For Nigerian students seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is the official gateway. Through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), every candidate can monitor their admission journey in real time.
One of the most common and often confusing messages students encounter is: “Admission in Progress, Check Back Later.” The excitement of seeing this status is usually mixed with anxiety. Candidates immediately begin to ask: Does this mean I am admitted? Is it a guarantee? Or can it still change?
This article provides a complete 2025 guide that explains in simple, clear English whether Admission in Progress on JAMB CAPS guarantees admission. We will break down its meaning, the factors that influence it, timelines, real-life outcomes, and what candidates should do while waiting.
What Does “Admission in Progress” Mean on JAMB CAPS?
Before deciding if it guarantees admission, you must first understand what it truly means.
Admission in Progress is a temporary status on the JAMB CAPS portal that indicates:
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Your institution has recommended you for admission.
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JAMB is verifying your eligibility (UTME score, subject combination, O’level results, and quota system).
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The system is reviewing your file before final approval.
In simple terms: it means you are being considered, but not yet officially admitted.
Why Does JAMB Use This Status?
The admission process in Nigeria is complex and must follow strict guidelines. The Admission in Progress stage exists because:
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Institutions must recommend first. JAMB does not admit students without school input.
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JAMB must verify. They confirm if candidates meet minimum requirements.
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Quota allocation must be observed. Schools must follow merit, catchment, and ELDS (Educationally Less Developed States) distribution.
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Error prevention. It prevents admitting candidates with wrong details or incomplete results.
This stage is essentially a checkpoint before admission becomes final.
Does Admission in Progress Guarantee Admission?
The honest answer: No, Admission in Progress does not 100% guarantee admission.
Here’s why:
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Most Candidates Get Admitted: For the majority of students, once they see this status, it usually changes to Admitted within days or weeks.
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But Some Are Rejected: In certain cases, the status may revert to Not Admitted if JAMB finds issues.
So, while Admission in Progress is a very positive sign, it is not an absolute guarantee.
Cases Where Admission in Progress Leads to Admitted
Many candidates successfully move from “Admission in Progress” to “Admitted” when:
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Their O’level results meet all requirements.
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Their UTME score meets the cut-off.
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Their course quota is still open.
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JAMB finds no errors in their profile.
This is why most students who see this status eventually get admitted.
Cases Where Admission in Progress Fails
Unfortunately, not all cases end positively. “Admission in Progress” may not guarantee admission if:
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Quota is filled before JAMB approves your slot.
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Wrong subject combination is detected.
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Incomplete O’level upload is found.
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Your institution withdraws recommendation due to updates.
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JAMB system flags inconsistencies in your records.
This is why candidates are always advised not to celebrate too early.
How Long Does Admission in Progress Last?
The timeline varies widely:
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Quick Approvals: 1–3 days (common for polytechnics or less competitive courses).
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Average Wait: 1–2 weeks (typical for most universities).
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Extended Wait: Up to 6 weeks or more (common for federal universities or competitive courses).
So, if your CAPS shows Admission in Progress, be patient.
Difference Between “Admission in Progress” and “Admitted”
It is important to distinguish these two:
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Admission in Progress: You are under consideration. JAMB is still checking.
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Admitted: JAMB has approved and finalized your admission. You can now accept it officially.
Until your CAPS changes to Admitted, nothing is final.
What Should You Do While Waiting?
Seeing “Admission in Progress” can be exciting, but here are the steps to take while waiting:
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Check CAPS Daily: Admission updates can change quickly.
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Verify O’level Upload: Visit a JAMB CBT center to confirm your results are correctly uploaded.
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Avoid Panic: Some candidates wait longer than others; delays do not always mean rejection.
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Follow School Updates: Some schools release admission in batches.
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Reject Scams: No third party can fast-track your admission.
Why Do Some Candidates Skip This Stage?
Not all candidates will see “Admission in Progress.” Some move directly from Not Admitted to Admitted. This usually happens when:
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The school and JAMB process the candidate very quickly.
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The candidate applied for a less competitive course.
So, not seeing this stage is not a bad sign.
Pros and Cons of Seeing Admission in Progress
✅ Pros
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It shows your school recommended you.
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It means you are close to final admission.
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Most candidates at this stage are admitted.
❌ Cons
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It is not 100% certain.
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It can last for weeks, causing stress.
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It may still revert to Not Admitted.
Realistic Expectations for Candidates
If you see Admission in Progress, it is a very good sign — but keep realistic expectations. Think of it as 90% hope, 10% risk. Many candidates will be admitted, but a few may face rejection.
Summary Table: Does Admission in Progress Guarantee Admission?
| Status | Meaning | Guarantee Level | Outcome Possibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admission in Progress | Candidate recommended by school, awaiting JAMB approval | High chance but not 100% | Usually Admitted, sometimes Not Admitted |
| Admitted | JAMB has approved your admission | 100% guaranteed | Admission finalized |
| Not Admitted | Candidate not offered admission | 0% guarantee | No admission |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Admission in Progress mean guaranteed admission?
No. It is a strong sign but not a final guarantee.
2. Can Admission in Progress change to Not Admitted?
Yes. If JAMB finds an issue, it can revert.
3. How long does Admission in Progress take to change?
It may take from a few days to several weeks.
4. Why is my Admission in Progress status not changing?
Possible reasons include batch delays, quota balancing, or system checks.
5. Does everyone pass through Admission in Progress before Admitted?
No. Some candidates skip directly to Admitted.
6. Can I influence the speed of change?
No. Only JAMB and your institution control it.
7. Should I be worried if mine takes weeks?
Not necessarily. Long delays are common.
8. What should I do while waiting?
Check CAPS daily, verify O’level upload, and follow school updates.
9. Do polytechnics process Admission in Progress faster?
Yes. Polytechnics and colleges often process quicker than federal universities.
10. Does JAMB finalize all Admission in Progress cases?
Yes, but outcomes can either be Admitted or Not Admitted.
Final Thoughts: Stay Hopeful but Realistic
The Admission in Progress status on JAMB CAPS is one of the most encouraging signs you can receive as a candidate. It shows that your school has selected you and JAMB is now reviewing your file. However, it is not yet the final stage — and it does not automatically guarantee admission.
For most candidates, this status eventually changes to Admitted. But for a few, it may still end as Not Admitted. That is why patience, careful monitoring, and realistic expectations are very important.
If your CAPS shows Admission in Progress, stay positive, avoid panic, and be ready to accept your admission once it changes. With persistence and preparation, your admission journey can end successfully.