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1. What is a Cut‑Off Mark? Definition & Key Terms

1.1 Definition of General Cut‑Off Mark

A general cut‑off mark is the minimum UTME score (set by JAMB or the institution) you need to sit for the screening exercise or Post‑UTME. For UNILAG 2025/2026, this is the lowest acceptable JAMB score you must have before you can be considered for admission or to apply for their screening.

1.2 Definition of Departmental / Merit Cut‑Off Mark

The departmental cut‑off (or merit cut‑off) is the minimum total or aggregate score for a specific course at UNILAG. It is usually higher than the general cut‑off. It includes your UTME score, your Post‑UTME performance, and sometimes other scores or weightings. It indicates how well you must do to reasonably expect admission into that course.

1.3 Related Terms (LSI & Keywords)

• UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination)
• Post‑UTME screening / aptitude test
• Aggregate score / aggregate mark
• Merit list / departmental merit
• Catchment quota / catchment area score
• Subject combination
• Cut‑off mark for competitive courses

2. General UNILAG UTME Cut‑Off Mark 2025/2026

Multiple credible sources show that UNILAG has set its general UTME cut‑off mark for 2025/2026 at 200 and above. (Campus Focus)

This means:

• If you score below 200 in your JAMB UTME, UNILAG will usually not allow you to do the Post‑UTME screening.
• If you score 200 or more, and you meet other requirements (O’Level credits, subject combination, UNILAG as first choice etc.), then you are eligible for Post‑UTME.

However, note that some courses require higher departmental cut‑off marks because many students apply and competition is strong.

3. Departmental / Merit Cut‑Off Marks: What They Are & Examples

The departmental (merit) cut‑off mark is specific to each course. Some examples are given by sources; they vary per course. If you want a competitive course, the departmental cut‑off may require a mark significantly higher than 200.

Here are some examples reported:

Examples of Departmental Cut‑Off Marks (Estimated / Reported)

These numbers (like “82.125” etc.) are aggregate percent‑like scores (or scaled values), not raw JAMB UTME marks. They result from combining UTME, Post‑UTME and other scoring metrics.

Important Observations

• For “hard” or very competitive courses (Medicine, Law, Engineering, Pharmacy, etc.), departmental cut‑off marks are much higher.
• For less competitive courses (Education, Arts, etc.), departmental cut‑off marks are lower and easier to meet, but still above general cut‑off.
• Having general cut‑off (200) does not guarantee you’ll meet departmental cut‑off.

4. How UNILAG Calculates Cut‑Off: UTME + Post‑UTME / Aggregate Score

To understand cut‑off marks well, you must know how UNILAG arrives at the merit cut‑off or aggregate.

4.1 Components That Influence the Aggregate

Here are the key parts:

• Your UTME score: How many you scored out of 400 in the JAMB UTME.
• Your Post‑UTME screening score (or aptitude test score): UNILAG conducts Post‑UTME test, sometimes an online aptitude test or paper‑based test. How you perform here influences your aggregate.
• O’Level / WAEC / NECO results: Good grades in required subjects; include English, Mathematics, and subjects relevant to your course. Poor grades can reduce your competitiveness.
• Catchment area or state quota: Sometimes, candidates from Lagos or nearby states may have slightly different merit benchmarks due to catchment system. Some sources report catchment scores. (MyCampusPlug NG)

4.2 How the Aggregate Might Be Computed (Example Formula)

Different people report different methods, but a common method is:

1. Normalize UTME: For example, divide UTME score by 8 to get a percentage‑like scale.
2. Normalize Post‑UTME: For example, divide Post‑UTME score by 2 or other factor, depending how many marks are given.
3. Add them up: UTME normalized + Post‑UTME normalized = aggregate.

Example from one source: If your UTME is 250 (out of 400), divided by 8 gives about 31.25; if your Post‑UTME is 80, divided by 2 gives 40; sum = 71.25 aggregate. (MyCampusPlug NG)

This aggregate might then be compared to departmental cut‑off aggregates (like 75, 80 etc.) for competitive courses.

