The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the cut-off marks for the 2025/2026 academic session, creating both excitement and anxiety among prospective Nigerian students. Understanding these cut-off marks is crucial for making informed decisions about your educational future.
This comprehensive guide provides all the essential information you need about JAMB cut-off marks for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Understanding the Official JAMB Cut Off Mark 2025/2026
JAMB cut-off marks represent the minimum scores required for admission consideration into various tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Essentially, these marks serve as the first screening criterion that determines whether your application will be considered for further evaluation.
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Furthermore, it’s important to understand that cut-off marks operate at multiple levels. While JAMB sets the national minimum benchmark, individual institutions have the autonomy to establish higher standards based on their capacity and program competitiveness.
The Dual Cut-Off System Explained
The Nigerian admission system operates on two primary cut-off levels:
National Cut-Off Marks: These are the baseline scores set by JAMB that no institution can go below. Subsequently, any institution attempting to admit students below these marks will not receive JAMB’s approval.
Institutional Cut-Off Marks: Individual schools set their own higher cut-off marks based on factors such as course demand, available slots, and institutional standards.
Official JAMB Cut Off Mark for 2025/2026 Academic Session
That being said, let’s take a look at the cut-off marks breakdown for the current and next academic sessions.
Universities
The official minimum cut-off mark for universities in 2025/2026 is 140, though most institutions set higher benchmarks ranging from 150 to 200. However, it’s crucial to note that no university can admit anyone scoring below 150, and if they attempt to do so, JAMB won’t approve it.
Polytechnics
The minimum cut-off mark for polytechnics remains at 100, providing more accessible entry points for students pursuing technical and vocational education.
Colleges of Education
Similarly, colleges of education maintain their cut-off mark at 100, ensuring opportunities for aspiring teachers and education professionals.
Category-Based Cut-Off Analysis
Federal universities typically maintain a JAMB-recommended cut-off mark of 140 for the 2025/2026 session, though many choose higher marks based on course demand and competition. Consequently, popular federal institutions often set cut-offs between 180-220.
State Universities
State universities generally follow similar patterns to federal institutions, with cut-off marks ranging from 140 to 200, depending on their reputation and program competitiveness.
Private Universities
Interestingly, many private universities currently accept students with 140-180 JAMB scores, with some even offering flexible payment plans and discounts. This makes them attractive alternatives for students who didn’t meet the cut-offs of more competitive institutions.
Course-Specific Cut-Off Requirements
Medicine and Surgery: The official JAMB cut off mark 2025/2026 for Medicine and Surgery is typically set at 250, though individual universities can set higher marks based on competitiveness and slot availability. Therefore, aspiring medical students should aim for scores well above 250.
Law: Legal studies programs typically require between 200-240 as the official JAMB Cut Off mark 2025/2026, depending on the institution’s prestige and available slots.
Engineering: Engineering programs reflect high competitiveness with elevated cut-off marks, usually ranging from 190-230.
Nursing: Studying Nursing requires excellent results due to its competitive nature, with candidates encouraged to score 200 or higher in JAMB.
Courses such as Economics, Accounting, Computer Science, and Architecture typically accept between 170-200 as their official JAMB Cut Off mark 2025/2026, making them accessible yet competitive.
Liberal arts courses, education programs, and some social sciences may accept lower cut-off marks, ranging from 150-180, depending on the institution.
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Top Universities and Their Cut-Off Requirements
UNILAG maintains a benchmark cut-off mark of 200, making it one of the most competitive institutions in Nigeria. Additionally, the university employs departmental cut-off marks after post-UTME examinations.
Universities such as the University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka typically maintain cut-off marks between 200-220 for most programs.
Universities Accepting Lower JAMB Scores
For students with lower JAMB scores, several institutions offer admission opportunities:
Universities accepting JAMB scores from 140 upwards include institutions that serve as good backups for students who didn’t meet more competitive cut-offs. These schools often provide alternative admission routes through part-time and diploma programs.
Post-UTME and Additional Requirements
While JAMB cut-off marks represent the initial hurdle, most universities conduct post-UTME screening exercises. Consequently, meeting the JAMB cut-off doesn’t guarantee admission, as final selection often depends on:
- Post-UTME performance
- O’Level grades
- Available slots in specific departments
- Geographic considerations (for some institutions)
Strategic Tips for 2025/2026 Admission Seekers
Before choosing institutions, thoroughly research their historical cut-off trends and current requirements.
Furthermore, consider applying to a mix of highly competitive and moderately competitive schools to maximize your chances.
Score Improvement Strategies
If your current score falls below your target institution’s requirements, consider:
- Retaking the JAMB examination
- Applying for Direct Entry (for qualified candidates)
- Exploring private university options
- Considering polytechnic alternatives
Alternative Pathways
Remember that polytechnics and colleges of education offer valuable educational opportunities with lower entry requirements and potential pathways to university education through advanced standing.
Important Considerations and Updates
Each institution maintains the freedom to set its own limits above the national baseline. Therefore, never assume that meeting the minimum JAMB requirement guarantees admission to your preferred school.
Regular Updates
Cut-off marks may be adjusted throughout the admission season based on application volumes and institutional capacity. Consequently, regularly check official institutional websites and JAMB portals for updates.
Verification of Information
Always verify cut-off information from official sources rather than relying solely on third-party websites, as requirements can change without widespread notice. Understanding the official JAMB Cut Off mark 2025/2026 is essential for making strategic decisions about your tertiary education journey.
While the national minimums provide baseline requirements, individual institutions maintain higher standards that reflect their academic reputation and program competitiveness.
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Moreover, remember that admission success depends not only on meeting cut-off requirements but also on overall academic performance, post-UTME results, and sometimes geographic considerations.
Therefore, prepare thoroughly, apply strategically to multiple institutions, and remain flexible in your educational planning. Visit our homepage for updates on this and more relevant content.
