How does JAMB CAPS work?

The JAMB Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) is an online platform developed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to streamline and automate the admission process into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. It ensures transparency, efficiency, and fairness in offering admission to candidates. Here’s how it works:

1. Candidate Profile Creation

• Candidates must create a JAMB profile during the registration process, as this profile will be used to access CAPS.
• All admission-related activities, including checking admission status and accepting or rejecting offers, are conducted through CAPS.

2. Institution Sets Admission Criteria

• Each institution uploads its admission criteria, including minimum cut-off marks, subject combinations, and other requirements, to CAPS.
• CAPS uses these criteria to automatically screen candidates.

3. Candidate Eligibility and Screening

• CAPS evaluates candidates based on:
  • Their JAMB scores.
  • O’Level (WAEC/NECO) results, including relevant subject combinations.
  • Institution-specific requirements.

4. Provisional Admission Offers

• After screening, CAPS identifies candidates who meet the criteria and lists them for provisional admission.
• Candidates can log into CAPS to check if they’ve been offered admission.

5. Accepting or Rejecting Admission

• If a candidate is offered admission, they must either accept or reject the offer within a specified timeframe:
  • Accepting Admission: Confirms the offer and locks the candidate out of consideration for other institutions or courses.
  • Rejecting Admission: Makes the candidate eligible for consideration by other institutions.

6. Role of ‘Market Place’

• Candidates who are not admitted by their first-choice institution can be placed in the CAPS Market Place, where other institutions with available slots can consider them for admission.

7. Approval by JAMB

• After the institution completes its admissions process, JAMB verifies and approves the list of admitted candidates.

8. Printing Admission Letter

• Once admission is confirmed, candidates can print their JAMB Admission Letter via their CAPS account, which is required for registration at their chosen institution.

Benefits of CAPS

• Transparency: Ensures a fair process by using automated criteria.
• Flexibility: Allows candidates to accept or reject offers and be considered by other institutions.
• Efficiency: Reduces delays and human errors in the admission process.
• Accountability: Tracks all admission activities, making them accessible to candidates and institutions.

By monitoring CAPS regularly, candidates can stay informed about their admission status and take necessary actions promptly.