Mistakes To Avoid When Applying For KUCCPS Courses And University In 2026

The process of university and college placement for candidates through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service(KUCCPS) marks an important step for candidates wishing to join institutions of higher learning after completing their secondary education.

Every year, candidates by the thousands vie for places in institutions of higher learning.

The online application platform used by the KUCCPS ensures simplicity, although minute mistakes during the procedure could greatly influence the pursuit of selection for placement by the candidate.

Finer mistakes could also lead to the candidate’s outright disqualification from selection.

To help candidates applying for KUCCPS courses and joining the university in 2026, the placement organization has pointed out some common mistakes that should be avoided.

Various mistakes can lead to missed communication, a lack of application submissions, or improper placement if they are overlooked.

Errors to Avoid While KUCCPS Application in 2026

1. Filling the contact form with incorrect phone numbers

One of the most basic yet serious errors applicants make is submitting incorrect contact details.

KUCCPS has cautioned that “If you fill the contact form with incorrect details, you risk missing out on important KUCCPS communication that is sent to applicants periodically through the contacts they submitted.”

Official updates on application windows, revisions, and placement results are sent using the phone number provided.

Also Read: KUCCPS Admission Process: Step-by-Step Guide And Required Documents

2. Leaving courses in the Course Basket without submitting an application

Selecting courses and adding them to the Course Basket does not complete the application.

According to KUCCPS, “Application does not end at the Course Basket. You must submit an application to be considered.”

Applicants must click the “Application/Revision” button and then select “Apply Now” to finalize the process.

3. Applying for one programme and leaving other choices blank

KUCCPS allows applicants to select up to four programmes.

“Applicants are allowed to apply for up to four programmes,” KUCCPS notes.

Choosing only one programme limits placement chances, especially if the selected course is highly competitive.

4. Applying for the same course in all the choices

Using all choices to apply for the same course is risky.

KUCCPS warns that this is particularly dangerous for competitive programmes such as Medicine, Nursing, and Engineering.

Having varied options helps reduce the risk of missing placement entirely.

5. Choosing only one course in only one institution

By limiting it to one course within one institution, the opportunities available after placement are greatly limited.

KUCCPS advises applicants to explore multiple institutions offering similar programmes to improve their chances.

Also Read: What Students Must Do Before Applying For KUCCPS Courses

6. Courses are randomly placed in the application form

The order of courses matters.

According to KUCCPS, applicants should list programs in order of preference, commencing from Choice No. 4 as the least preferred.

Failure to do so may result in placement in a course that was not a priority.

7. Using the M-Pesa Transaction ID to apply as opposed to the eCitizen Account

Lastly, applicants are encouraged to use the proper eCitizen account details when making submissions for the application process.

KUCCPS makes a point to indicate that “Use the eCitizen account to submit.”

The account number for eCitizen can be acquired from the payment confirmation message for M-Pesa, and it consists of only letters.

Through the avoidance of these errors, applicants are able to increase their success rate in being appropriately placed through the 2026 KUCCPS admission process.

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Students during a past KCSE exam. PHOTO/UGC.