How to Accept or Reject Admission Using SMS
By Alphayem Education Desk – Did you know you can now accept or reject your JAMB admission offer using SMS without logging into the JAMB CAPS portal? Yes, JAMB has simplified the process for candidates who have issues accessing their profile or forgot their password.
This new feature is part of JAMB’s effort to make admission confirmation easier and more accessible, especially for candidates in areas with poor internet connectivity or those using basic phones. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the process — from the correct SMS format to what happens after you accept or reject an offer.
What Does It Mean to Accept or Reject Admission?
When a school offers you admission through JAMB CAPS, you must either accept or reject the offer to continue with your academic journey. If you accept, it means you’re ready to study the course and institution offered. Rejecting means you’re not interested in that particular offer and may want to wait for another one.
If you fail to take action on time, JAMB may assume you’re no longer interested, and your admission could be withdrawn or given to another candidate. That’s why it’s important to confirm your status quickly — either on CAPS or via SMS.
Who Can Use the SMS Method?
The SMS method is useful for candidates who:
- Can’t access their JAMB CAPS portal due to login or password issues.
- Lost access to their registered email or JAMB profile account.
- Have limited internet access or use a basic (non-smart) phone.
- Want a faster alternative to confirm their admission status.
However, note that the SMS must be sent from the **same phone number used to register for JAMB**, as that number is already linked to your profile.
JAMB SMS Format for Accepting or Rejecting Admission
Here’s the correct way to send the message:
- To Accept Admission: Send
JAMBREGNO [space] ACCEPTto 55019 or 66019. - To Reject Admission: Send
JAMBREGNO [space] REJECTto 55019 or 66019.
Example:
If your JAMB registration number is 202512345678AB, you should send either:
202512345678AB ACCEPT or 202512345678AB REJECT to 55019 or 66019.
Make sure you type the command in capital letters and double-check your JAMB registration number before sending. The SMS costs about ₦50 per message, so ensure you have enough airtime.
What Happens After You Accept Admission?
Once you successfully send the SMS, JAMB will process your request and update your status on the CAPS portal. You’ll receive a confirmation message indicating that your admission has been accepted or rejected successfully.
After that, the next steps are:
- Login to your JAMB CAPS portal to print your Admission Letter.
- Proceed to your school’s portal to pay your acceptance fee.
- Upload any missing O’level result if requested.
- Follow up on your school’s registration instructions.
If you accept an offer through SMS, it will reflect automatically on your JAMB profile when you log in later. There’s no need to repeat the process on CAPS.
What If You Rejected the Admission by Mistake?
If you mistakenly send a REJECT message when you intended to accept, don’t panic. JAMB may still allow you to reverse the action through the JAMB e-Facility portal or by visiting a nearby JAMB office or accredited CBT center for help. However, you must act quickly because once the admission list closes, it might be difficult to reverse.
Other Important Tips for Candidates
- 1. Always use your registered phone number. Messages from unregistered numbers will not work.
- 2. Don’t send multiple messages repeatedly. Wait for a response before trying again.
- 3. Check your CAPS regularly. Sometimes the SMS response might delay, but the status updates faster on CAPS.
- 4. Avoid using borrowed phones or SIM cards. Your JAMB number is tied to your registration phone line.
- 5. Visit a CBT center if unsure. If the SMS doesn’t work, a CBT center can assist you in accepting your admission directly from the JAMB system.
Why JAMB Introduced the SMS Option
JAMB’s goal is to make admission confirmation easier for candidates across Nigeria, especially those in rural areas where network and internet services are unreliable. Many candidates lose their offers because they can’t log into CAPS or don’t check their status on time. With the SMS option, candidates can quickly take action without visiting a café or CBT center.
This development also improves transparency and reduces the number of unclaimed admissions every year. Once a candidate accepts or rejects an offer, the system updates automatically, allowing JAMB to offer remaining spaces to others on the waiting list.
Common Questions About JAMB Admission via SMS
Q1: Can I use another phone number to send the SMS?
No. The message must come from the number you used during JAMB registration, otherwise, the system will reject it.
Q2: What if I didn’t get a response after sending the message?
Wait for a few minutes or hours. Network delay sometimes affects delivery. If there’s no reply after 24 hours, try again or visit a CBT center.
Q3: Will I still need to log into CAPS after accepting through SMS?
It’s optional. Once your admission is confirmed, it reflects automatically on CAPS, but logging in later lets you print your admission letter and check for updates.
Q4: What happens if I reject my admission?
JAMB will record that you declined the offer. You might still be considered for another institution if space is available, but this is not guaranteed.
Final Advice from Alphayem Education Desk
Whether you accept through SMS or CAPS, make sure your decision is final and done on time. Thousands of candidates lose their admission opportunities every year because they delay or ignore CAPS messages. Take a few minutes to confirm your status and move forward with your academic journey.
Always rely on official JAMB instructions and verified education news platforms like Alphayem Education for accurate updates. Avoid fake guides and rumors that can mislead you.
