What Is a Cut-Off Mark? Simple Definition

A cut-off mark is the minimum score you must get to qualify for admission into a university or write their Post-UTME.

For example:

• If ABU Zaria sets a cut-off mark of 180,

• It means you need to score 180 or more in your JAMB UTME to apply.

There are two major types of cut-off marks at ABU Zaria:

• General (JAMB) Cut-Off Mark

• Departmental Cut-Off Mark

We’ll explain both shortly.

Why ABU Zaria Cut-Off Marks Matter

Cut-off marks are very important in university admission. Here’s why:

• They help the university select the best students.

• They guide you in choosing the right course.

• They help you know if you’re qualified to apply.

• They can limit or boost your chances of gaining admission.

So, understanding the ABU Zaria cut-off mark for 2025/2026 is key to planning your academic future.

ABU Zaria General JAMB Cut-Off Mark for 2025/2026

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria usually sets a general JAMB cut-off mark which is the minimum UTME score required to apply for any course.

Expected General Cut-Off Mark for 2025/2026: 180

However, just scoring 180 doesn’t mean automatic admission. It only makes you eligible to apply.

Some courses may need much higher scores based on:

• Competition

• Number of applicants

• Availability of space

ABU Zaria Departmental Cut-Off Marks (By Course) After the general cut-off, each department at ABU sets its own departmental cut-off marks.

Here are estimated cut-off marks for top courses based on past years:

Note: Official departmental cut-off marks will be announced on the ABU portal. These figures are estimates based on past trends.

JAMB Cut-Off vs Departmental Cut-Off: What’s the Difference?

Let’s make it simple:

Example:

• You score 240 in JAMB

• ABU sets general cut-off at 180

• Medicine requires 290  You won’t qualify for Medicine

• Education requires 200  You can gain admission into Education

How to Check the ABU Zaria Cut-Off Mark

You can check the ABU cut-off mark for 2025/2026 by:

Official Website:

1. Go to www.abu.edu.ng

2. Navigate to Admissions

3. Select 2025/2026 Cut-Off Marks

4. Download or view the list by faculty or course

5. JAMB CAPS:

• Log in to your JAMB CAPS portal

• See if you meet the eligibility criteria

• JAMB will show “ADMISSION IN PROGRESS” or “NOT ADMITTED” based on your score

How to Meet or Beat ABU Zaria’s Cut-Off Mark

Here’s how to increase your chances:

1. Score High in JAMB

• Use JAMB past questions

• Attend tutorials or online classes

• Study consistently

2. Do Well in Post-UTME

• Practice CBT mock exams

• Time yourself while solving questions

• Review ABU-specific past Post-UTME questions

3. Have Strong O’Level Results

• 5 Credits in one sitting (English & Maths included)

• Some departments may require one sitting

4. Consider Changing Course

• If your score is low for Medicine, you can change to Biochemistry, Anatomy, or other related courses with lower cut-offs.

Top Courses with the Highest Cut-Off Marks at ABU

These courses are very competitive and usually require 250+ in JAMB:

1. Medicine and Surgery

2. Law

3. Pharmacy

4. Nursing

5. Computer Science

6. Mechanical & Civil Engineering

7. Accounting and Business Administration

To get in, you’ll need:

• High JAMB score (250+)

• Great Post-UTME score

• Excellent O’Level results

Courses with Low Cut-Off Marks at ABU Zaria

These courses usually have cut-off marks between 180–210:

1. Education courses (e.g., Education English, Education Biology)

2. Agricultural Science

3. Library and Information Science

4. Arabic/Islamic Studies

5. History and Political Studies

6. Sociology (in some years)

If you didn’t score high in JAMB, these are good options.

Comparison: ABU Zaria vs Other Nigerian Universities

ABU is among the top federal universities, with competitive cut-off marks especially for Medicine, Law, and Engineering.

Pros and Cons of High Cut-Off Marks

Pros:

• Attracts brilliant students

• Maintains high academic quality

• Makes the certificate more respected

Cons:

• Many qualified students are rejected

• Increases stress and competition

• May not favor students from rural/less privileged schools

Summary Table: ABU Cut-Off Mark 2025/2026

Conclusion

The Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria) cut-off mark for 2025/2026 is one of the most important things every Nigerian student should know before applying.

Whether you’re going for Medicine or Library Science, knowing the cut-off helps you:

• Make better decisions

• Prepare smarter

• Choose the right course

Work hard, study smart, and aim high. With the right preparation, ABU Zaria can be your next academic home.