Every year, hundreds of thousands of Nigerian students write the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) UTME examination with the hope of gaining admission into their dream institution and preferred course. However, not all candidates get their first choice of course due to reasons such as low UTME scores, school cut-off marks, subject combinations, or personal preference changes.
To address this, JAMB provides the option of a Change of Course. This gives students the opportunity to modify their application details and increase their chances of securing admission.
But one common question candidates always ask is: How many times can I do change of course in JAMB?
This guide provides a detailed answer to that question. We will explain the rules around JAMB change of course, how many times it can be done, the risks of multiple changes, the cost involved, the right strategy to use, and how it can affect your admission chances.
What Is JAMB Change of Course?
The JAMB change of course is a correction service offered by JAMB that allows UTME candidates to switch from one course to another within the same institution or even alongside a change of institution.
For example:
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A candidate who applied for Medicine and Surgery but scored below the school’s cut-off can change to Microbiology or Biochemistry.
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A candidate who registered for Law but later decides to study Mass Communication can also make the switch.
The change is done officially through the JAMB portal and comes with a service fee. It is meant to give candidates flexibility and a second chance at securing admission.
Why Do Candidates Change Course in JAMB?
Candidates may decide to change their course for several reasons:
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Low UTME Score: If a candidate scores below the cut-off mark of their original course.
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O’Level Subject Issues: If their WAEC/NECO result does not meet the subject requirements for the course.
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Personal Interest: Some candidates realize later that they prefer another field of study.
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Parental Advice: Sometimes parents advise their wards to choose a different course with better opportunities.
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Employment Prospects: Students may switch to courses with stronger career paths.
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Institutional Requirements: Some schools restrict certain courses to indigenes or have stricter requirements.
How Many Times Can I Do Change of Course in JAMB?
The official position is that JAMB allows multiple changes of course, but with some conditions:
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Each Change Requires Payment – Every time you change your course, you must pay the JAMB service fee.
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Data Synchronization – Too many changes can confuse institutions during admission processing.
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Timing Matters – Even though you can change more than once, institutions may have already concluded their admission process by the time you make a new change.
So, while technically you can do it multiple times, practically it is advised to keep your changes within one or two times to avoid problems.
Does JAMB Put a Limit on Change of Course?
In the past, JAMB allowed only one change of course or institution. However, in recent years, the board has relaxed the rule and now permits candidates to make corrections more than once.
But note the following:
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JAMB may restrict changes close to the admission deadline.
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Institutions may not recognize late changes.
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Excessive corrections may cause delays in your admission processing.
The Cost of Changing Course in JAMB
Every change of course in JAMB requires payment of a service fee. This fee is fixed and non-refundable. Candidates should be aware that each new attempt requires fresh payment.
For example:
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If you change from Medicine to Nursing, you pay once.
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If you later change from Nursing to Biochemistry, you must pay again.
This means candidates must plan carefully to avoid wasting money.
Risks of Doing Too Many Changes of Course
While JAMB may allow multiple changes, there are risks candidates should understand:
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Confusion with Admission: If you keep switching, the institution may not have enough time to process your latest choice.
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Loss of Post-UTME Opportunity: Some schools close their Post-UTME portal before JAMB’s deadline. If you change late, you cannot register.
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Wasted Money: Each attempt costs money, and too many changes may waste your resources.
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Reduced Admission Chances: Admission officers may focus on candidates who already completed their applications early.
Best Strategy for Change of Course in JAMB
To avoid problems, follow this strategy:
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Wait for UTME and Post-UTME Results: This helps you know where your score stands.
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Research Institutions and Courses: Check the cut-off marks and requirements of different schools.
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Decide Early: Make your change of course decision quickly to avoid late registration issues.
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Limit Your Changes: Ideally, do not change more than two times.
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Confirm O’Level Requirements: Ensure your new course matches your WAEC/NECO subject combinations.
How Change of Course Affects Admission Chances
Changing your course can improve your admission chances if done wisely. For example:
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Switching from a high-demand course like Medicine to a lower-demand course like Anatomy can increase your chances.
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Choosing a course with lower cut-off marks gives you a better chance of meeting requirements.
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Selecting a course in a school that has more available slots can also help.
However, if you keep changing courses too many times, you may miss important deadlines and lose admission opportunities.
Common Mistakes Students Make When Changing Course
Here are mistakes to avoid when doing JAMB change of course:
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Waiting until the deadline before making changes.
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Choosing a course without checking O’level subject requirements.
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Making multiple changes without a clear plan.
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Not printing or saving the JAMB change of course slip.
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Ignoring the Post-UTME deadline of the new institution.
Summary Table – How Many Times Can I Do Change of Course in JAMB?
| Key Point | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Number of Times Allowed | Multiple (no strict limit by JAMB) |
| Cost | Fixed fee per attempt, paid online |
| Recommended Attempts | Maximum of 1–2 times |
| Risks | Missed deadlines, wasted money, admission delays |
| Best Practice | Decide early, confirm requirements, avoid frequent changes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I change my course twice in JAMB?
Yes, you can. Each time you change, you must pay the JAMB service fee.
2. Is there a maximum number of times for change of course?
No strict maximum, but it is best not to exceed two changes.
3. How much does JAMB change of course cost?
The cost is fixed by JAMB and must be paid for every attempt.
4. Can I change both course and institution together?
Yes, JAMB allows you to change both at the same time.
5. Can I change to a competitive course like Medicine after scoring low?
No, it is better to choose a less competitive course that matches your score.
6. Can I change course after accepting admission?
No, once you accept admission on CAPS, you cannot change course.
7. Can I change my course to the same course in a different institution?
Yes, that is possible if the institution is still accepting candidates.
8. Do I need to go to a CBT center for change of course?
Yes, it must be done at an accredited JAMB CBT center.
9. Can I change my course after Post-UTME?
Yes, but only if the school is still accepting candidates and JAMB has not closed the portal.
10. Can I change course without changing institution?
Yes, you can change only your course and keep your institution the same.
Conclusion
So, how many times can you do change of course in JAMB? The answer is that JAMB allows candidates to do it multiple times, but every change requires payment.
Even though there is no fixed maximum, it is best to limit yourself to one or two changes. This prevents confusion, saves money, and increases your admission chances.
To succeed, make your decision early, confirm the O’level requirements, and act before deadlines. Remember, admission is competitive, and those who plan carefully are more likely to secure a place.
If you are considering a change of course this year, act wisely, avoid last-minute decisions, and focus on a course where your chances are stronger.