For hundreds of thousands of Nigerian students each year, gaining admission into their dream university, polytechnic, or college of education is one of the most important steps in life. Admission determines not just academic direction but also career prospects, job opportunities, and future financial stability.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) manages this process using the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS). If you recently logged into your JAMB CAPS portal and saw the message “Admission in Progress, Check Back Later”, you may be confused about what it really means.
This status has left many candidates anxious, refreshing their portals every day, and wondering: Does admission in progress mean I have been admitted? How long does it take to change to admitted? What should I do while waiting?
In this 2025 guide, we will break down everything you need to know about Admission in Progress on JAMB CAPS — its meaning, the reasons it appears, the next steps to take, and how it affects your admission chances. We’ll also address every possible question students usually ask and give you tips to stay prepared during the waiting period.
What Does “Admission in Progress” Mean on JAMB CAPS?
On the JAMB CAPS portal, “Admission in Progress” is a notification that shows when your admission is being processed by your chosen institution and JAMB.
In simple terms, it means:
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Your name is already under consideration for admission.
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The school has likely recommended you for admission.
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JAMB is verifying and finalizing the process.
It is not yet a final admission. It is an intermediate stage between “Not Admitted” and “Admitted”.
Think of it as the system saying: “We are still working on your admission; check back soon for updates.”
Why Is Admission in Progress Important?
The appearance of Admission in Progress is actually a positive sign. It means:
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Your application passed initial screening – the school you applied to has shortlisted you based on UTME score, Post-UTME result, or O’level grades.
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JAMB is involved – since all admissions must be approved by JAMB, the status confirms that your file is being reviewed officially.
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You are very close to being admitted – many candidates who see this status eventually get admitted, though not all.
In 2025, the CAPS system has been made stricter to reduce errors and fraud. So if your status shows admission in progress, it’s a strong indicator that you are being considered seriously.
Stages of Admission on JAMB CAPS
To understand Admission in Progress, you need to know the full flow of statuses on JAMB CAPS.
Here is the typical order:
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Not Admitted – This is the starting point for most candidates. It simply means no decision has been made yet.
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Admission in Progress (Check Back Later) – Your application is under active consideration.
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Admitted – You have been offered admission officially. At this stage, you can accept or reject the offer.
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Accepted / Rejected – After clicking your choice, JAMB finalizes your record.
Key Point:
Not everyone passes through the “Admission in Progress” stage visibly. Some candidates see “Not Admitted” jump directly to “Admitted.” But if you do see “Admission in Progress,” it’s a sign of active evaluation.
Does “Admission in Progress” Guarantee Admission?
This is the most asked question. The answer is: No, it does not guarantee admission 100%.
Here’s why:
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Institutional Checks: Schools may shortlist you but later drop some names if spaces are limited.
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JAMB Approval: Even after a school recommends you, JAMB has to verify your eligibility (UTME subject combination, O’level requirements, quota system, etc.).
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Competition: If several candidates scored higher or met requirements better, you might be replaced.
However, in most cases, candidates who see Admission in Progress eventually receive admission. The percentage is high, but not absolute.
How Long Does “Admission in Progress” Last?
There is no fixed time. It can take:
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A few days for some candidates.
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One to two weeks for many.
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Several weeks or months in rare cases, depending on the institution and JAMB’s processing speed.
In 2025, most institutions are trying to complete admissions faster because of the tight academic calendar. Still, patience is key.
Difference Between “Admission in Progress” and “Admission Is Being Processed”
Many students confuse these two messages. Here’s the difference:
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Admission in Progress: You have been shortlisted, and your file is with JAMB for approval.
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Admission Is Being Processed: This is an earlier stage, meaning the school is still working on your case but hasn’t fully submitted it to JAMB.
Both are positive, but “Admission in Progress” is a stronger sign.
Reasons Why Your JAMB CAPS Shows Admission in Progress
There are several reasons why your portal might display this status:
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School Recommendation – Your institution has forwarded your name to JAMB.
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Verification in Progress – JAMB is checking your UTME and O’level results.
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Quota Allocation – Admissions are shared by merit, catchment, and educationally less developed states (ELDS).
