What Is the Difference Between Post UTME and Screening

What Is the Difference Between Post UTME and Screening

Many students seeking admission into Nigerian universities often become confused when they see terms such as Post UTME, admission screening, pre-admission screening, online screening, and screening exercise. Some candidates believe they are completely different admission processes, while others use the terms interchangeably.

So, what is the difference between Post UTME and screening?

Post UTME is a type of admission screening exercise conducted by a tertiary institution after the UTME. However, not every screening exercise is necessarily a written Post UTME examination. Depending on the institution, screening may involve an examination, online assessment, verification of credentials, calculation of an aggregate score, or a combination of these processes.

The exact procedure varies from one institution to another. JAMB itself explains that UTME is only one of the components that institutions may use when ranking candidates for admission, while other parameters can include Post-UTME or other screening-test scores, O’Level grades, and, in some cases, physical tests.

This article explains the difference between Post UTME and screening, what each term means, whether they are the same thing, what happens during screening, and what candidates should do after applying.

Table of Contents

Is Post UTME the Same as Screening?

Post UTME and screening are closely related, but they do not always mean exactly the same thing.

Post UTME generally refers to an admission exercise conducted by a university or other tertiary institution after candidates have taken the UTME. It may involve a written or computer-based test.

Screening is a broader term. It can refer to the entire process of checking whether a candidate meets an institution’s admission requirements. This may include checking the candidate’s JAMB score, O’Level results, course requirements, eligibility, documents, and sometimes a Post UTME examination.

Therefore:

Post UTME can be part of screening, but screening does not always mean a Post UTME examination.

For example, a university may conduct a screening exercise in which candidates’ credentials and UTME details are verified without conducting a separate written examination. Another university may call its examination a Post-UTME screening test.

What Is Post UTME?

Post UTME means Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

It is an admission exercise organized by a tertiary institution after candidates have taken the JAMB UTME.

The purpose is generally to help the institution assess and rank candidates for admission alongside other relevant admission requirements.

The format differs between institutions. A Post UTME exercise may include:

Computer-based examination
Written examination
Questions based on UTME subjects
Online assessment
Credential verification
O’Level result verification
JAMB score verification
Other institutional assessments

It is important to understand that there is no single Post UTME format used by every university in Nigeria.

Some institutions conduct a test, while others may use screening procedures that place more emphasis on candidates’ credentials and existing scores.

For instance, the University of Ilorin’s 2026/2027 admission exercise refers to its process as Pre-Admission Screening and specifies that the admission aggregate includes UTME/A’Level score, Post-UTME screening score, and relevant O’Level grades.

This demonstrates why candidates should always read the admission instructions issued by their chosen institution instead of relying on what another university did.

What Is Admission Screening?

Admission screening is the process through which a tertiary institution checks candidates to determine whether they meet its requirements for admission.

Screening can be broader than a Post UTME examination.

Depending on the institution, screening may involve checking:

JAMB registration details
UTME score
Choice of institution
Choice of course
O’Level results
Required O’Level subjects
UTME subject combination
Eligibility for the selected programme
Other required documents
Post UTME examination performance, where applicable

In simple terms, screening is the overall process of determining whether an applicant qualifies to be considered for admission.

This is why a university can advertise a Post UTME screening exercise even when it includes more than an examination.

Difference Between Post UTME and Screening

The easiest way to understand the difference is to think of screening as the wider process and Post UTME as one possible component of that process.

Post UTME	Admission Screening
Usually refers to an admission exercise after UTME	Refers broadly to checking candidates for admission eligibility
May involve an examination	May or may not involve an examination
Can produce a score	May involve verification rather than a test score
Usually concerns candidates who have taken UTME	May include different forms of eligibility and credential checks
Can form part of the admission aggregate	Can involve JAMB, O’Level, course and other requirements
Format varies by institution	Format varies by institution

The important point is that universities do not always use these terms in exactly the same way.

One institution may say “Post UTME screening,” while another may simply say “admission screening.”

Is Post UTME a Screening Exercise?

Yes, Post UTME can be a screening exercise.

