How Many Days Does It Take for Admission in Progress to Change to Admitted

For Nigerian students navigating the JAMB CAPS admission system, seeing “admission in progress” can be both exciting and stressful. Many candidates frequently ask: “How many days does it take for admission in progress to change to admitted?”

Understanding this timeline is critical because it impacts school registration, payment of acceptance fees, and overall planning for higher education. This guide provides a detailed explanation of admission statuses, timelines, factors influencing the update, and practical strategies to ensure your admission is reflected as “admitted” efficiently.

What Does “Admission in Progress” Mean on JAMB CAPS?

“Admission in progress” is a status on JAMB CAPS indicating that your application is under review. Key aspects include:

1. Verification of UTME/Direct Entry Scores – JAMB confirms your eligibility based on exam results.

2. School Consideration – The school you chose reviews your application for available spots, cut-off marks, and post-UTME results.

3. CAPS Update Pending – The status will remain “in progress” until both JAMB and the school finalize your admission decision.

In simple terms, it means your admission request is under review, but no official approval has been granted yet.

What Does “Admitted” Mean on JAMB CAPS?

Once your status changes to “admitted”, it signifies that:

• JAMB has officially approved your admission.

• Your chosen school has confirmed your eligibility for enrollment.

• You can now accept admission on CAPS and proceed to pay school acceptance fees.

• Registration on the school portal becomes possible, enabling course allocation and matriculation.

Being “admitted” is the final confirmation that you have secured a legitimate spot in your preferred institution.

How Long Does It Take for Admission in Progress to Change to Admitted?

The timeline varies depending on several factors:

1. School Processing Time – Each institution has its own schedule for reviewing applications, post-UTME scores, and verifying documents.

2. Candidate Volume – Popular schools with thousands of applicants may take longer to update admission statuses.

3. Document Verification – Any missing or incorrect O’Level results, JAMB scores, or personal details can delay the update.

4. JAMB Internal Processing – CAPS updates occur once schools submit approved candidates to JAMB.

5. System Downtime or Delays – Technical issues can affect how quickly statuses are updated.

Average Timeline:

• 1–7 days: Minor schools or candidates with complete, verified documentation may see quick updates.

• 1–4 weeks: Common for most universities, especially during peak admission periods.

• Beyond 4 weeks: Usually indicates pending verification, incomplete documents, or high applicant volume.

Note: There is no fixed number of days; patience and verification are key.

Step-by-Step Process From Admission in Progress to Admitted

Step 1: Submission and Screening

After writing UTME or applying via Direct Entry:

• Candidate details are submitted to JAMB.

• Schools conduct post-UTME screening or document verification.

Step 2: School Review

• School administration checks eligibility based on cut-off marks and course requirements.

• Candidates with complete, valid documents are recommended for admission.

Step 3: CAPs Update

• The school submits recommended candidates to JAMB.

• JAMB updates CAPS with approved admissions, changing the status from “in progress” to “admitted.”

Step 4: Candidate Acceptance

• Once “admitted,” candidates must accept the admission on CAPS.

• Acceptance triggers school portal updates, allowing payment of acceptance fees and registration.

Factors That Can Delay Admission Status Update

1. Incomplete O’Level or Post-UTME Results – Missing or mismatched results slow down processing.

2. High Demand for Certain Courses – Competitive courses like Medicine, Law, or Engineering may require longer vetting.

3. Late Post-UTME Submission – Schools may wait for all results before sending recommendations to JAMB.

4. Errors in JAMB Profile – Misspelled names, incorrect birthdates, or wrong subjects can delay updates.

5. System Maintenance – CAPS portal maintenance can temporarily delay status changes.

Candidates should monitor CAPS regularly and ensure all documents are correctly uploaded.

What to Do While Your Admission Status Is “In Progress”

1. Regularly Check CAPS – Login daily to monitor changes.

2. Verify School Requirements – Ensure all documents, post-UTME results, and personal details are complete.

3. Contact School Admission Office – Politely inquire about pending recommendations if delays exceed 4 weeks.

4. Avoid Paying Acceptance Fees Prematurely – Only pay after your status changes to “admitted.”

5. Keep All Receipts and Documentation Ready – For smooth registration once admission is granted.

Common Misconceptions

1. Admission in Progress Means Rejection – False. It indicates only that your application is under review.

2. Payment Influences CAPS Status – False. Admission decisions are based on eligibility and school recommendation, not payments.

3. All Candidates Get Updated at the Same Time – False. Each candidate’s update depends on school submission and verification timeline.

4. Late Admission Reflects Poor Merit – Not necessarily. Delays can be administrative or technical, not academic.

Summary Table: Timeline from Admission in Progress to Admitted

FAQs: Admission in Progress to Admitted

1. How many days does it take for admission in progress to become admitted?
It varies: 1–4 weeks is typical, depending on school verification, CAPS updates, and document completeness.

2. Can I pay acceptance fees while my status is in progress?
No. Only pay after the status changes to “admitted” to avoid financial loss.

3. Why is my admission still in progress after 4 weeks?
Possible reasons include incomplete documents, high applicant volume, or delays in school submission to JAMB.

4. Can contacting the school speed up CAPS update?
Yes. Politely inquiring about pending recommendations may help if delays are administrative.

5. Does admission in progress mean I have been rejected?
No. It indicates your application is under review. Rejection will be explicitly reflected as “not admitted.”

6. How can I confirm my school has submitted my recommendation?
Check CAPS regularly and contact the school’s admission office for confirmation.

7. Can JAMB or the school correct errors to expedite admission?
Yes. Errors in names, subjects, or results must be corrected for smooth status updates.

8. Is there a peak period for admission updates?
Yes. After post-UTME and school recommendations, updates typically happen within 2–4 weeks.

9. Can technical issues delay admission updates?
Yes. CAPS maintenance or slow school submissions can temporarily delay reflections.

10. Can I switch institutions while my admission is in progress?
Yes, using JAMB change of institution procedures, but it may reset your timeline.

11. How do I stay informed about my admission status?
Regularly monitor JAMB CAPS and maintain contact with the school admission office.

Conclusion: Patience and Verification Are Key

Understanding the timeline from admission in progress to admitted is essential for Nigerian candidates navigating JAMB CAPS. While most candidates see updates within 1–4 weeks, several factors—including school verification, document completeness, and portal synchronization—affect the duration.

To ensure a smooth process:

• Monitor CAPS regularly

• Verify all documents and post-UTME results

• Only pay acceptance fees after status changes to “admitted”

• Contact the school politely if delays exceed normal timelines

By following these steps, candidates can confidently navigate the admission process and secure their place in their chosen institutions without stress or financial risk.