Every year in Nigeria, millions of students anxiously wait for admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The JAMB Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) has become the official platform for monitoring admission status.
For many candidates, the most confusing stage is when the portal displays “Admission in Progress, Check Back Later.” This status creates both excitement and anxiety. Students immediately begin to ask: How long will it take to change to “Admitted”? Does this mean I have been chosen? Should I keep waiting or take action?
In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we will explain everything you need to know about Admission in Progress on JAMB CAPS: what it means, how long it usually lasts, why it may be delayed, and what steps you should take while waiting. We will also provide practical answers to all the questions students commonly search for online.
What Does “Admission in Progress” Mean on JAMB CAPS?
On JAMB CAPS, the message “Admission in Progress” indicates that:
-
Your school has already shortlisted you for possible admission.
-
JAMB is reviewing and verifying your credentials (UTME score, O’level results, and admission quota).
-
The system is preparing to either confirm your admission or revert your status.
In other words, it means you are very close to getting admitted, but the process has not yet been completed.
It is an intermediate stage between Not Admitted and Admitted.
Why Does Admission Go Through This Stage?
The admission process in Nigeria is not instant. It goes through multiple layers of checks. Here’s why the Admission in Progress stage is necessary:
-
Verification of O’level Results: JAMB ensures your WAEC/NECO/NABTEB grades meet the requirements of your chosen course.
-
Screening for Subject Combination: Wrong subject combinations can disqualify a candidate, so JAMB double-checks.
-
Quota Compliance: Institutions must follow merit quota, catchment area, and educationally less developed states (ELDS) guidelines.
-
Final Approval: Even if the school recommends you, JAMB must approve before admission becomes official.
How Long Does “Admission in Progress” Take to Change to Admitted?
There is no single fixed time. The duration varies by institution, candidate, and admission batch. However, based on JAMB’s admission process:
-
Fast Track Cases: Some candidates see the status change within 24–72 hours.
-
Average Cases: Most candidates wait one to two weeks.
-
Extended Cases: Others may wait several weeks or months if the institution releases admission in multiple batches.
In short: Admission in Progress can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
Factors That Affect How Long It Takes
The speed of change from Admission in Progress to Admitted depends on several factors:
1. The Institution’s Admission Calendar
Some schools complete admission in one quick batch, while others release it gradually over time.
2. The Program You Applied For
Competitive courses like Medicine, Law, or Engineering may take longer because of higher scrutiny.
3. JAMB Verification Speed
If JAMB’s system experiences a delay, it can slow down approvals.
4. Number of Candidates Being Processed
In schools with large applicants (e.g., UNILAG, UNIBEN, UI), processing may take longer.
5. Errors in Your Records
Issues such as missing O’level uploads, wrong subject combinations, or incomplete details can delay the update.
Is “Admission in Progress” a Guarantee of Admission?
The short answer: No, it is not a 100% guarantee.
While most candidates who see this status eventually get admitted, there are still cases where:
-
The candidate does not meet final requirements.
-
Admission quota is filled before their turn.
-
JAMB rejects the recommendation.
So, it is a positive sign but not an automatic admission.
Difference Between “Admission in Progress” and “Admission Is Being Processed”
These two messages are similar but slightly different:
-
Admission in Progress: Your school has recommended you, and JAMB is verifying.
-
Admission Is Being Processed: The institution is still working on your file internally before forwarding it to JAMB.
Both are good signs, but “Admission in Progress” is closer to the final admission stage.
What to Do While Waiting on Admission in Progress
If your CAPS shows “Admission in Progress,” here are the best steps to follow:
-
Check Regularly: Log in to CAPS daily for updates.
-
Verify O’level Upload: Visit a JAMB CBT center to confirm your results are uploaded.
-
Stay Updated With School Announcements: Institutions often release admission in batches.
-
Avoid Panic: Long waiting times do not always mean rejection.
-
Do Not Pay Scammers: No one outside JAMB or your institution can fast-track admission.
-
Be Ready to Accept Immediately: Once it changes to Admitted, accept without delay.
Common Reasons Why Admission in Progress Takes Longer
If your CAPS has been stuck on “Admission in Progress” for a long time, it may be due to:
-
School is still releasing admission in batches.
-
JAMB has not completed quota balancing.
-
Some technical delay in CAPS update.
-
Your admission is awaiting final confirmation from JAMB.
Practical Examples of Timelines
-
A student applying to a state university may see admission move within one week.
-
A candidate applying for federal universities with high competition may wait several weeks.
-
Polytechnics and Colleges of Education often process faster than federal universities.
This shows that waiting time depends heavily on your institution type.
Summary Table: Duration of “Admission in Progress” on JAMB CAPS
| Candidate Type | Institution Type | Average Duration | Possible Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal University Candidate | Highly competitive | 2–6 weeks | Admitted or Not Admitted |
| State University Candidate | Moderately competitive | 1–3 weeks | Usually Admitted |
| Polytechnic Candidate | Less competitive | Few days – 2 weeks | Often Admitted |
| College of Education Candidate | Less competitive | 1 week – 3 weeks | Often Admitted |
| Competitive Course (Medicine, Law, Engineering) | Any institution | Longer than normal | Higher risk of delay |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does Admission in Progress last on JAMB CAPS?
It may last from a few days to several weeks depending on your school and course.
2. Does Admission in Progress mean guaranteed admission?
No. It is a strong sign but not a 100% guarantee until JAMB approves it.
3. Can Admission in Progress change back to Not Admitted?
Yes. If JAMB does not approve the recommendation, it can revert to Not Admitted.
4. Why is my CAPS stuck on Admission in Progress for weeks?
This may be due to batch processing, JAMB verification, or admission quota checks.
5. What should I do while waiting?
Check CAPS daily, confirm O’level upload, and avoid scammers.
6. Do all candidates see Admission in Progress before Admitted?
No. Some move directly from Not Admitted to Admitted.
7. Does Admission in Progress mean my school has chosen me?
Yes. It means your school recommended you, but JAMB must approve.
8. How fast can Admission in Progress change to Admitted?
In some cases, it happens within 48 hours.
9. What if my CAPS shows Admission in Progress after admission lists are out?
It means your file is still under JAMB review and you must keep checking.
10. Should I accept admission immediately once it changes?
Yes. Always accept immediately to secure your admission.
Final Thoughts: Be Patient but Stay Prepared
The “Admission in Progress” status on JAMB CAPS is a hopeful sign that you are very close to securing admission. However, the duration before it changes to “Admitted” depends on several factors, such as your institution, course, and JAMB’s verification process.
While it can be stressful to wait, remember that admission is a gradual process that requires patience. Stay updated with your school’s announcements, confirm your O’level uploads, and avoid scammers who claim to fast-track admission.
The moment your status changes to Admitted, accept it immediately to secure your space. With patience, persistence, and readiness, your admission journey can soon be complete.