How JAMB Calculates Admission with UTME and Post UTME Score (2025 Guide)

For millions of Nigerian students, gaining admission into a university, polytechnic, or college of education begins with the JAMB UTME exam. But writing the UTME alone does not guarantee admission. After JAMB, most schools require candidates to sit for a Post UTME screening or similar internal evaluation.

This leads to one of the most common questions among admission seekers in Nigeria: how does JAMB calculate admission with both UTME and Post UTME scores?

In 2025, understanding this calculation is more important than ever. With over 1.5 million candidates competing for limited admission slots each year, knowing the formula and strategy can help you prepare smarter and increase your chances of securing admission.

This comprehensive guide explains everything step by step:

• What JAMB UTME and Post UTME scores mean.

• The standard formula schools use to combine UTME and Post UTME.

• Why O’level results are sometimes included in the calculation.

• Examples of admission score calculations for clarity.

• The difference between JAMB’s role and the institution’s role.

• How cut-off marks are set and applied.

• Practical strategies to maximize your aggregate score.

• Common myths and mistakes students make.

By the end, you’ll have a complete understanding of how JAMB and universities in Nigeria calculate admission scores, so you can approach your admission process with confidence.

Why Understanding Admission Calculation Matters in 2025

The admission process in Nigeria is highly competitive. Every year, hundreds of thousands of candidates score above 200 in UTME, but only a fraction secure admission.

One major reason for this gap is the admission calculation system. Many students wrongly assume that UTME alone determines admission, only to be disappointed when their Post UTME or aggregate score falls below the cut-off mark.

By clearly understanding how UTME and Post UTME are combined, you can:

• Choose your institution wisely.

• Set realistic score targets.

• Avoid being misled by rumors or misinformation.

• Improve your preparation strategy.

• Maximize your chances of admission even with moderate UTME scores.

What is JAMB UTME Score?

The UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) is the exam conducted by JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board).

• It tests four subjects relevant to your chosen course (e.g., English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry for Engineering).

• The maximum score is 400.

• Each subject is marked over 100 and then combined.

Example:

• English – 60

• Mathematics – 70

• Physics – 80

• Chemistry – 90
  Total = 300/400

This score is the first step in the admission process.

What is Post UTME Score?

After UTME, most institutions conduct an internal screening exam or test called Post UTME.

• The maximum score varies by school (often 100 marks).

• It usually tests similar subjects to UTME, sometimes including general knowledge.

• Some schools no longer write physical exams but calculate Post UTME score based on screening of UTME, O’level, and other criteria.

Post UTME is important because it allows schools to further reduce the number of candidates to match available admission slots.

How JAMB Calculates Admission with UTME and Post UTME

The admission score, often called the aggregate score, is usually calculated by combining UTME score, Post UTME score, and sometimes O’level grades.

Although formulas vary slightly across institutions, the most common method is:

Step 1: Convert UTME Score to 50%

• Divide your UTME score by 8.

• This gives a score out of 50.

Example:
UTME Score = 280
UTME Contribution = 280 ÷ 8 = 35/50

Step 2: Convert Post UTME Score to 50%

• Divide Post UTME score by 2.

• This also gives a score out of 50.

Example:
Post UTME Score = 70
Post UTME Contribution = 70 ÷ 2 = 35/50

Step 3: Add Both to Get Aggregate Score

UTME Contribution + Post UTME Contribution = Aggregate Score

Example:
35 (UTME) + 35 (Post UTME) = 70/100

This final aggregate is compared to the institution’s cut-off mark for your chosen course.

Variations in Admission Calculation

Not all schools use the same formula. Some include O’level grades, while others rely only on UTME and Post UTME.

1. UTME + Post UTME Only

• Example: University of Lagos (UNILAG).

• Formula: UTME ÷ 8 + Post UTME ÷ 2.

2. UTME + Post UTME + O’level

• Example: University of Benin (UNIBEN).

• O’level grades are scored (A1 = 6 points, B2 = 5 points, etc.).

• O’level contribution is added to UTME and Post UTME.

3. Screening Method Without Post UTME Exam

• Some universities and polytechnics use only UTME + O’level.

• Aggregate may be: UTME ÷ 8 + O’level points.

4. Weighted System

• A few institutions assign different percentages:

  • UTME: 60%

  • Post UTME: 30%

  • O’level: 10%

Detailed Example Calculations

Let’s look at three real-life styled examples for clarity.

