Every year, thousands of candidates apply for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination in Nigeria. While many get admitted into their first-choice institution or course, others find the need to make changes after the exam. Reasons vary — maybe their UTME score was not high enough for the original course, their preferred institution had a cut-off they could not meet, or they later discovered a better course aligned with their interests.
This is where the JAMB Change of Course and Institution option becomes useful. It allows candidates to adjust their application details to increase their admission chances. However, this process comes with a closing date and strict deadlines. If you miss it, you may lose your chance of gaining admission for the academic year.
In this article, we will break down everything you need to know about the JAMB change of course and institution closing date and deadline for 2025/2026. We will explain the importance of the deadline, how the process works, who can apply, how many times you can make changes, and provide answers to the most common questions candidates ask.
What Is JAMB Change of Course and Institution?
The JAMB change of course and institution is an official service provided by JAMB that allows candidates to modify the details of their UTME registration after the exam.
It covers two main areas:
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Change of Course – switching from one course to another, for example, from Medicine to Biochemistry, or from Law to Political Science.
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Change of Institution – switching from one university, polytechnic, or college of education to another.
This process ensures that candidates who initially made wrong choices, scored below cut-off marks, or simply want to try different admission options can still compete for admission slots.
Why Is the Closing Date and Deadline Important?
The closing date is the final day candidates are allowed to make changes to their course or institution. Missing this date means you will no longer be able to adjust your details for that admission year.
The importance of the deadline includes:
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Admission Timelines: Schools must know the final list of candidates they should consider for screening and admission.
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Fairness: It prevents late applicants from gaining unfair advantages.
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Efficiency: Helps JAMB finalize data for each candidate before forwarding to institutions.
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Avoiding Admission Loss: If you wait beyond the deadline, you may not get admitted even if you qualify.
JAMB Change of Course and Institution Closing Date 2025/2026
For the 2025/2026 academic session, JAMB usually opens the portal for change of course and institution immediately after the release of UTME results. The process typically remains open for several months but comes with a strict deadline tied to the admission calendar.
Although JAMB may extend the date sometimes, candidates should not wait for extensions. Always act as soon as possible to avoid issues like network failures, payment errors, or overcrowding at CBT centers close to the deadline.
Step-by-Step Process of Changing Course or Institution
To help you avoid mistakes, here is how the process works:
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Visit JAMB Portal – Go to the official JAMB e-facility portal.
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Login – Use your JAMB profile email and password.
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Select Change Option – Choose “Correction of Data” and then “Change of Course/Institution.”
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Make Payment – Pay the required service fee online.
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Choose New Course or Institution – Select your new choices carefully.
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Submit and Print Slip – After confirmation, print your change slip for reference.
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Follow Up with Institution – Some schools require you to also register for their post-UTME after making the change.
Who Can Apply for Change of Course or Institution?
Not every candidate needs to use this service. Those who usually apply include:
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Students who scored below the cut-off mark of their chosen course or institution.
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Candidates who later realize they prefer a different course.
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Students who want to apply to schools that align with their scores.
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Candidates who mistakenly picked the wrong institution during registration.
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Those seeking institutions closer to home or more affordable options.
How Many Times Can You Do JAMB Change of Course or Institution?
This is one of the most common questions candidates ask. The truth is that JAMB allows multiple corrections, but each change requires payment. However, it is best to avoid excessive changes because:
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Too many changes can confuse admission processes.
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Some schools close their admission portal early, even before JAMB’s deadline.
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Frequent changes may delay your post-UTME registration.
Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Course or Institution
Many candidates make errors that cost them admission. Here are mistakes you must avoid:
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Waiting until the deadline to make changes.
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Choosing a course without considering cut-off marks.
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Changing to institutions that have already closed registration.
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Not printing or keeping a copy of the change slip.
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Ignoring the O’level subject requirements of the new course.
Timeline of JAMB Change of Course/Institution 2025/2026
While exact dates vary, the general timeline is:
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Start Date: Shortly after JAMB releases UTME results.
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Active Period: Remains open for months during admission processing.
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Closing Date: Before institutions conclude admission screenings.
Summary Table of JAMB Change of Course and Institution Deadlines
| Key Point | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Change of Course and Institution |
| Opening Date | After release of UTME results |
| Deadline | Before end of admission exercise |
| Importance | Ensures candidates meet school cut-off marks |
| Risk of Missing Deadline | Loss of admission for the year |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I change both course and institution at the same time?
Yes, you can change both at once, but you will still pay for the correction.
2. How much does it cost to do a change of course or institution?
The fee is fixed by JAMB each year and must be paid through the official portal.
3. Can I do change of institution twice?
Yes, but each attempt requires payment and approval.
4. Will my new institution see my old choice?
No, once updated, your new institution only sees the current information.
5. Can I change to a school that has already closed its post-UTME form?
No, because such schools will not process new candidates.
6. Do I need to re-register for post-UTME after changing institutions?
Yes, most schools require you to register again on their portal.
7. Can I change my institution after I have been offered admission?
No, after accepting admission on CAPS, you cannot change institutions.
8. Can I use my phone to make the change?
It is best done at an accredited CBT center to avoid mistakes.
9. Can I change my course without changing my institution?
Yes, you can simply switch to a different course in the same school.
10. Is there a refund if I make mistakes during the change?
No, JAMB does not issue refunds. You must be careful before submitting.
Conclusion
The JAMB change of course and institution closing date and deadline for 2025/2026 is one of the most important timelines every candidate must pay attention to. Missing it can cost you your admission for the year.
To succeed, always act early, confirm the cut-off marks, and ensure the institution you are switching to is still accepting applications. Remember, the earlier you make your corrections, the better your chances of securing admission.
If you are considering a change, do not wait for the last minute. Visit an accredited CBT center today, pay the required fee, and complete your change of course or institution before the deadline.