In fact, many institutions use terms such as:

Post UTME screening
Post-UTME screening exercise
Pre-admission screening
Admission screening
Post UTME examination
Screening test

However, the exact meaning depends on the institution’s admission notice.

If a university says that candidates should register for its Post UTME screening exercise, candidates should not automatically assume that it will only involve document verification.

The institution may conduct an examination as part of the screening.

This is why candidates should carefully read the official admission announcement for their university.

Is Screening the Same as Post UTME?

Not necessarily.

Screening is a general term, while Post UTME normally describes an admission exercise conducted after UTME.

For example, a university could screen candidates by checking their:

UTME score
O’Level result
course eligibility
JAMB subject combination
institution choice
uploaded credentials

If the university does not conduct a separate examination, it may still call the process screening.

On the other hand, if the university conducts a test after UTME and uses the result in admission ranking, that test may be referred to as Post UTME.

Therefore, the safest rule is:

Do not judge the admission process by the word “screening” alone. Read the university’s official instructions to know exactly what candidates are expected to do.

What Is Post UTME Screening?

The phrase Post UTME screening combines the two concepts.

It generally means an institution’s admission screening process for UTME candidates after JAMB UTME.

Depending on the university, Post UTME screening may include:

Online registration
Payment of screening fee
Uploading O’Level results
Uploading documents
Verification of candidate information
Physical screening
Online screening
Computer-based test
Written examination
Calculation of aggregate scores

For this reason, a candidate should never assume that every university’s Post UTME screening will be conducted in the same way.

What Happens During Post UTME Screening?

The exact process depends on the institution, but candidates may generally go through several stages.

1. Post UTME Registration

Candidates first register through the university’s official admission portal when the institution opens its application.

During registration, candidates may provide information such as:

JAMB registration number
UTME score
Phone number
Email address
O’Level details
Course of choice
State of origin
Local government information

Candidates should carefully check all information before submitting the form.

2. Verification of Candidate Information

The institution may verify information provided by candidates.

This may include checking whether the candidate:

Chose the institution
Obtained the required UTME score
Selected an eligible programme
Has the required O’Level subjects
Uploaded the necessary results

JAMB also operates the Central Admissions Processing System, known as CAPS, which automates important parts of the admission process and allows institutions to process admissions according to approved criteria.

3. O’Level Result Verification

The university may require candidates to provide their WAEC, NECO, NABTEB or other accepted O’Level results.

The institution may check whether the candidate has the required credits for the chosen course.

For example, a course may require credits in:

English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics

The requirements depend on the course and institution.

4. Post UTME Test

Some institutions conduct an actual Post UTME test.

Where this happens, candidates may be given questions based on relevant subjects or areas specified by the institution.

The result may then be used alongside the candidate’s UTME score and other requirements.

For example, a university may use a formula such as:

50% UTME + 30% Post UTME + 20% O’Level

However, candidates should never assume that every university uses this formula.

The University of Ilorin, for example, officially stated for its 2026/2027 pre-admission screening that its admission aggregate would comprise 50% UTME/A’Level score, 30% Post-UTME screening score and 20% of five relevant O’Level grades.

What Is Online Screening?

Online screening means that some or all of the admission screening process is completed through an institution’s online portal.

Depending on the university, candidates may be required to:

Visit the official admission portal.
Create an account or log in.
Enter their JAMB details.
Provide O’Level information.
Upload required documents.
Pay the required screening fee where applicable.
Submit the application.
Print or save the screening confirmation or acknowledgement slip.

Online screening does not automatically mean that there will be no examination.

A university can conduct registration and verification online and still invite candidates for a physical or computer-based Post UTME test.

What Is Physical Screening?

Physical screening means candidates are required to appear at a designated location for some part of the admission process.

Physical screening may involve verification of original documents and credentials.

Candidates may be asked to bring documents such as:

JAMB result slip
JAMB registration details
O’Level result
Birth certificate or declaration of age
Local government identification
State of origin document
Screening acknowledgement slip
Passport photographs

However, requirements vary.

Candidates should only take documents listed in the institution’s official instructions.

Can a University Conduct Screening Without Post UTME Examination?

Yes.

A university can conduct an admission screening process without necessarily giving candidates a conventional written Post UTME examination.

