Last reviewed: 26 October 2026
Every year, thousands of Form Four leavers apply for university and college courses through KUCCPS and then get an SMS saying they were not placed. For many, the next step is a short window called revision of course choices. Used well, it is a genuine second chance. Used carelessly, it can end in a second rejection. This guide explains what revision is, who can use it, how it works step by step, and how to choose more wisely the second time.
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What Revision of Choices Means
The KUCCPS frequently asked questions describe revision of choices as the process where students who applied through the KUCCPS portal but missed a place select and apply for other courses, in the same or other institutions. It happens after the first round of placement has been processed, and it only offers programmes that still have vacancies.
That last point is the most important thing to understand. By the time revision opens, the most competitive courses are often full. In the 2026 cycle, Nairobi Leo reported that medicine, nursing, pharmacy and engineering were fully subscribed and withdrawn before the first revision window opened on 16 May 2026. That window ran to 22 May.
Who Can Use It
Each revision round is advertised with its own target groups, so always read the current notice. As an example, the KUCCPS Second Revision of Choices notice for the 2025/2026 cycle invited:
- Form Four leavers who applied for degree or TVET programmes earlier in the year but were unsuccessful;
- candidates with C+ and above in the latest KCSE who had not yet applied; and
- KCSE candidates from earlier years who had never been placed by KUCCPS, for TVET programmes.
So revision is not only for those who missed out. A student who never applied in the first round can often apply during revision too.
How It Works, Step by Step
- Watch for the announcement. KUCCPS announces revision windows on its website, its official social media and in the press. Windows are short, often about a week.
- Log in to the Students’ Portal with your KCSE index number, KCSE year and password. KUCCPS says the password is your KCPE index number or birth certificate number.
- Check which programmes are still open and their minimum subject requirements. The portal only lets you choose courses you qualify for.
- Select your new choices. The FAQs say you can apply for up to six degree courses and up to four diploma, certificate or artisan courses.
- Pay, or reuse your payment. The FAQs put the application fee at Ksh 1,500 and say that for revision you use the same transaction code, so a student who paid in the first round should not pay again. Confirm the fee in the current notice before paying.
- Submit and save proof, such as a screenshot or printout of your choices.
Final placement results come out only after all revision rounds are done, and are sent by SMS and shown on the portal. For the full application process, see how to apply on the KUCCPS portal.
How to Choose Better the Second Time
Students usually miss out in the first round because every choice was a long shot. During revision:
- Compare your cluster points with recent cut-offs. If your weighted cluster points are well below a course’s last cut-off, it is unlikely to work. Our guide on using cut-off points to choose courses explains how.
- Spread your risk. Include at least two choices where your points are comfortably above the previous cut-off.
- Look at the same course at different universities. A course that was full at one university may still have space at another.
- Consider a diploma. A diploma in your field can lead to a degree later, so it is not a dead end. See TVET vs university.
Revision Is Not the Same as Transfer
Revision happens before final placement. Inter-institution transfer happens after you have been placed, if you want to move to another institution. KUCCPS charges Ksh 1,000 for transfers, and you can only transfer once. Read KUCCPS inter-institution transfer rules if that is your situation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until the last day, when the portal is busiest.
- Using a cyber café without checking the choices before submission.
- Paying a second time when your first transaction code is still valid.
- Trusting social media “agents” who promise placement for a fee. Only KUCCPS places students.
For Current KCSE Candidates
If your child is sitting KCSE this year, the best way to avoid revision altogether is a strong grade in the right cluster subjects. Learn how cluster points work, check the KCSE hub, and practise with our KCSE practice papers. Every full paper with worked answers opens with the Monthly Pass (KSh 500 by M-Pesa).