it can take anywhere between 1 to 4 months after the UTME for JAMB to finalize and give admission. However, the exact timing depends on several factors:

• How quickly schools conduct their Post-UTME or screening.
• The time it takes for schools to send their admission lists to JAMB.
• JAMB’s internal processing time.

If everything runs smoothly, some students may get admission as early as 6 weeks after taking the UTME, while others may have to wait longer.

4. Factors That Can Delay JAMB Admission

Several factors can cause delays in the admission process. These include:

1. Late Submission of Admission Lists:
   If schools take too long to compile and send their lists to JAMB, it will delay the admission process.

2. Incomplete Documentation:
   Candidates who have incomplete or incorrect documents may experience delays in their admission approval.

3. Change of Course/Institution:
   Students who apply for a change of course or institution after the UTME may face delays since JAMB must process their requests before granting admission.

4. Technical Issues with CAPS:
   Sometimes, JAMB’s CAPS portal may experience technical issues, which can slow down the update of admission statuses.

5. School Strikes:
   Strikes by universities or polytechnics can delay the Post-UTME or admission list submission process.

5. How to Check Your Admission Status on JAMB CAPS

To avoid unnecessary anxiety, students should regularly check their admission status on JAMB CAPS. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to the JAMB CAPS portal.
2. Log in with your JAMB registration number and password.
3. Click on “Check Admission Status.”
4. If offered admission, you can either accept or reject the admission.

If you’re admitted, congratulations! If not, keep checking because JAMB may still be processing your admission.

6. What to Do While Waiting for JAMB Admission

While waiting for JAMB to give admission, here are a few things you can do:

1. Stay Updated:
   Regularly check your admission status on JAMB CAPS and your institution’s website.

2. Complete Necessary Documents:
   Ensure that all your documents, such as O’Level results, are uploaded and correct on the JAMB portal.

3. Follow Your School’s Updates:
   Schools may release multiple admission lists, so stay informed about any new lists.

4. Prepare for Admission:
   Use this waiting period to prepare for your first semester, gather all required documents, and plan your finances.

7. How JAMB Sends Admission Notifications

JAMB uses several ways to notify students of their admission:

• JAMB CAPS: This is the most reliable way to check your admission status.
• SMS or Email: JAMB may also send an SMS or email to inform students of their admission.
• School Portal: Some schools also update their portals with admission lists.

Conclusion

The time it takes JAMB to give admission can vary depending on several factors. On average, students should expect to wait between 6 weeks and 4 months after taking the UTME.

To avoid missing any updates, students should regularly check their JAMB CAPS status and follow their school’s announcements. By staying informed and patient, you’ll be ready to accept your admission as soon as it’s granted.

FAQs

 How long does it take JAMB to release admission after the Post-UTME?
It can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks after the Post-UTME for JAMB to approve and release admissions.

 Can JAMB give admission before the school does?
No, JAMB only approves the list sent by the school. Schools must first offer admission before JAMB updates CAPS.

 Why is my admission status still showing “Not Admitted”?
This may mean your school has not yet sent its admission list to JAMB, or your admission is still being processed.

 Can I get admission without uploading my O’Level results?
No, JAMB requires all candidates to upload their O’Level results before they can be admitted.

 What happens if I reject my admission on JAMB CAPS?
If you reject your admission, JAMB may offer your slot to another student. You may not receive another admission for the same school and course.

 Can I change my institution after JAMB has given me admission?
Once JAMB has given you admission, it is usually not possible to change your institution for that admission year.

By understanding the admission process and staying proactive, you can manage the waiting period and ensure you’re ready for the next phase of your educational journey. Good luck!