The institution may instead evaluate candidates using information such as:

UTME performance
O’Level results
Course requirements
JAMB subject combination
Other admission criteria

JAMB has explained that UTME is not necessarily the sole determinant of admission ranking and that institutions may use other parameters, including Post-UTME or other screening-test scores and O’Level grades.

This is one of the main reasons candidates should understand the difference between screening and Post UTME examination.

Can a University Conduct Post UTME Without Physical Screening?

Yes, depending on how the institution defines its admission process.

A university may allow candidates to complete registration online and conduct its Post UTME test electronically.

In such a situation, candidates may not need to appear physically for document verification before the test.

However, this does not mean the university will never verify documents physically.

The institution can provide additional verification requirements later.

Does Screening Mean There Is No Examination?

No.

The word “screening” does not automatically mean that candidates will not write an examination.

For example, an institution may describe its process as a Post-UTME screening test.

That means candidates may still be required to sit for an examination.

Therefore, if a university announces “screening,” candidates should check the official notice for information about:

Examination date
Examination venue
Screening method
Required documents
Whether an examination will be conducted
Registration deadline

Does Post UTME Affect Admission?

It can.

Where an institution conducts a Post UTME test and includes the result in its admission ranking, the candidate’s performance can affect their aggregate score and position among applicants.

JAMB has explained that many institutions cumulate multiple components to arrive at an eventual aggregate score and ranking of candidates.

For example, suppose a university uses:

50% UTME + 30% Post UTME + 20% O’Level

A candidate’s Post UTME result can therefore contribute significantly to the final aggregate.

However, the exact weight assigned to Post UTME depends on the institution.

Does Screening Affect Admission?

Yes.

Screening determines whether a candidate is eligible to be considered for admission and, depending on the institution’s system, may contribute to the ranking of candidates.

For example, a candidate may have a good JAMB score but fail to meet the required O’Level subjects for a particular programme.

Such a candidate may not qualify for that course despite having a relatively high UTME score.

This is why admission is not always determined by JAMB score alone.

Which Is More Important: JAMB, Post UTME or Screening?

There is no universal answer.

The importance of each component depends on the admission policy of the institution.

For one university, UTME may carry a large percentage of the aggregate.

Another university may place considerable emphasis on Post UTME.

Another may include O’Level grades as part of the final calculation.

JAMB itself states that institutions determine their admission criteria and that UTME is not necessarily the sole determinant of placement.

Therefore, candidates should focus on meeting all the requirements rather than assuming that one score will guarantee admission.

Example of How Post UTME Can Affect Aggregate Score

Suppose a university uses:

UTME = 50%
Post UTME = 30%
O’Level = 20%

A candidate scores:

JAMB = 280/400
Post UTME = 70/100
O’Level contribution = 16/20

Step 1: Calculate the UTME contribution

280 ÷ 400 × 50 = 35

Step 2: Calculate the Post UTME contribution

70 ÷ 100 × 30 = 21

Step 3: Add the O’Level contribution

Step 4: Calculate the aggregate

35 + 21 + 16 = 72%

Therefore, the candidate’s aggregate score would be:

72%

This is only an example. Candidates must use the actual formula announced by their institution.

What Should I Prepare for Post UTME Screening?

Candidates should prepare according to the official requirements of their institution.

Generally, it is useful to have:

JAMB registration number
JAMB result information
O’Level result
Valid phone number
Active email address
Passport photograph where required
Required identification documents
Screening application details
Examination slip where applicable

Candidates should also prepare academically if the university is conducting a Post UTME test.

How to Know Whether Your University Will Conduct Post UTME or Just Screening

The best way is to check the institution’s official admission announcement.

Look for words such as:

“Post UTME examination”
“Post UTME screening test”
“Pre-admission screening”
“Online screening”
“Physical screening”
“Credential screening”
“Computer-based test”
“Aptitude test”

Do not depend solely on social media posts or information from friends.

Universities can change their admission procedures from one academic session to another.

For example, the University of Ilorin’s official 2026/2027 information uses the term Pre-Admission Screening and separately identifies a Post-UTME screening score as one component of its aggregate calculation.

