The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) introduced the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) to make the Nigerian tertiary institution admission process more transparent, fair, and efficient. For many candidates and parents, understanding how JAMB CAPS works is crucial to securing admission into universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education in Nigeria.
This article will break down what JAMB CAPS is, how it works, and provide answers to the most commonly asked questions about the platform.
✅ What Is JAMB CAPS?
JAMB CAPS (Central Admissions Processing System) is an online platform developed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) that automates the admission process for all Nigerian tertiary institutions. It allows candidates to monitor their admission status, accept or reject offers, and ensure that merit is given priority in the admission process.
CAPS was introduced to address issues such as:
Manual admission manipulation
Delay in admission approvals
Lack of transparency in the selection process
By using JAMB CAPS, institutions can upload and manage lists of admitted candidates, while students can keep track of their application status from anywhere.
🛠️ How JAMB CAPS Works
Here’s a breakdown of how CAPS functions:
Tertiary institutions upload the list of candidates they want to admit based on JAMB guidelines.
JAMB reviews the list to ensure it aligns with admission policies (quota, merit, catchment, ELDS).
If approved, candidates receive admission offers on their JAMB CAPS portal.
Candidates must accept or reject the offer on the portal. Failing to act may lead to losing the offer.
Once accepted, the institution can finalize the admission process and issue an admission letter.
🧭 Features of JAMB CAPS
Admission Status Monitoring
Accept/Reject Admission
Marketplace (for schools to offer admission to unadmitted candidates)
Upload of O’Level results
Transfer Approval (if you’re offered a different course)
📲 How to Check Your Admission Status on JAMB CAPS
Login with your JAMB email and password.
Click on “Check Admission Status”.
Select “Access My CAPS”.
View Admission Status, Marketplace, and Transfer Approval if applicable.
Click Accept or Reject when an admission offer is made.
📝 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About JAMB CAPS
Is it compulsory to accept admission on CAPS?
Yes, accepting admission on CAPS is mandatory for your admission to be valid. If you don’t accept it, your admission may be revoked.
What happens if I reject admission on CAPS?
If you reject an admission offer, your slot may be given to another candidate. However, you might still be considered for other schools via the CAPS Marketplace.
Can I accept admission on CAPS and later change my course?
Yes, but only if your institution supports a change of course. You’ll also need to do a Change of Course on the JAMB portal.
What does “Admission in Progress” mean on CAPS?
It means your institution has proposed you for admission and JAMB is reviewing it. Keep checking regularly as it may be approved soon.
I’ve been admitted by my school but it’s not showing on CAPS. What should I do?
This usually means the school hasn’t uploaded your admission to JAMB or JAMB hasn’t approved it yet. Contact the school’s admission office and keep checking your CAPS.
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🎯 Conclusion
JAMB CAPS is a game-changer in the Nigerian admission system. It brings transparency, accountability, and efficiency to the process. Whether you’re a UTME or Direct Entry candidate, understanding how to use CAPS correctly can make the difference in securing your admission. Always check your CAPS portal frequently to stay updated.