The University of Calabar (UNICAL) is a well-established federal university in Cross River State. Known for its serene campus environment and relatively affordable living costs, UNICAL has become a popular choice for students across the South-South, South-East, and increasingly from other regions. UNICAL offers strong programmes in Medicine, Law, Sciences, and the Humanities.
With a general cut-off that is lower than universities like UNILAG and UI, UNICAL represents a strategic option for candidates with moderate JAMB scores who still want a federal university experience.
Last Updated: February 2025 | Author: Mrs. Chidinma Eze
About UNICAL
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | University of Calabar |
| Abbreviation | UNICAL |
| Type | Federal University |
| Location | Calabar, Cross River State |
| Founded | 1975 |
| Website | unical.edu.ng |
UNICAL General JAMB Cut-Off Mark
| Academic Session | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
| 2025/2026 | 180 |
| 2024/2025 | 180 |
| 2023/2024 | 180 |
| 2022/2023 | 180 |
UNICAL’s general cut-off of 180 is lower than many top-tier federal universities, making it accessible to a wider pool of candidates.
UNICAL Departmental Cut-Off Marks 2025/2026
College of Medical Sciences
| Course | Cut-Off Mark | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine and Surgery | 250 | ✅ Available |
| Pharmacy | 235 | ✅ Available |
| Nursing Science | 225 | ✅ Available |
| Medical Laboratory Science | 215 | ✅ Available |
| Radiography | 210 | ✅ Available |
Faculty of Law
| Course | Cut-Off Mark | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Law | 240 | ✅ Available |
Faculty of Engineering
| Course | Cut-Off Mark | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 210 | ✅ Available |
| Electrical/Electronic Engineering | 210 | ✅ Available |
| Civil Engineering | 205 | ✅ Available |
| Chemical Engineering | 205 | ✅ Available |
Faculty of Science
| Course | Cut-Off Mark | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 200 | ✅ Available |
| Biochemistry | 190 | ✅ Available |
| Microbiology | 185 | ✅ Available |
| Physics | 185 | ✅ Available |
| Mathematics | 180 | ✅ Available |
| Chemistry | 185 | ✅ Available |
Faculty of Management Sciences
| Course | Cut-Off Mark | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting | 200 | ✅ Available |
| Business Administration | 195 | ✅ Available |
| Banking and Finance | 195 | ✅ Available |
| Marketing | 190 | ✅ Available |
| Public Administration | 185 | ✅ Available |
Faculty of Social Sciences
| Course | Cut-Off Mark | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | 195 | ✅ Available |
| Mass Communication | 210 | ✅ Available |
| Political Science | 185 | ✅ Available |
| Sociology | 185 | ✅ Available |
| International Relations | 195 | ✅ Available |
Faculty of Arts
| Course | Cut-Off Mark | Status |
|---|---|---|
| English and Literary Studies | 190 | ✅ Available |
| History and International Studies | 180 | ✅ Available |
| Philosophy | 180 | ✅ Available |
| Religious Studies | 180 | ✅ Available |
| Theatre Arts | 180 | ✅ Available |
Faculty of Education
| Course | Cut-Off Mark | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Education/English | 180 | ✅ Available |
| Education/Mathematics | 180 | ✅ Available |
| Education/Biology | 180 | ✅ Available |
| Guidance and Counselling | 180 | ✅ Available |
Why UNICAL Is a Strategic Choice
UNICAL offers several advantages that candidates often overlook:
- Lower cut-offs than top-tier federal universities: Medicine at UNICAL (250) is significantly more accessible than UNILAG (285) or UI (280)
- Full federal university status: Your degree carries the same weight as any other federal university
- Affordable cost of living: Calabar is significantly cheaper than Lagos or Ibadan
- Beautiful campus: UNICAL is known as one of the most attractive university campuses in Nigeria
- Peaceful environment: Cross River State is one of Nigeria’s safest states for students
- Tourism opportunities: Calabar hosts the famous Calabar Carnival and is close to natural attractions
UNICAL Aggregate Score Formula
- JAMB UTME Score: 50%
- POST-UTME Score: 30%
- O’Level Grades: 20%
UNICAL POST-UTME Screening
UNICAL conducts POST-UTME through a Computer-Based Test. The screening is well-organised and the questions are generally at JAMB level or slightly below. UNICAL’s POST-UTME is considered one of the more straightforward among federal universities.
Tips for UNICAL POST-UTME:
- Questions tend to be direct and less tricky than UI or OAU
- Time is usually adequate — 50 questions in 60 minutes
- Focus on core concepts in your JAMB subjects
- UNICAL gives catchment area consideration to Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa candidates
Frequently Asked Questions
What is UNICAL cut-off mark for 2025?
UNICAL’s general cut-off is 180. Medicine requires 250, Law requires 240, and Engineering courses range from 205 to 210. Many Arts and Education courses accept the general cut-off of 180.
Can I study Medicine at UNICAL with 250?
Yes, 250 meets UNICAL’s Medicine cut-off exactly. With a strong POST-UTME performance (75%+) and good O’Level grades, you have a realistic chance. Use our calculator for a detailed assessment.
Is UNICAL a good university?
Yes. UNICAL is a well-established federal university with NUC accreditation for most programmes. Its Medical School is attached to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), providing quality clinical training. The university has a strong reputation in the South-South region.
Does UNICAL accept second choice candidates?
UNICAL primarily considers first-choice candidates. However, in some years and for some courses, second-choice candidates may be considered if spaces are available after first-choice admissions.
Check your UNICAL admission chances →
Data sourced from JAMB Brochure and UNICAL official admissions portal.