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Technical Delays – The CAPS system sometimes updates slowly.
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Batch Processing – Schools release admission in batches; your turn may not be finalized yet.
What Should You Do If You See Admission in Progress?
If your CAPS shows Admission in Progress, here are the steps you should take:
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Stay Calm and Patient – It is a positive stage; avoid panic.
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Keep Checking Regularly – Log in to CAPS daily to see updates.
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Confirm O’level Upload – Ensure your WAEC/NECO results are correctly uploaded on JAMB portal. Missing results can block admission.
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Follow School Announcements – Institutions sometimes guide candidates on when to expect updates.
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Avoid Paying Scammers – No one can “push” your admission. Only your school and JAMB can finalize it.
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Be Ready to Accept – Once the status changes to “Admitted,” accept immediately to secure your space.
Common Myths About “Admission in Progress”
Let’s clear up some wrong beliefs:
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❌ Myth 1: Admission in Progress means automatic admission.
✔️ Fact: It is a strong sign but not a 100% guarantee. -
❌ Myth 2: Paying a middleman can fast-track it.
✔️ Fact: Only JAMB and your school control admissions. -
❌ Myth 3: If it stays too long, it means rejection.
✔️ Fact: Delay does not always mean rejection. It may just be a batch processing issue.
What Happens After “Admission in Progress”?
Once JAMB finishes verification:
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If successful → Your status changes to Admitted.
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If unsuccessful → It reverts to Not Admitted or stays the same until admission closes.
When admitted, you must:
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Accept the Admission on CAPS.
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Print Your JAMB Admission Letter.
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Proceed with School Clearance and Registration.
Summary Table: Admission in Progress on JAMB CAPS
| Status on CAPS | Meaning | What You Should Do | Final Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Not Admitted | No decision yet | Keep checking, upload O’level | May move to next stage |
| Admission Is Being Processed | School still working on it | Wait, monitor school portal | Likely moves forward |
| Admission in Progress | School has recommended, JAMB verifying | Stay calm, check daily, ensure O’level upload | Moves to Admitted or Not Admitted |
| Admitted | Final offer granted | Accept immediately, print letter | Admission secured |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does “Admission in Progress” mean I have been admitted?
No. It means your admission is under review and close to being finalized but not yet confirmed.
2. How many days does “Admission in Progress” last?
It can last from a few days to weeks, depending on your school and JAMB’s approval speed.
3. Can “Admission in Progress” change back to Not Admitted?
Yes. If JAMB or the institution later finds an issue, it can revert to “Not Admitted.”
4. Is it possible to skip Admission in Progress and go straight to Admitted?
Yes. Some candidates never see “Admission in Progress.” They move directly from “Not Admitted” to “Admitted.”
5. What is the difference between “Admission in Progress” and “Admission is Being Processed”?
“Admission is Being Processed” means the school is still working. “Admission in Progress” means JAMB is now verifying your admission.
6. Should I pay anyone to speed up my admission?
No. Admission is handled by JAMB and institutions only. Scammers cannot guarantee admission.
7. Do all schools use JAMB CAPS?
Yes. Since JAMB made CAPS compulsory, all universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Nigeria use it.
8. What should I do while waiting on Admission in Progress?
Check your CAPS daily, make sure your O’level is uploaded, and stay updated with school announcements.
9. Can I get admitted if my status stays too long in Admission in Progress?
Yes. Delay does not mean rejection. Some candidates are admitted after weeks of waiting.
10. What if I reject my admission after being admitted?
You will lose the admission, and JAMB may not offer you another chance that year.
Final Thoughts: Stay Calm and Stay Prepared
Seeing “Admission in Progress” on JAMB CAPS in 2025 is not the end — it’s a step toward your goal. While it doesn’t guarantee automatic admission, it shows that you are very close to success.
The best thing you can do is remain patient, ensure your O’level results are uploaded, and be ready to accept your admission once it changes to “Admitted.”
Admission is a journey, and this stage is proof that your hard work in UTME and Post-UTME is paying off. Don’t panic, avoid scammers, and keep checking CAPS regularly. With persistence and patience, you could soon see the golden word: Admitted.