Just got admitted? Big congratulations! But your journey doesn’t end there. Until you accept your admission on the JAMB CAPS portal, it isn’t official. Whether you’re a first-time candidate or a returning one, understanding how to accept or reject JAMB admission on CAPS is crucial to securing your spot in your preferred institution.
This complete guide will walk you through:
- How to accept admission on JAMB CAPS step-by-step
- How to reject admission on CAPS if needed
- Alternative methods like the SMS method
- What to do when you see “Not Admitted” or “Admission in Progress”
- Common mistakes that can cost you your admission
- How to upload your O’level result
- JAMB CAPS FAQ
By the end of this article, you’ll be fully equipped to manage your JAMB admission process without stress.
What is JAMB CAPS?
JAMB CAPS stands for Central Admission Processing System — an admission portal introduced by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to automate, monitor, and streamline the admission process for tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Every institution must submit your admission data to CAPS. If it doesn’t appear there, you haven’t been officially admitted yet, even if your school has released a list.
Why Is Accepting Admission on CAPS Important?
If you fail to accept your offer on time, here’s what happens:
| Consequence | Details |
|---|---|
| Admission Declined | JAMB assumes you’re not interested. |
| Name Not on Final List | Your name won’t appear on the school or JAMB final admission list. |
| No Admission Letter | You can’t print your official admission letter. |
| Admission Revoked | You may lose the opportunity completely. |
How to Accept Admission on JAMB CAPS (Step-by-Step Guide)
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to accept or reject admission on JAMB CAPS:
Step 1: Visit the JAMB e-Facility Portal
Go to https://efacility.jamb.gov.ng.
If you’re using a phone, make sure to switch to desktop mode on Chrome for better access.
Step 2: Log in to Your JAMB Profile
Use the email address and password you used during your JAMB registration. If you forgot them, use the recovery option.
Step 3: Click “Check Admission Status”
This option is found on your dashboard after logging in.
Step 4: Click “Access My CAPS”
You’ll be redirected to the JAMB CAPS homepage.
Step 5: Click “Admission Status”
This is located on the left-hand menu. Your admission details will show if you’ve been offered admission.
Step 6: Click “ACCEPT” or “REJECT”
- Click ACCEPT if you’re satisfied with the course and institution.
- Click REJECT if you do not want the offer.
Note: Once you click ACCEPT, you cannot change it. So be 100% sure before clicking.
Step 7: Print Admission Letter
Once you accept the offer, proceed to print your JAMB admission letter from the portal.
Alternative Method: Accept JAMB Admission via SMS
JAMB also provides an SMS-based method for candidates to accept or reject admission.
How to Use SMS Method
- Ensure your line is the same one you used for JAMB registration.
- Send the word: php-templateCopyEdit
ACCEPT <space> JAMBREGNUMBERor php-templateCopyEditREJECT <space> JAMBREGNUMBERto 55019 or 66019. - Wait for a confirmation SMS.
Pro Tip: This method is useful when you don’t have immediate access to the internet.
What If I See “Not Admitted” or “Admission in Progress”?
| Status | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Not Admitted | You haven’t been offered admission yet. | Keep checking. Schools release in batches. |
| Admission in Progress | You are being considered. | Be patient and check daily. |
| Accept or Reject visible | You have an offer. | Decide wisely before clicking. |
What If I Accepted the Wrong Course or School?
Unfortunately, once you accept an admission offer on JAMB CAPS, you cannot undo it. That’s why it’s important to:
- Verify your course and institution carefully
- Confirm you’re happy with the offer
- Ensure your O’level result has been uploaded (very important)
Don’t Forget: Upload Your O’Level Result
One common reason why many candidates don’t get admitted is failure to upload their WAEC/NECO/NABTEB result to the JAMB portal.
How to Upload Your O’Level Result to JAMB
- Visit any approved JAMB CBT center.
- Go with your O’level result (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB).
- Request for result upload.
- Confirm that the upload reflects on your CAPS portal under “My O’level”.
Without this step, you may never be considered for admission.
Important Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes
| S/N | Tip |
|---|---|
| 1 | Don’t use cyber cafés not certified by JAMB — use only official CBT centers. |
| 2 | Double-check your CAPS profile regularly, even if your school has released names. |
| 3 | Never click REJECT unless you have another confirmed offer elsewhere. |
| 4 | Always print your JAMB admission letter after accepting admission. |
| 5 | Save a screenshot of the acceptance page as proof. |
How to Check If You’ve Been Offered Admission on CAPS
Option 1: Through CAPS Portal
Go to CAPS > Admission Status > See if “ACCEPT” is clickable.
Option 2: Via Email or SMS
Sometimes, JAMB or your school may send a notification if you’ve been admitted.
Option 3: School Portal
Always check your institution’s admission portal too. Some schools update their own portal before CAPS.
FAQs About JAMB CAPS Admission Process
Q1: Can I accept two admission offers?
No. Once you accept one, you can’t accept another unless you participate in a change of institution process.
Q2: What happens if I miss the CAPS deadline?
You’ll automatically lose the admission, and it may be given to another candidate.
Q3: Can I still gain admission without accepting on CAPS?
No. Admission must be confirmed on CAPS to be valid in JAMB’s database.
Also read: List of Nigeria Universities That Admits Without JAMB
Final Thoughts
Managing your JAMB CAPS admission is not just a formality—it’s the key to your future. Don’t take it lightly.
- Check CAPS regularly.
- Make sure your O’level result is uploaded.
- Don’t rush into accepting or rejecting any offer.
- Use SMS if you’re having issues online.
Thousands of students miss admission each year due to minor errors on CAPS. Don’t be one of them.