The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) determines the minimum cut-off mark for admissions into Nigerian tertiary institutions every academic year. For the 2025/2026 academic session, JAMB has set guidelines for institutions to follow when admitting students. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the JAMB cut-off marks for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, along with answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).
JAMB Cut-Off Marks for 2025/2026 Academic Session
Universities
- Federal Universities: 160 – 200 (depending on the institution and course of study)
- State Universities: 140 – 180 (varies by state and course)
- Private Universities: 140 – 160
Polytechnics
- Federal Polytechnics: 120 – 150
- State Polytechnics: 100 – 140
- Private Polytechnics: 100 and above
Colleges of Education
- Minimum cut-off mark: 100
Course-Specific JAMB Cut-Off Marks
Medicine and Surgery
- Federal Universities: 200 – 280
- State Universities: 200 – 250
Engineering
- Federal Universities: 180 – 240
- State Universities: 160 – 220
Law
- Federal Universities: 200 – 250
- State Universities: 180 – 240
Accounting
- Federal Universities: 180 – 240
- State Universities: 160 – 200
Education Courses
- Federal Universities: 140 – 180
- State Universities: 120 – 160
Arts and Social Sciences
- Federal Universities: 150 – 200
- State Universities: 130 – 180
Factors Influencing Cut-Off Marks
- Institution’s Standards: Federal universities generally have higher cut-off marks than state or private institutions.
- Course Competitiveness: Popular courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering often have higher cut-off marks.
- Quota System: Institutions must adhere to federal admission guidelines, which sometimes influence cut-off marks.
How to Check JAMB Cut-Off Marks
To confirm the specific cut-off mark for your desired institution or course:
- Visit the official JAMB website: www.jamb.gov.ng
- Navigate to the “Admission Guidelines” section.
- Check for updates on your institution’s cut-off marks.
FAQs
1. What happens if I do not meet the JAMB cut-off mark? If you don’t meet the required cut-off mark, you can:
- Apply for a change of course or institution.
- Consider institutions with lower cut-off marks.
- Explore Pre-degree or JUPEB programs for direct entry.
2. Can I gain admission with a score below 150? Yes, some polytechnics and colleges of education accept scores as low as 100. Private institutions may also be more flexible.
3. Is the JAMB cut-off mark the only requirement for admission? No, candidates must also meet the institution’s Post-UTME requirements and subject combination criteria.
4. Are there exceptions to the cut-off marks? Yes, some courses and institutions may require higher scores due to competitiveness. It is advisable to verify directly from the institution.
5. How can I increase my chances of admission?
- Score higher than the minimum cut-off mark.
- Perform excellently in Post-UTME.
- Ensure you have the correct O’level subject combinations.
For more details, visit the JAMB portal: www.jamb.gov.ng.