Important Difference Between Screening and Admission

Another common mistake is to think that completing screening means a candidate has been admitted.

Screening is not the same as admission.

Passing or completing a screening exercise means that the candidate has gone through a particular stage of the admission process.

Admission is a separate decision based on the institution’s admission criteria, available spaces, candidate ranking and other applicable requirements.

JAMB’s CAPS is used to automate the admission process, and candidates can use the system to check and respond to admission offers.

Therefore:

Screening → Evaluation → Ranking/Selection → Admission processing

The exact process varies by institution.

What Happens After Post UTME Screening?

After the screening exercise, the institution may:

Compile candidates’ results.
Calculate aggregate scores where applicable.
Rank candidates.
Compare candidates with available spaces.
Prepare admission recommendations.
Process admissions through the appropriate system.
Release admission lists or updates.

Candidates should continue checking the official university portal and their JAMB CAPS status.

Do not assume that receiving a screening score automatically means admission has been granted.

Common Mistakes Candidates Make About Post UTME and Screening

1. Assuming They Are Exactly the Same

Although the terms are closely related, they can describe different parts of the admission process.

2. Assuming Every Screening Exercise Has an Examination

Some screening processes may be based largely on credentials and eligibility.

3. Assuming Every Post UTME Is the Same

Universities can use different formats, subjects, scoring systems and requirements.

4. Ignoring O’Level Requirements

A good UTME score does not remove the need to satisfy the required O’Level conditions.

5. Using Another University’s Formula

A candidate should not calculate their aggregate using a formula found for another university.

6. Waiting Until the Last Day to Register

Technical problems, incorrect information and payment issues can create unnecessary difficulties close to the deadline.

7. Trusting Unofficial Admission Information

Candidates should confirm important information from the university and JAMB.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Post UTME the same as screening?

Not always. Post UTME is generally an admission exercise after UTME, while screening is a broader term for evaluating candidates for admission. A Post UTME test can be part of an institution’s screening process.

What is the meaning of Post UTME screening?

Post UTME screening generally refers to the admission assessment carried out by an institution after candidates have taken the UTME. It may include an examination, credential verification, or both.

Is screening more important than Post UTME?

Neither term is universally more important. Their importance depends on the institution’s admission procedure and the specific components it uses to rank candidates.

Does every university write Post UTME?

No. Universities can use different admission screening methods. Candidates should check the official admission notice of their chosen institution.

Can screening be done online?

Yes. Some institutions conduct part or all of their screening online. Others may require candidates to appear physically for examinations or verification.

Does screening guarantee admission?

No. Completing or passing a screening stage does not automatically guarantee admission. Final admission depends on the institution’s selection process and applicable admission requirements.

Can I be admitted without writing Post UTME?

It depends on the institution and its admission procedure. Some institutions may not conduct a conventional Post UTME examination, while others may require candidates to take a test.

Does Post UTME increase my JAMB score?

No. Your Post UTME result does not change the original JAMB UTME score. Where applicable, the Post UTME result is combined with other components to calculate an aggregate or ranking score.

What should I study for Post UTME?

If your university is conducting an examination, follow the official instructions provided by the institution. Where subjects or topics are specified, use those as your primary preparation guide.

Where can I check my Post UTME screening requirements?

Check the official website or admission portal of your chosen institution. Also verify relevant admission information through JAMB’s official channels.

Conclusion

The difference between Post UTME and screening becomes much easier to understand when you remember that screening is the broader concept.

Post UTME generally refers to an admission assessment carried out after UTME, while screening can cover a wider process of checking a candidate’s eligibility, credentials, scores and other admission requirements.

In some universities, Post UTME is an examination. In others, the institution may use a broader screening process that includes online registration, document verification, O’Level results and other criteria.

Most importantly, do not assume that the admission process used by one university will be the same at another university.

JAMB has confirmed that institutions can use multiple components when ranking candidates for admission, including UTME, Post UTME or other screening-test results, O’Level grades and other applicable assessments.

Before registering for any Post UTME or screening exercise, always check the latest official instructions from your chosen institution. This will help you know whether you need to write an examination, upload documents, attend physical screening, complete online screening, or do more than one of these.