"JAMB has clarified that the portal for course and institution corrections remains inactive, urging candidates to exercise patience."
JAMB Opens 2026 Change of Course and Institution Portal
Published: July 2026 | Source: CampusAI News
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Overview
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially activated the Change of Course and Institution portal for 2026 UTME candidates seeking to modify their choice of institution or programme . The portal opened following the 2026 Policy Meeting held on May 11, 2026, where stakeholders set new admission guidelines, including minimum cut-off marks and course exemptions .
Candidates who wish to adjust their applications to align with newly announced institutional requirements may now proceed to do so at any accredited JAMB CBT centre nationwide .
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Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|--------|-------------|
| Portal Status | Officially Open |
| Date Opened | May 15, 2026 |
| Fee | ₦2,500 (official JAMB fee) + CBT centre service charges |
| Where to Process | Accredited JAMB CBT Centres only |
| Biometric Verification | Required at CBT centre |
| Result Slip Printing | Commenced May 18, 2026 |
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Who Should Apply for Change of Course or Institution?
Not every candidate needs to make changes, but the following groups should seriously consider it :
- Candidates whose UTME scores are below the likely cut-off for their chosen course
- Candidates who made errors during registration (wrong institution, course, or subject combination)
- Candidates whose O'Level subjects do not match their chosen programme requirements
- Candidates who scored between 140 and 180 and wish to explore alternative programmes
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What to Do Next
Step 1: Visit an Accredited JAMB CBT Centre
Candidates must visit a JAMB-approved CBT centre to begin the process. JAMB warns against using unauthorized cybercafes or roadside operators, as this can compromise your admission data .
Step 2: Complete Biometric Verification
At the CBT centre, biometric verification (fingerprint validation) is carried out to confirm the candidate's identity before any modification can be made to the profile .
Step 3: Request the Type of Correction
Specify whether you want:
- Change of Course only
- Change of Institution only
- Both Change of Course and Institution
Step 4: Choose Your New Course or Institution Carefully
Before selecting a new course or school, confirm :
- Your UTME score meets the likely requirement
- Your O'Level results match the course requirements
- Your JAMB subject combination is correct
- The institution accepts your chosen subjects
Step 5: Pay the Fee and Submit
The official JAMB correction fee is ₦2,500, with CBT centres adding service charges of ₦500–₦700 . After payment and submission, print your acknowledgement slip as proof of completion.
Step 6: Monitor CAPS for Update
The updated information usually reflects on JAMB CAPS shortly after processing. Candidates are advised to regularly monitor their admission status through the official JAMB portal .
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Important Updates from the 2026 Policy Meeting
Minimum Cut-Off Marks
At the 2026 Policy Meeting held in Abuja, stakeholders set the following minimum admissible scores :
| Institution Type | Minimum Cut-Off Mark |
|------------------|---------------------|
| Universities | 150 |
| Polytechnics | 100 |
| Colleges of Nursing Sciences | 150 |
UTME Exemption for Education and Agriculture Courses
The Federal Government announced that candidates seeking admission into NCE programmes in Colleges of Education and non-engineering Agriculture courses in Polytechnics are now exempted from UTME . However, candidates must still register with JAMB for documentation and admission processing through CAPS .
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much does the JAMB Change of Course/Institution cost?
A: The official JAMB fee is ₦2,500. Accredited CBT centres may add service charges of ₦500–₦700, bringing the total to approximately ₦3,000–₦3,200 .
Q: Can I do the change by myself at home?
A: No. The official process requires biometric verification at an accredited CBT centre. You cannot complete it on your phone or at home .
Q: How many times can I change my course or institution?
A: JAMB allows multiple changes, but each correction requires a fresh payment .
Q: How long does it take for the change to reflect?
A: For many candidates, the update appears almost immediately after submission at the CBT centre .
Q: Can I change both course and institution at the same time?
A: Yes, you can change both during one correction session .
Q: When will the portal close?
A: JAMB usually keeps the portal open during the admission season. There is no fixed closing date yet, but candidates are advised to act as soon as possible .
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Quick Action Checklist
- ✅ Visit an accredited JAMB CBT centre — not unauthorized cybercafes
- ✅ Bring your JAMB registration number — the most important requirement
- ✅ Provide your phone number and email linked to your JAMB account
- ✅ Come with your O'Level result details — verify you meet requirements
- ✅ Complete biometric verification — mandatory for all changes
- ✅ Pay the ₦2,500 correction fee plus CBT service charges
- ✅ Print your acknowledgement slip immediately after submission
- ✅ Monitor your JAMB CAPS for updates
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> 📌 Editor's Note: This article is based on official JAMB announcements and verified sources as of July 2026. Always verify critical information on the official JAMB website at jamb.gov.ng or at accredited CBT centres.
