How to Change Jamb Course or Institution

How to Change Jamb Course or Institution

Every year, after JAMB results are released, thousands of candidates suddenly find themselves in a dilemma. Maybe your score wasn’t high enough for your dream course or the institution you chose no longer feels like the right fit. In such moments, the question that naturally follows is how to change JAMB course or institution without making costly mistakes.

It’s a common situation that many students face and fortunately, JAMB provides a straightforward solution – if you know what to do, when to do it and how to avoid the traps others fall into.

Think of it like this: your initial JAMB choices were Plan A. But life doesn’t always go according to plan – and that’s okay. Whether it’s because of a low cutoff mark, a new-found passion or new information about admission chances, the ability to adjust your course or institution is your safety net.

It’s your second shot at success, your strategic U-turn on the road to higher education. However, executing that U-turn requires clear understanding and smart decision-making.

Unfortunately, many candidates rush into the process blindly, choosing new courses or schools without proper research, only to get stuck again – sometimes even worse than before.

That’s why knowing how to change JAMB course or institution correctly can make all the difference. It’s not just about changing names on a form – it’s about reshaping your future with intention, confidence and a clear roadmap to follow.

Changing your JAMB course or institution isn’t just for students who made mistakes. It’s also a smart move for candidates who want to improve their chances of admission, switch to a course that aligns better with their strengths or apply to schools that accept their scores.

Here are common reasons students request changes:

• Low UTME Score: You didn’t meet the cutoff mark for your initial course or institution.

• Poor O’Level Subject Combination: Your WAEC/NECO results don’t match the admission requirements.

• New Passion or Career Realignment: You’ve discovered a new interest or more promising career path.

• Institutional Changes: The university you selected may no longer offer your course or may have increased its cutoff marks.

• Admission Chances: Other schools might offer a higher admission probability with your current score.

• Geographical or Personal Preference: You might want to move closer to home, avoid strikes or seek institutions with better facilities.

When Can You Change Your JAMB Course or Institution?

Knowing how to change JAMB course or institution is one thing – knowing when to act is just as important. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) opens the portal for correction of data shortly after UTME results are released. This window usually stays open for a few months, but the earlier you act, the better your chances.

Key Timing Tips:

• Check JAMB’s announcement on their official website or social media handles.

• Apply early before most schools begin screening or admission processes.

• Ensure your O’Level results are ready, especially for direct entry candidates or institutions that require uploaded WAEC/NECO grades.

Important Processes Before Changing Your Course or Institution

Understanding how to change JAMB course or institution goes beyond logging into the portal. You need to do your homework. The choices you make now will impact your admission chances and your entire academic journey.

Here’s what to consider before making any changes:

• Cut-Off Marks: Ensure your UTME score meets the new institution’s minimum score.

• Subject Combination: Verify that your UTME and O’Level subjects match the requirements of the new course.

• Institutional Policies: Some universities don’t accept changes after a certain period or only allow changes once.

• Catchment Areas: Choosing schools within your geopolitical zone may increase admission chances.

• Accreditation: Confirm that the course is accredited in the new institution.

• Post-UTME Registration Deadlines: Don’t switch to a school whose screening registration has closed.

How to Change JAMB Course or Institution (Step-by-Step)

Now let’s get practical. You’re ready to make the switch. Here’s the full breakdown on how to change JAMB course or institution without errors or regrets.

Step 1: Visit the JAMB Portal

Start by visiting the official JAMB portal: https://efacility.jamb.gov.ng

Step 2: Login to Your Profile

Use your email address and password (the same ones used for your UTME registration) to log in to your JAMB dashboard.

Step 3: Navigate to the Correction of Data Option

• Once logged in, scroll to the side menu and click on “Correction of Data.”

• Select “Course/Institution” from the dropdown menu.

Step 4: Choose the Year and Make Payment

• Select your examination year (e.g., 2025).

• Proceed to make a payment of ₦3,500 (excluding service charges).

• Payment can be made via online channels – Remita, bank transfer or debit card.

Step 5: Fill Out the Change of Course/Institution Form

• After payment is successful, you will be redirected to a form.

• You can change your first choice course, second choice course and institution or all of them if needed.

• Cross-check everything before submission.

Step 6: Submit and Print the Slip

• Once submitted, print your confirmation slip.

