Post UTME for Direct Entry Candidates: Requirements and Screening Process

If you registered for Direct Entry (DE), your JAMB registration is only half of the journey. Universities and other institutions run their own screening for DE candidates, just as they do for UTME candidates, and the requirements are different. You are judged on your advanced qualification, not on a UTME score. This guide explains how post UTME screening works for Direct Entry candidates, what you need, and how to avoid the common mistakes.

Note: Requirements differ a lot between schools and courses. The examples below come from 2026/2027 school notices and show how varied the rules are. Always follow your own school’s official DE screening notice.

How DE Screening Differs From UTME Screening

• No UTME score. DE candidates do not write the UTME, so schools focus on your O’level result and your advanced qualification.
• Different minimums. Instead of a UTME cut-off, schools set minimum grades or points for your qualification, such as a minimum ND grade, NCE grade or A-Level points.
• More documents. You must present proof of the qualification that qualifies you for DE.
• Different formats. Some schools run an online test or aptitude exercise, while others carry out a credential screening, sometimes in person, and some do document review only.
• Entry at 200 level. Successful DE candidates are generally admitted into the second year, subject to the course and school.

Who Can Take DE Screening?

You generally need to have:

1. Registered for Direct Entry with JAMB in the current cycle. If you registered for the UTME, you may be able to convert. See our guide on converting UTME to Direct Entry.
2. Chosen the school as your first choice on JAMB, in many cases.
3. The O’level requirement, commonly five credit passes including English Language and Mathematics in not more than two sittings, and the subjects required for your course.
4. An accepted advanced qualification. This can be an A-Level certificate such as IJMB or JUPEB, an OND or HND, an NCE, or a first degree.
5. The minimum age, usually set for a stated date, with 16 years being the national minimum for tertiary admission.

Examples of How Requirements Vary

Recent school notices show how different the rules can be:

• One university asked for at least two A-Level credit passes or an accepted equivalent in relevant subjects, and required DE applicants to upload their statement or notification of results.
• One institution set a minimum of 7 points and at least one merit pass for its DE candidates, and asked NCE or ND holders to submit hard copies of results and transcripts.
• Another university accepted NCE, IJMB, ND, first degree or HND holders, and said applicants with JUPEB or NABTEB A-Level qualifications need not apply. It also required DE applicants to upload their A-Level result on the JAMB portal, verified by their former institution.
• Another set out a minimum of lower credit for ND, merit for NCE and a stated number of points for IJMB.
• Science-related courses can require specific A-Level subjects or science subjects at O’level.

So a qualification that works at one school may not work at another. Check before you pay.

Documents You May Need

• JAMB Direct Entry registration slip
• Your O’level result (WAEC, NECO or NABTEB), original and photocopies
• Your advanced qualification: original certificate or statement of result for A-Levels, ND, HND, NCE or degree, plus transcripts where requested
• The printed online screening registration slip from your school’s portal
• Passport photographs
• A valid ID and your birth certificate or declaration of age
• Proof of payment for the screening fee

Some schools want documents uploaded as PDFs on the portal, and some want hard copies delivered or presented in person. Follow your school’s notice.

Step-by-Step: How DE Screening Usually Works

1. Complete your JAMB DE registration and make sure your details and first choice are correct.
2. Upload your O’level and A-Level results to JAMB where the school requires it. Some schools want the advanced qualification verified by the institution that issued it.
3. Read the school’s DE screening notice. Note the eligibility rules, fee, deadline and format.
4. Register on the school’s portal using your JAMB number, and pay through the official platform.
5. Fill in the form and upload your documents, making sure they match your original certificates exactly.
6. Print your screening slip and note your date, time and venue or login instructions.
7. Attend the screening: the test, aptitude exercise or credential verification.
8. Wait for the result and admission list. Then check CAPS and your school’s page, and accept your offer quickly.

Many of these steps are the same as for UTME candidates. For more detail see our guide on how to register for post UTME.

Tips for a Smooth DE Screening

• Do not wait for the last week, since verification of A-Level or ND results can take time.
• Make sure the names on all your documents are the same, and correct any mismatch early.
• Check that your qualification and its grade meet your chosen course’s requirements.
• Keep several photocopies and a soft copy of each document.
• If you are still waiting for a result, read the notice to see whether you may apply first and upload later.
• Prepare for the aptitude test if there is one, using past questions or general practice, and learn the format from your notice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Registering with a qualification your school does not accept, such as a certificate type that the school excludes
• Not uploading A-Level or O’level results to JAMB when required
• Choosing the wrong course, or a course that does not match your qualification
• Uploading blurred or incomplete scans
• Missing the school’s own deadline, which is separate from JAMB’s
• Registering for both UTME and DE in the same year

Beware of Scammers

DE candidates are often targeted by agents who offer “guaranteed 200 level admission” or fake certificates. Do not use forged documents, because verification is strict and forgery can cost you admission and lead to prosecution. Use only official portals and offices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do DE candidates write post UTME?

DE candidates take part in the school’s DE screening, which may be a test, an aptitude exercise or a credential review. The format varies.

Do I need a UTME score for Direct Entry?

No. DE candidates do not write the UTME, although schools set qualification requirements instead.

Can I use JUPEB or NABTEB A-Level for DE screening?

It depends on the school. Some accept them and some do not, so read the notice.

Do I need to upload my A-Level result to JAMB?

Some schools require it, and in some cases they require verification by the issuing institution. Check the notice.

Which level will I be admitted to?

Usually 200 level, subject to the course and school policy.

Final Thoughts

DE screening rests on your qualification and documents, so the best preparation is accuracy: pick a school that accepts your qualification, upload your results, match your details, meet the deadline and bring the right documents. For more Post UTME guides and updates, keep visiting this blog.