4.3 Why Departmental Cut‑Off Mark Vary Widely

• Because of number of applicants: More applicants → more competition → higher cut‑off.
• Because of difficulty of course: Medicine & Surgery will usually demand higher performance than, say, Education.
• Because of performance of applicants: If many candidates do very well, departmental cut‑off may rise. If many perform poorly, it may drop.
• Because of quota, catchment & state of origin policies: Some universities adjust for local quotas.

5. How to Use Cut‑Off Marks to Choose Your Course Wisely

Knowing cut‑off marks is helpful for planning. Here are ways to use them:

5.1 Compare Your Scores

• Compare your UTME score with general cut‑off (200). If you are below that, you may not be eligible for Post‑UTME.
• If your UTME is above 200, then look at departmental cut‑off of desired course. If your aggregate (or likely aggregate) is close or above that, you may be safe.

5.2 Choose Courses with Realistic Cut‑Offs

• If your UTME and expected Post‑UTME performance are average, picking extremely competitive courses may risk rejection.
• Choose courses whose departmental cut‑off is moderately high but realistic for your ability.
• For example, if your UTME is 220, and you expect good Post‑UTME score, you might try courses with cut‑off around 70‑75 aggregate.

5.3 Improve Your Chances

• Study for and do well in Post‑UTME—this can increase your aggregate significantly.
• Make sure your O’Level grades are strong.
• If you are from catchment area or a state with quota advantage, use that.
• Don’t use wrong subject combinations.

5.4 Use Cut‑Off Marks in Plan B

• If you see you cannot reach a departmental cut‑off of your dream course, have a backup course with lower cut‑off.
• Also consider direct entry, foundation, or less competitive departments and then transfer later if possible.

6. Pros & Cons of UNILAG Cut‑Off Policy

Every policy has good and bad sides. Understanding pros and cons helps you plan better.

6.1 Pros

• Merit‑based selection: Helps ensure students admitted have achieved enough to succeed in the course.
• Transparency: When cut‑off marks are published or known, you know what targets to aim for.
• Reduces crowding: By setting higher cut‑off for competitive courses, admission is manageable.
• Encourages better preparation: You know you must score well in UTME, Post‑UTME, O’Level. This motivates students to work harder.

6.2 Cons

• Pressure on students: High departmental cut‑offs raise stress; some students may feel discouraged.
• Risk of missing desired course: If you just fall short, you may be denied a course you hoped for.
• Over‑emphasis on scores: Other qualities (like creativity, practical skills) may be devalued.
• Catchment / quota may disadvantage out‑of‑state students: Though policies try fairness, state of origin or catchment may influence cut‑off, making it harder for some.

7. Comparisons: UNILAG vs Other Top Nigerian Universities’ Cut‑Off Marks

It helps to see UNILAG compared to other universities for perspective:

(Note: Data for other universities changes each year; always check current session details.)

8. Examples of Cut‑Off Marks for Specific Courses

Here are more course‑by‑course examples to illustrate how high or low some departmental cut‑offs are. These are based on reported data. Use them as guidance, not guaranteed values.

9. Summary Table Before Conclusion

Here’s a summary table you can use as a checklist to know what to aim for, depending on your course.

10. Conclusion

UNILAG cut‑off marks for the 2025/2026 admission session are a guide to help you plan and aim your best. The general UTME cut‑off is 200, which you must score at least to be eligible for Post‑UTME. But to gain admission into specific courses, you need to aim higher—meeting the departmental / merit cut‑off aggregate that varies by course (Medicine, Engineering, Law, etc.).

Here’s how you can increase your chances:

• Study well for UTME so you score well above 200.
• Prepare thoroughly for Post‑UTME.
• Get good grades in your O’Level, in relevant subjects.
• Choose subject combinations correctly.
• Explore catchment advantages if applicable.
• Always check official UNILAG and JAMB portals for updated cut‑offs.