JAMB 2025/2026 Cut-Off Marks for Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges

Are you preparing for the JAMB 2025 exams? Or are you wondering what the approved cut-off marks will be for Nigerian universities and other institutions in the 2025/2026 academic session? If you’ve been searching for a comprehensive guide to understand the JAMB cut-off mark system and how to increase your chances of gaining admission into your dream school, you are in the right place.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) plays a crucial role in determining the academic journey of thousands of Nigerian students every year. One of the most important aspects of this process is the cut-off mark system, which can be quite confusing for many candidates because the marks may vary each year and differ from institution to institution.

In this detailed guide, we will break down everything you need to know about the JAMB 2025/2026 cut-off marks for Nigerian universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and colleges of nursing. You will also learn:

• What JAMB cut-off marks mean and why they matter

• How cut-off marks are determined each year

• The official JAMB 2025/2026 cut-off marks for all categories of institutions

• What to expect from top universities and competitive courses

• Practical strategies to score higher and secure admission

• Common myths about cut-off marks and the truth behind them

What Are JAMB Cut-Off Marks?

A JAMB cut-off mark is the minimum score a candidate must achieve in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to be considered for admission into any tertiary institution in Nigeria.

This mark is essential because:

• It acts as a benchmark for eligibility in the next stage of the admission process, such as post-UTME or direct entry screening.

• It ensures institutions can manage the number of applicants.

• It differs across institutions and courses, depending on their popularity and available slots.

In simpler terms, if you do not meet the cut-off mark for your chosen institution or course, you may not be considered for admission even if you applied.

How Are JAMB Cut-Off Marks Determined?

JAMB does not randomly pick cut-off marks each year. Several key factors influence the decision:

1. Overall Performance of Candidates

   • If most candidates perform poorly in a given year, the cut-off marks may be lower to accommodate more students.

   • Conversely, if the general performance is high, the cut-off marks may be raised.

2. Institutional Capacity

   • Schools with large capacities may have lower cut-off marks to fill available spaces.

   • Universities with limited space often increase their cut-off marks to control the number of applicants.

3. Demand for Specific Courses

   • Courses like Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Pharmacy usually attract more applicants, so their cut-off marks are higher.

4. Institutional Policies

   • Each university or college can adopt internal policies that influence their final cut-off mark decisions.

Official JAMB 2025/2026 Cut-Off Marks (Just Released)

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the general minimum cut-off marks for the 2025/2026 academic session:

• Universities: 150

• Polytechnics and Colleges of Education: 100

• Colleges of Nursing: 140

Important: These cut-off marks are the minimum benchmarks. Institutions are free to set higher cut-off marks for their courses based on competition and internal standards.

This means that any candidate who scores below these marks will not be eligible for admission into the respective institutions.

Top Universities’ Cut-Off Marks (Above JAMB Minimum)

Some prestigious universities in Nigeria are known to set cut-off marks that are far higher than JAMB’s general minimum because of their popularity and limited spaces. Examples include:

• University of Lagos (UNILAG)

• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

• University of Ibadan (UI)

These institutions may set their own cut-off marks at 200 to 250 or even higher, depending on the course.

Cut-Off Marks for Competitive Courses

Certain courses are highly competitive, so the cut-off marks are naturally higher:

• Medicine & Surgery: 270 – 280

• Law: 250 – 270

• Engineering: 240 – 260

• Pharmacy: 250 – 270

Candidates applying for these courses are advised to aim well above the general minimum to stand a good chance.

Less Competitive Courses

Courses with less demand usually have lower cut-off marks. Examples include:

• Education-related courses

• Agriculture

• Arts and Humanities

For these courses, cut-off marks may range between 180 and 220, provided the candidate meets JAMB’s general minimum.

Pro Tip: Always confirm the official cut-off mark for your course directly from your institution’s admission portal.

How to Secure Admission with the Right JAMB Score

Understanding the cut-off marks is just the first step. The real task is ensuring you score high enough to meet or exceed the required marks. Here are actionable tips:

1. Start Preparing Early

   • Don’t wait until the last minute. Begin studying months in advance.

   • Use a realistic timetable that covers all your subjects.

2. Use JAMB Past Questions

   • Practicing past questions helps you understand the exam format and question patterns.

3. Take JAMB Mock Exams

   • This simulates the real exam environment and helps you manage time effectively.

4. Master Time Management

   • Each question has a time limit. Learn to answer quickly and accurately.

5. Join a Study Group or Enroll in Tutorials

   • Collaborating with other students can expose you to new ideas and helpful tips.

6. Focus on the Syllabus

   • JAMB publishes a syllabus each year. Cover every topic in it because anything outside the syllabus is unlikely to appear.

Common Myths About JAMB Cut-Off Marks (Debunked)

There is a lot of misinformation about JAMB cut-off marks. Here are the facts:

• Myth 1: Scoring above the cut-off mark guarantees admission.

  • Reality: Admission also depends on post-UTME, O’level results, and available quotas.

• Myth 2: Cut-off marks stay the same every year.

  • Reality: They can change based on candidate performance and institutional decisions.

• Myth 3: Meeting the general JAMB cut-off mark is enough for any course.

  • Reality: Competitive courses and top universities often have much higher cut-off marks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the minimum cut-off mark for JAMB 2025/2026?
The minimum cut-off marks are: 150 for universities, 100 for polytechnics and colleges of education, and 140 for colleges of nursing.

2. Do I need to score above the cut-off mark to gain admission?
Yes. Scoring above the cut-off mark improves your chances, but admission is also influenced by other factors like post-UTME and O’level grades.

3. Can cut-off marks vary from university to university?
Yes. Each university sets its own cut-off marks for different courses.

4. What if I don’t meet the cut-off mark?
Consider applying for less competitive courses, choosing another institution, or exploring polytechnics and colleges of education.

5. When will the official JAMB cut-off marks for 2025/2026 be used?
They apply immediately after JAMB releases the 2025 exam results and during the admission process.

Final Thoughts

The JAMB 2025/2026 cut-off marks are a crucial part of your admission journey. While JAMB has set the general minimum benchmarks, most institutions—especially the top universities—will set their own higher standards for competitive courses.

To stand the best chance of securing admission:

• Aim at least 20–30 marks above your course’s cut-off mark.

• Perform strongly in post-UTME and O’level results to boost your aggregate score.

• Always confirm cut-off marks directly from your chosen institution.

With early preparation and the right strategy, you can achieve your target score and secure your admission this year.