JAMB Cut-Off Marks for Nigerian Universities: Complete Guide

JAMB announces general cut-off marks at the annual Policy Meeting, but individual institutions set their own departmental cut-offs based on competition and available spaces. This guide explains how the system works.

Official JAMB Minimum Cut-Off Marks (2025/2026)

As announced at the 2025 JAMB Policy Meeting:

• Federal and State Universities: 140-150 minimum
• Private Universities: 140-150 minimum
• Polytechnics: 100 minimum
• Colleges of Education: 100 minimum
• Colleges of Nursing: 140 minimum

Note: These are baseline minimums. Most institutions set higher cut-offs for competitive courses.

How Institutional Cut-Offs Work

While JAMB sets the minimum, universities determine their departmental cut-offs based on:

• Number of applicants: More applications mean higher cut-offs
• Available spaces: Limited slots increase competition
• Post-UTME performance: Combined with JAMB score for final selection
• O'Level results: Some courses require specific subject grades

Typical Cut-Off Ranges by Course Type

Highly Competitive Courses (250-290+)

• Medicine and Surgery
• Law
• Pharmacy
• Engineering (at top universities)
• Nursing

Moderately Competitive Courses (200-250)

• Accounting
• Mass Communication
• Computer Science
• Economics
• Biochemistry

Less Competitive Courses (140-200)

• Agriculture
• Education courses
• Arts and Humanities
• Some Science courses at state universities

Sample Departmental Cut-Offs

Here are examples from various Nigerian universities:

Universities Accepting Lower Cut-Offs

Some state universities accept the minimum 140 for certain courses:

• Ebonyi State University (EBSU): 140 for many courses (except Medicine, Law, Nursing)
• Ekiti State University (EKSU): 140 for select programs
• Taraba State University: 140 for most courses

However, even at these institutions, competitive courses maintain higher thresholds.

How to Find Your Institution's Cut-Off

1. Visit your chosen institution's official website
2. Check announcements after the JAMB Policy Meeting
3. Contact the admissions office directly
4. Monitor JAMB CAPS for admission requirements

Tips for Meeting Cut-Off Requirements

• Aim 20-30 points higher: Target above the expected cut-off for safety
• Consider alternatives: Have backup course and institution choices
• Check post-UTME requirements: Your combined score matters more than JAMB alone
• Verify O'Level requirements: Some courses have specific subject requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get admission with exactly the cut-off mark?

Meeting the exact cut-off does not guarantee admission. Universities consider combined scores (JAMB + Post-UTME + O'Level) and available spaces.

Do cut-offs change every year?

Yes, cut-offs vary annually based on the number of applicants and performance. A course with 200 cut-off one year might have 220 the next year.

What if my score is below the cut-off?

Consider changing to a less competitive course or institution through JAMB's change of course/institution process before the deadline.

Official Resources

• JAMB Official Website
• JAMB iBASS (Brochure) - Check course requirements
• JAMB e-Facility Portal