The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) oversees admissions into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Understanding the cut-off marks for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education for the 2025/2026 academic session is essential for students seeking admission.
This guide provides detailed insights into JAMB cut-off marks, factors affecting them, and how to improve your chances of securing admission.
Understanding JAMB Cut-off Marks for 2025/2026
A JAMB cut-off mark is the minimum score a candidate must achieve in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to qualify for admission into a specific institution or course.
While JAMB sets the baseline, institutions can establish higher cut-off marks depending on their standards and course competitiveness.
For the 2025/2026 session:
Universities: Minimum cut-off mark is 140.
Polytechnics: Minimum cut-off mark is 100.
Colleges of Education: Minimum cut-off mark is 100.
Why JAMB Cut-off Marks Matter
Cut-off marks ensure that institutions admit candidates who meet basic academic requirements.
However, scoring the minimum cut-off mark does not guarantee admission. Institutions consider other factors like:
Post-UTME scores
O’level results
Catchment areas
Quota allocations
Specific course requirements
Some competitive courses such as Medicine, Law, and Engineering may have higher departmental cut-off marks.
Factors Influencing JAMB Cut-off Marks
Several factors determine cut-off marks each year:
Candidate performance: Higher average scores in UTME often lead to higher cut-off marks.
Admission capacity: Institutions with limited spaces may set higher benchmarks.
Course popularity: Competitive courses typically demand higher scores.
Institutional policies: Universities, polytechnics, and colleges may adjust their cut-off marks to maintain standards.
Strategies to Score Above JAMB Cut-off Marks
Start Early Preparation: Begin studying months before the exam.
Target High Scores: Aim to exceed the minimum cut-off by at least 20-50 points.
Practice Regularly: Use past questions to understand the exam format.
Strengthen Weak Areas: Focus on subjects where you perform poorly.
Stay Updated: Regularly check for updates on JAMB policies and exam schedules.
Institution-Specific Cut-off Marks for 2025/2026
Federal Universities (Minimum 140)
University of Lagos (UNILAG): 200 for Law and Medicine.
Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA): 180 for most engineering courses.
University of Ibadan (UI): 200 for competitive courses like Medicine and Law.
Polytechnics (Minimum 100)
Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro: 150 for engineering courses.
Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH): 120 for various programs.
Colleges of Education (Minimum 100)
Federal College of Education, Zaria: 100 for all courses.
Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo: 110 for some competitive courses.
How to Calculate Your Aggregate Score
Your aggregate score combines your JAMB score, post-UTME score, and sometimes O’level results.
Example (50:50 ratio):
JAMB score = 250, Post-UTME = 70.
Aggregate = (250/400 x 50) + (70/100 x 50) = 62.5 + 35 = 97.5
Including O’level (50:30:20 ratio):
If O’level scores contribute 20%:
Aggregate = (250/400 x 50) + (70/100 x 30) + (25/30 x 20) = 100.2
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the JAMB cut-off mark for 2025/2026?
The minimum cut-off mark is 140 for universities and 100 for polytechnics and colleges of education.
2. Does scoring the minimum guarantee admission?
No, other factors such as post-UTME scores and O’level results are considered.
3. Can I change my institution or course after JAMB?
Yes, JAMB allows changes through its portal for a fee.
4. How can I check my JAMB result?
Results can be checked on the JAMB website using your registration number.
Bottom Line
To maximize your chances of admission in the 2025/2026 session, aim to score well above the minimum cut-off mark, prepare thoroughly for post-UTME, and meet all institutional requirements.
Always stay informed about specific requirements for your preferred institution and course.
Success begins with preparation, and with the right strategy, admission is within reach.