JAMB Change of Institution Closing Date 2025: Everything You Need to Know

If you recently wrote the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam and are considering switching to another school, you might be asking: “When is JAMB change of institution closing?”

This is one of the most common questions among admission seekers every year. Missing the deadline can cost you a whole academic session, so it’s very important to know the closing date, how the process works, and what to do before the portal shuts down.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

Let’s get started.

What Does JAMB Change of Institution Mean?

JAMB gives candidates the opportunity to change their first choice, second choice, or even add new institutions after registration.

For example:

• You may have applied to University of Lagos (UNILAG) as your first choice but later realized your JAMB score is too low for their cutoff.
• Or you may want to switch from a university to a polytechnic or college of education for better admission chances.
• Some students also change because of course availability, distance, or financial reasons.

The good news is, JAMB allows you to make these changes through its Change of Institution/Change of Course service on the JAMB CAPS portal.

When Is JAMB Change of Institution Closing in 2025?

As of August 2025, JAMB has not announced closing date for the change of institution.

Important to note:

• The closing date is usually set after most schools have started releasing admission lists.
• Every year, the deadline changes depending on when JAMB finalizes admission processes.
• Candidates are strongly advised not to wait until the last minute, because the portal can close earlier than expected if admission ends in your preferred school.

To be safe, always complete your change as early as possible, ideally right after the release of JAMB results or before schools begin post-UTME screening.

Why the Closing Date Is Important

The JAMB change of institution closing date matters because:

1. No changes after closure – Once the portal shuts down, you cannot switch schools until the next JAMB exam year.
2. Affects admission chances – If you don’t change before your preferred school starts screening, you won’t be eligible.
3. Prevents wasted effort – You might score well in JAMB but miss out on admission simply because you failed to make changes on time.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Do JAMB Change of Institution

Changing your institution is straightforward, but you need to follow the process carefully.

Step 1: Visit an accredited JAMB CBT Centre

• JAMB no longer allows students to do this on their personal phones or laptops.
• Only accredited CBT centres can process it.

Step 2: Pay the required fee

• The official fee is ₦3,500 (plus about ₦700 service charge).
• Ensure you get a receipt for your payment.

Step 3: Provide your details

• Give the CBT centre your JAMB registration number and the new schools/courses you want to choose.

Step 4: Print your JAMB Change of Institution slip

• This serves as proof that the change was successful.
• Keep it safe—it may be requested during admission or clearance.

Things to Consider Before Changing Institution

Before you make any switch, here are some important things to think about:

1. Cut-off marks – Check the cut-off marks of the new school. Don’t pick a school where your score is far below their requirement.
2. Course competition – Medicine, Law, and Engineering are highly competitive. Consider less competitive alternatives if your score is not high enough.
3. School’s post-UTME date – If the school’s screening date has passed, changing to that institution is useless.
4. Distance and affordability – Don’t just choose a school because your friend did. Consider location, cost of living, and school fees.

Common Mistakes Students Make

Here are mistakes that can make you miss out on admission:

• Waiting until the last week before the portal closes.
• Choosing schools without checking cut-off marks.
• Not confirming if the new school is still selling post-UTME forms.
• Using unaccredited CBT centres (which may lead to invalid changes).
• Failing to print the confirmation slip after making the change.

What Happens If You Miss the Closing Date?

If you fail to change before the deadline:

• You will be stuck with your old institution choices.
• If those schools don’t admit you, you’ll wait until the next JAMB cycle.
• This could mean losing a whole academic session.

That’s why it’s always better to change on time rather than taking risks.

FAQs on JAMB Change of Institution Closing Date

1. Can I change my institution more than once?

Yes, but JAMB usually limits it to a maximum of two times per year. Each attempt costs ₦3,500.

2. Will the new school automatically give me admission after I change?

No. Changing your institution only makes you eligible. You still need to meet their admission requirements.

3. Can I do the change online myself?

No. JAMB has restricted it to approved CBT centres only.

4. Is the closing date the same for all schools?

Yes, but some schools may stop accepting candidates earlier once they close their post-UTME portal.

5. Can JAMB extend the deadline?

Sometimes, JAMB extends it if many schools delay their admission processes. But you should not rely on this.