• Keep it safe – it may be required during post-UTME or admission screening.

How Many Times Can You Change JAMB Course or Institution?

One of the most asked questions about how to change JAMB course or institution is: “Can I do it more than once?” The answer is YES, but with limits.

Here’s what you need to know:

• You are allowed to make changes up to two times for each category (course or institution).

• Additional changes will require special approval or may not be accepted by some schools.

• Be wise with your choices – multiple changes may confuse you or delay your admission process.

Things You Can and Cannot Change on the JAMB Portal

When learning how to change JAMB course or institution, it helps to know what is actually editable on the portal.

You CAN change:

• Course of study

• Institution of choice (first, second, third and fourth)

• Name (if there’s a typo)

• Gender

• State/LGA of origin

• Date of birth

• Passport photo

You CANNOT change:

• UTME subject combinations (already written)

• Email used for JAMB profile creation

• Already submitted admission letter after acceptance

Ideas for Choosing the Right Course and Institution

If you’re going through the trouble of learning how to change JAMB course or institution, do it right. Don’t just guess – plan smart.

Smart strategies:

• Check JAMB brochure for course requirements.

• Use JAMB CAPS to monitor your chances of admission.

• Study admission trends – check your intended school’s cut-off marks from the previous year.

• Ask experienced students or mentors in your field of interest.

• Look at employability trends – choose a course with strong job prospects.

• Don’t follow the crowd – what’s good for one person may not work for you.

Cost of Changing JAMB Course or Institution in 2025

Here’s a simple breakdown of the cost involved in how to change JAMB course or institution:

Total average: ₦4,000 – ₦5,000

Always use an accredited JAMB CBT center to avoid scams.

Where to Do the Change: CBT Center or Online at Home?

You can process the change from your personal computer or mobile phone. However, if you’re unsure, visit any accredited JAMB CBT center for assistance. They’ll help you avoid costly mistakes and complete the process correctly.

What Happens After the Change?

So you’ve done it – you’ve figured out how to change JAMB course or institution, submitted your details and printed your confirmation slip. What next?

Here’s what to expect:

• Wait for JAMB to update your profile – changes usually reflect within 24–72 hours.

• Your new choice school will now reflect in CAPS.

• You must still apply for post-UTME in the new institution.

• Admission is not guaranteed, but your chances improve if the switch was strategic.

How to Monitor Your Admission After the Change

After changing your JAMB course or institution, you need to actively monitor your JAMB CAPS to know when you’ve been offered admission.

Steps to check CAPS:

1. Visit https://efacility.jamb.gov.ng

2. Log in with your profile details

3. Click on Check Admission Status

4. Select your exam year and click Access CAPS

5. Click on Admission Status to see your offer

If your status says “Admission in Progress” or “Not Admitted Yet,” keep checking. If you see “Accept/Decline Admission,” act immediately!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I change both my course and institution at the same time?

Yes. You can change both in a single transaction on the JAMB portal.

How long does it take for the change to reflect?

Usually between 24 to 72 hours, but can take up to a week depending on network traffic.

Can I change to a polytechnic from a university?

Yes, you can switch between universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

Will my original UTME score still be valid?

Absolutely. Your score remains unchanged regardless of the course or institution change.

Can I change to a school that has already closed post-UTME registration?

No. Always confirm that the school is still accepting applications before changing.

Can I make changes more than once?

Yes, but you’re allowed only two times per category (course/institution). Don’t waste your slots.

Can I do the change of institution after accepting admission?

No. Once you’ve accepted admission on JAMB CAPS, you can’t change your course or institution.

What if I made a mistake during the change?

Visit a JAMB office or CBT center immediately. You may be allowed to correct it if within the deadline.

Do I need to inform the new school after the change?

Yes. You must apply for the institution’s post-UTME or screening process separately.

Is the change reversible?

No. Once submitted and processed, the change is final. Double-check everything before confirming.

Learning how to change JAMB course or institution is more than just following technical steps. It’s about aligning your decisions with your goals, qualifications and opportunities.

Whether you’re aiming for a better chance at admission or chasing a new dream, this is your moment to pivot strategically.

Don’t rush. Research before you click. Double-check your details. And most importantly – know that it’s okay to switch lanes. It might just be the best decision you make for your future.