JAMB Cut-Off Marks for 2025/2026 Admission Into Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics & Colleges
JAMB Cut-Off Marks for 2025/2026 Admission Into Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics & Colleges
Every year, thousands of students sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination with hopes of gaining admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. One important factor that determines whether a candidate is eligible for admission is the cut-off mark.
The cut-off mark serves as the minimum score a candidate must obtain in their JAMB UTME before being considered for admission into a university, polytechnic, college of education, or nursing school. For the 2025/2026 admission cycle, JAMB has officially released the required national minimum cut-off marks.
Official JAMB Cut-Off Marks for 2025/2026
At the 2025 policy meeting held in Abuja, JAMB announced the national minimum cut-off marks for various categories of tertiary institutions. They are as follows:
- Universities: 150
- Colleges of Nursing Sciences: 140
- Polytechnics, Colleges of Education, and Colleges of Agriculture: 100
This means any candidate who scores below these thresholds will not be eligible for admission into the respective institutions.
What These Cut-Off Marks Really Mean
Many students often misunderstand the purpose of the JAMB cut-off mark. It is important to note that
- It is the baseline, not the final admission score. Scoring 150 qualifies you to be considered for admission into a university, but it does not guarantee a place.
- Schools set their own departmental cut-off marks. While JAMB provides the minimum, each institution has the right to raise the bar depending on the competitiveness of the course. For example, Medicine, Law, and Engineering may require much higher scores than the general JAMB minimum.
- Other factors are considered in admission. Your O’Level results (WAEC/NECO), Post-UTME performance, and sometimes catchment area policies are also considered before final admission is granted.
Why the Cut-Off Mark Is Important
The announcement of cut-off marks helps candidates in several ways:
- It gives clarity on whether they are qualified to apply to their chosen institution.
- It allows candidates to make informed choices when selecting universities, polytechnics, or colleges.
- It motivates students to prepare better for Post-UTME exams since many institutions use them to further screen candidates.
Examples of Institutional Cut-Off Marks
Even though JAMB has set the national minimum, institutions usually publish their own cut-off points for different courses. For example:
- A federal university may fix its general cut-off mark at 180 but require 220 and above for courses like Medicine, Dentistry, or Pharmacy.
- A polytechnic might accept 120 for some courses but set 150 or higher for competitive departments such as Mass Communication or Accountancy.
This is why students should not only rely on the JAMB baseline but also check the official admission requirements of their chosen schools.
What to Do If You Score Below the Cut-Off Mark
If your score falls below the national minimum, unfortunately, you won’t be eligible for admission in the 2025/2026 session. However, you still have options:
- Consider a change of institution to one with lower entry requirements if your score meets their standard.
- Apply for part-time or diploma programmes that do not require JAMB.
- Wait and prepare better for the next JAMB exam to secure a higher score.
Final Thoughts
To summarize, the JAMB cut-off marks for 2025/2026 are:
| Institution Type | Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|
| Universities | 150 |
| Colleges of Nursing Sciences | 140 |
| Polytechnics / Colleges of Education / Agriculture | 100 |
These figures serve as the national minimum benchmarks. Candidates must still check the specific cut-off marks set by their chosen schools and departments, as many institutions fix higher requirements.
Getting admitted into a Nigerian tertiary institution is not just about meeting the JAMB cut-off mark—it also depends on strong O’Level results, good performance in Post-UTME, and meeting your school’s departmental requirements.
So, aim higher than the minimum and prepare thoroughly to increase your chances of admission.
