The JAMB cut-off mark for the 2025/2026 academic session is one of the most searched topics by Nigerian students every year. If you have written or are planning to write the JAMB UTME, understanding how cut-off marks work — and what score you need for your chosen university and course — is essential to making smart admission decisions.
This is the most comprehensive guide to JAMB cut-off marks available online. We cover the general JAMB cut-off, university-specific cut-offs for all 170+ institutions, departmental cut-offs by course, and practical strategies to maximise your admission chances.
Last Updated: January 2025 | Author: Dr. Adebayo Okonkwo, Ph.D. Educational Administration
What Is the JAMB Cut-Off Mark?
The JAMB cut-off mark is the minimum UTME score a candidate must obtain to be eligible for admission into a Nigerian tertiary institution. There are two types of cut-off marks you need to understand:
1. JAMB General Cut-Off Mark
This is the national minimum score set by JAMB during their annual Policy Meeting. Recent general cut-off marks:
| Year | Universities | Polytechnics | Colleges of Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/2026 | 140 | 120 | 100 |
| 2024/2025 | 140 | 120 | 100 |
| 2023/2024 | 140 | 120 | 100 |
| 2022/2023 | 140 | 120 | 100 |
| 2021/2022 | 160 | 120 | 100 |
Critical point: Scoring above the general cut-off does NOT guarantee admission. It simply makes you eligible. The real cut-off that matters is the one set by your chosen university and department.
2. University and Departmental Cut-Off Marks
Each university sets its own institutional cut-off mark, which is always higher than JAMB’s general cut-off. Then, each department within the university sets an even higher departmental cut-off based on the number of applicants and available spaces.
For example:
- JAMB General Cut-Off: 140
- UNILAG Institutional Cut-Off: 200
- UNILAG Medicine Departmental Cut-Off: 285
JAMB Cut-Off Marks for Federal Universities 2025/2026
| University | Abbreviation | State | General Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Lagos | UNILAG | Lagos | 200 |
| University of Ibadan | UI | Oyo | 200 |
| University of Benin | UNIBEN | Edo | 200 |
| Obafemi Awolowo University | OAU | Osun | 200 |
| University of Nigeria | UNN | Enugu | 200 |
| Ahmadu Bello University | ABU | Kaduna | 200 |
| University of Ilorin | UNILORIN | Kwara | 200 |
| University of Port Harcourt | UNIPORT | Rivers | 200 |
| University of Calabar | UNICAL | Cross River | 180 |
| University of Jos | UNIJOS | Plateau | 180 |
| FUTA | FUTA | Ondo | 180 |
| FUTO | FUTO | Imo | 180 |
| FUOYE | FUOYE | Ekiti | 180 |
| FUL Lokoja | FUL | Kogi | 180 |
| MOUAU | MOUAU | Abia | 180 |
For the complete list with departmental cut-offs, click on each university name above or browse our Federal Universities section.
JAMB Cut-Off Marks by Course 2025/2026
Different courses have vastly different levels of competitiveness. Here are the typical cut-off mark ranges across federal universities:
| Course | Typical Range (Federal) | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine and Surgery | 250–285 | 🔴 Very High |
| Law | 230–270 | 🔴 Very High |
| Pharmacy | 230–260 | 🔴 High |
| Nursing Science | 220–250 | 🟡 High |
| Computer Science | 200–230 | 🟡 Moderate-High |
| Engineering (all) | 200–240 | 🟡 Moderate-High |
| Mass Communication | 200–240 | 🟡 Moderate |
| Accounting | 200–230 | 🟡 Moderate |
| Economics | 190–220 | 🟢 Moderate |
| Political Science | 180–210 | 🟢 Moderate-Low |
| Education courses | 180–200 | 🟢 Low |
| Agriculture courses | 180–200 | 🟢 Low |
How Is the JAMB Cut-Off Mark Decided?
The general JAMB cut-off mark is determined at the JAMB Policy Meeting, held annually. Attendees include:
- The JAMB Registrar
- Vice Chancellors of Nigerian universities
- Provosts of Colleges of Education
- Rectors of Polytechnics
- Representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education
- The National Universities Commission (NUC)
Factors considered include total number of candidates, score distribution, available admission spaces, and performance trends.
Individual universities then set their own cut-offs based on applicant demand, available spaces, and Senate decisions.
What Score Do You Need? Use Our Calculator
Instead of guessing, use our free JAMB Admission Calculator. Enter your exact score, select your course, and instantly see which universities give you the best chances — colour-coded as 🟢 High, 🟡 Moderate, or 🔴 Low probability.
Score-Specific Guides
Find detailed university lists for your exact score range:
- Universities That Accept 180 in JAMB
- Universities That Accept 200 in JAMB
- Universities That Accept 250 in JAMB
What to Do After Checking Cut-Off Marks
- Use the WizAdmissions Calculator for personalised recommendations
- Prepare for POST-UTME — meeting the cut-off is only step one
- Have backup options — apply to universities across different competitiveness levels
- Monitor JAMB CAPS — this is where universities formally offer admission
- Consider Direct Entry if your JAMB score is low but you have a diploma or A’Levels
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the JAMB cut-off mark for 2025/2026?
The JAMB general cut-off mark for 2025/2026 is 140 for universities, 120 for polytechnics, and 100 for colleges of education. Individual universities set higher cut-offs ranging from 180 to 200.
Can I get admission with 180 in JAMB?
Yes. Many state universities, newer federal universities, and all private universities accept 180. See our complete list.
Is the JAMB cut-off mark the same for all universities?
No. JAMB sets a general minimum, but each university sets its own higher cut-off. Competitive universities like UNILAG and UI set cut-offs at 200, while newer federal universities may accept 180.
When is the JAMB Policy Meeting?
The JAMB Policy Meeting typically takes place between June and August each year, after JAMB UTME results have been released.
This guide is updated annually. Bookmark this page and return when 2025/2026 cut-off marks are officially released.
Data sourced from JAMB Official Brochure, JAMB Policy Meeting announcements, and university admission portals. See our methodology.