Example 1: Candidate A

• UTME Score = 280

• Post UTME Score = 70

UTME Contribution = 280 ÷ 8 = 35
Post UTME Contribution = 70 ÷ 2 = 35
Aggregate = 70/100

Example 2: Candidate B (with O’level Points)

• UTME Score = 250

• Post UTME Score = 60

• O’level = 5 credits with A1 in 3 subjects, B2 in 2 subjects = 28 points

Formula: (UTME ÷ 8) + (Post UTME ÷ 2) + O’level ÷ 2
= (250 ÷ 8) + (60 ÷ 2) + (28 ÷ 2)
= 31.25 + 30 + 14
Aggregate = 75.25/100

Example 3: Candidate C (Screening Only)

• UTME Score = 300

• O’level Points = 25

Formula: (UTME ÷ 8) + O’level Points
= 37.5 + 25
Aggregate = 62.5/100

How Schools Use Aggregate Scores for Admission

Each school sets a cut-off mark for courses.

• Competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering have higher cut-offs.

• Less competitive courses have lower cut-offs.

If your aggregate score is:

• Above the cut-off – you stand a strong chance of admission.

• Equal to the cut-off – you may be admitted depending on quota.

• Below the cut-off – your chances are slim.

Role of JAMB vs Role of Institutions

It’s important to understand who does what.

• JAMB’s Role: Conducts UTME, regulates admission, approves admission lists.

• Institution’s Role: Conducts Post UTME, calculates aggregate, selects qualified candidates.

Final admission is uploaded on the JAMB CAPS (Central Admission Processing System).

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Over-reliance on UTME Score: Many students think a high UTME alone guarantees admission.

2. Ignoring Post UTME: Some fail to prepare well for Post UTME, reducing their aggregate.

3. Wrong Subject Combination: Even with high scores, wrong subjects disqualify you.

4. Misunderstanding Cut-off Marks: Assuming all courses have the same cut-off.

5. Neglecting O’level Grades: Poor O’level can reduce your aggregate significantly in schools that include it.

Strategies to Increase Your Admission Chances

1. Score High in UTME: Aim for 250+ to have a strong foundation.

2. Prepare Seriously for Post UTME: Treat it as important as UTME.

3. Improve O’level Performance: Get good grades in core subjects.

4. Choose Institutions Wisely: Some schools are more competitive than others.

5. Apply for Less Competitive Courses: This increases your admission chances.

6. Understand the Formula of Your School: Tailor your preparation to the calculation method used.

Summary Table: JAMB Admission Calculation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How does JAMB calculate admission score?

By combining UTME (usually 50%) and Post UTME (usually 50%), and sometimes O’level results depending on the institution.

2. What is the formula for aggregate score?

UTME ÷ 8 + Post UTME ÷ 2 (for schools that use only UTME and Post UTME).

3. Do all schools include O’level in admission calculation?

No. Some schools use it, others rely only on UTME and Post UTME.

4. What is the highest aggregate score possible?

100, if you score maximum in both UTME and Post UTME.

5. Can a high UTME alone secure admission?

Not usually. You also need a good Post UTME score and meet O’level requirements.

6. Is Post UTME more important than UTME?

Both are important. Poor performance in either reduces your aggregate.

7. How do I calculate aggregate if my school uses screening only?

Add your UTME contribution (UTME ÷ 8) to O’level points.

8. Can I gain admission with 180 in UTME?

Yes, but chances depend on your Post UTME score and course cut-off.

9. Who sets the cut-off mark?

JAMB sets the general minimum, but institutions set departmental cut-offs.

10. Does JAMB decide who gets admitted?

No. Institutions calculate aggregates and recommend candidates. JAMB only approves and regulates through CAPS.

Conclusion: How JAMB Calculates Admission with UTME and Post UTME

In Nigeria’s 2025 admission process, your aggregate score is the real key to admission—not just UTME or Post UTME alone.

• JAMB provides the UTME score.

• Institutions add Post UTME and sometimes O’level grades.

• The combined aggregate is compared with the cut-off for your chosen course.

To secure admission, you must perform well in all components—UTME, Post UTME, and O’level. By understanding the calculation method of your chosen institution and preparing strategically, you can maximize your aggregate score and improve your chances of being admitted this year.