What Is the JAMB Cut-Off Mark and How Does It Work?

A JAMB cut-off mark is the minimum score a candidate must achieve in the UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) to qualify for university admission. JAMB sets a baseline—currently at 140 for university programs. But individual universities and courses often require higher scores depending on how competitive they are.

. Why Is the Minimum Benchmark Important?

• Ensures academic standards are maintained.

• Filters out candidates with low scores.

• Helps universities plan admissions and screen effectively.

• Prevents underqualified students from being admitted.

JAMB’s directive of 140 ensures a minimum standard, while institutions may raise their cut-off based on demand.

. General Cut-Off Marks Set by JAMB for 2025/2026

• Universities (Federal & State): Minimum JAMB score = 140

• Polytechnics: Minimum JAMB score = 100

• Colleges of Education: Minimum JAMB score = 100

These thresholds are the legally enforced minimums institutions must respect.

. Federal University Cut-Off Marks (2025/2026)

Federal universities have different cut-offs depending on popularity and competitiveness. Examples:

• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU, Zaria): 180

• Bayero University (BUK, Kano): 160–180

• FUTA (Akure): 180

• UNILAG: 200

• FUGASHUA: 140

• FUTMINNA: 150

• FUTOWE and others: 160–180

. State and Private University Cut-Off Trends

While official lists are less common, several schools are known to raise their cut-off for competitive courses:

• LASU: 190

• UNIUYO, UNIABUJA, UNIZIK: 160–200 depending on course

• UNICAL, UNIPORT: 150–180

• Private universities also set higher benchmarks, often starting at 140, rising to as high as 200 for competitive departments.

. Course-Specific Cut-Off Examples

Certain departments, such as Law, Medicine, or Engineering, often have very high cut-offs:

• Education & Geography: 180 (some universities), 200 (UI, UNILAG, UNIBEN)

• Education & Physics: 180 baseline; ABU and major federal schools 200 in some cases

• Guidance & Counselling: 140 across many federal universities

• For Medicine, Nursing, MLS: BUK’s cut-off has been pegged as high as 220 for those programs.

. How to Interpret and Use Cut-Off Marks

General Score (140)

– Just meeting 140 qualifies you for consideration.

Institutional Cut-Off (e.g., 180 at ABU)

– You may need that higher score to be competitive, even if JAMB allows 140.

Course Cut-Offs

– Always aim to exceed admission score for your specific course, not just meet the institutional minimum.

Summary:

. Strategies to Improve Your Admission Chances

• Aim higher than the JAMB cut-off (target 180+ if possible).

• Prepare well for post-UTME screening.

• Strengthen O’Level results to support your application.

• Consider alternative pathways (e.g., JUPEB, pre-degree, diploma) if your UTME score is low.

• Stay updated on your desired university’s cut-offs by checking official websites.

. Summary Table of Cut-Off Marks

. Frequently Asked Questions (10+)

1. What is the JAMB cut-off for universities in 2025/2026?
   The official minimum is 140, as mandated by JAMB.

2. Why do some universities require 180 or 200?
   These institutions are more competitive and set higher internal standards.

3. Will a 140 score guarantee admission?
   No—it only makes you eligible for consideration.

4. Which universities have a 200 cut-off?
   UNILAG, UI, UNIBEN often require that score for top courses.

5. Can I enter a federal university with 140?
   Yes—but entry depends on screening, O’Level, and catchment policies.

6. Do polytechnics require the same score?
   No—they generally accept a cut-off mark of 100.

7. Does course choice affect cut-off?
   Yes—medicine, engineering, law typically require higher scores.

8. How do I improve after scoring low?
   Consider foundation programs (e.g., JUPEB), retake UTME, or use Direct Entry.

9. Where can I find specific cut-offs?
   Visit university portals or use reliable resources like JAMB or school admission pages.

10. Should I still write post-UTME if I have 140?
    Yes—it’s required and helps determine final admission selection.

11. Do private universities follow JAMB’s 140?
    They must meet the minimum but often require more.

12. How can I know course-specific cut-offs?
    Contact departmental offices or admission offices directly.

. Conclusion

Understanding JAMB cut-off marks is essential for planning your admission journey. While 140 is the baseline, many respected universities demand higher scores. To have a better chance, aim above the minimum, prepare for screenings, and explore alternative routes if needed. Your goal is not just eligibility—but competitive readiness.