JAMB Admission Deadlines for 2025/2026: Key Dates You Must Know

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, has released the official admission deadlines for the 2025/2026 academic session. These deadlines were finalized during the annual policy meeting held in August 2025, aimed at streamlining the academic calendar and ensuring timely admission processes across all tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Breakdown of Admission Deadlines

To maintain consistency and avoid delays in academic activities, JAMB has categorized institutions and assigned specific deadlines:

Institution TypeAdmission Deadline
Public Universities31st October 2025
Private Universities30th November 2025
All Other Institutions31st December 2025

 

These deadlines apply to both UTME and Direct Entry candidates. Institutions are expected to finalize their admission lists and upload them to the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) before the respective dates.

Why These Deadlines Matter

  • Stabilizing the Academic Calendar: By enforcing strict timelines, JAMB aims to prevent overlapping sessions and ensure that students begin their academic year without unnecessary delays.
  • Equitable Access: Candidates across different institutions will have a fair chance at admission, regardless of the school they applied to.
  • Efficient Admission Processing: Institutions are encouraged to conclude post-UTME screenings and internal evaluations early enough to meet the deadlines.

Even if an institution is not ready to commence lectures, it is required to complete its admission process and archive the records. This ensures that students are not left in limbo and can plan their academic journey with clarity.

What Candidates Should Do

  • Monitor CAPS Regularly: Check your admission status frequently on the JAMB CAPS portal.
  • Upload O’Level Results: Ensure your WAEC/NECO/NABTEB results are uploaded to CAPS to avoid disqualification.
  • Respond to Admission Offers Promptly: Accept or reject offers as soon as they appear to avoid automatic forfeiture.
  • Stay Informed: Join trusted update channels to receive real-time alerts on admission lists and deadlines.