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| Change your course or institution carefully to avoid disqualification. |
Your result is out, you have your score, and reality sets in: "This score cannot carry me for Medicine in UNN" or "I actually prefer this other school now." This is exactly why JAMB created the Change of Course / Institution service, which is part of the Correction of Data portal.
In my years of advising students, I have seen more candidates destroy their admission chances here than anywhere else. They change blindly without knowing the strict rules. Here is every single official detail for 2026/2027, updated directly from JAMB guidelines.
Official Opening & Closing Dates
Opens: Usually within 3–5 working days after the release of UTME results (around July 1, 2026).
Duration: Runs for approximately 4–6 weeks only, closing strictly mid-August 2026.
No Extensions: JAMB never grants an extension, not even for one day.
Price: ₦2,500 official fee + Remita charges (Total: ₦2,550). Anything above ₦3,200 is exploitation.
Limit: Can be done only once officially. After saving, it locks permanently.
What You Can Actually Change
Your 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Choice Institution.
Your Course or Programme.
Change between University, Polytechnic, College of Education (COE), or NCE.
Correct your UTME subject combination.
(Note: Name, Date of Birth, LGA, and Passport can also be changed, but each costs an additional ₦2,500).
What is Forbidden (JAMB Will Reject Automatically)
Wrong O'Level Subjects: You cannot change to a course whose O'Level subjects you do not have. (e.g., You cannot switch to Engineering if you did not write Physics & Chemistry in WAEC).
Changing UTME Subjects: You cannot change UTME subjects after results are released. That can only be done during initial registration.
Special Screenings: You cannot change to courses that require special screenings you never did (e.g., Architecture, Nursing, Law aptitude test).
Post-Admission: You cannot change if admission has already been offered and accepted on CAPS. (Read our Guide to Checking Admission on CAPS here).
6 Rules 90% of Candidates Ignore
Minimum Score: Your JAMB score must meet the minimum (140 for Uni / 100 for Poly / 100 for COE). If it is below, the system will reject it.
Catchment & ELDS Apply: Changing to a school outside your state may make it harder to get admitted.
New Choice Becomes Active: Your old choice vanishes instantly. You cannot use it again.
Post-UTME Eligibility: If you change after the school has closed their screening, you have wasted your money. You cannot sit for their exam.
One Payment: Changing all 4 choices at once still costs just ₦2,500 total.
Biometrics: You must do this at an accredited JAMB centre or JAMB office. You cannot do it fully online.
Best Strategy to Decide
Pull out the last year's departmental cut-offs only. Ignore social media rumors.
If your score is 15 points or more above last year's cut-off: Stay. Do not touch anything.
If your score is 0–14 points above: Weigh the risk carefully.
If your score is below last year's cut-off: Change immediately to a related, less competitive course.
Smartest Move: Keep the same school and change only the course. This retains all your history and school preference.
FAQ
Q: Can I do it myself online?
A: You can make the payment on the portal, but final approval and biometric verification must be done at an accredited centre.
Q: Will it affect my result or score?
A: No. It has zero impact. Your score remains exactly the same.
Final Advice
Changing your course is not compulsory. Many candidates destroy perfectly good chances by changing into courses they know nothing about just because their friends are going there. Only change if the data clearly says your score will not qualify.
If you do change, do it within the first week, when the system is smooth and all spaces are still open.
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About the Author: Ogudo Chukwuebuka is a career and education mentor based in Enugu, Nigeria. With over a decade of experience guiding students through university admissions, NYSC, and early career challenges, he is dedicated to helping Nigerian graduates navigate the transition from campus to the corporate world.
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