The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the UTME cut off mark for the 2025/2026 academic session. These cut off marks determine the minimum scores candidates must meet to be considered for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Knowing the JAMB cut off mark 2025/2026 is essential for every candidate planning to participate in the admission process. It helps you understand your chances of securing admission into your preferred course and institution.
Different schools and departments may set their own specific post-UTME cut off marks, depending on competition and available slots. This means that even if you meet the general JAMB benchmark, you might still need a higher score for highly competitive programs like Medicine, Law, or Engineering.
In this article, you’ll find the complete list of JAMB 2025 UTME cut off marks for all courses and institutions in Nigeria. You’ll also learn how universities determine their departmental cut off points and what to do if your score falls below the required mark.
Official JAMB Cut Off Mark for Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education 2025/2026
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has set the official minimum cut off marks for the 2025/2026 academic session. These marks serve as the general admission benchmark for all tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
For universities, the official JAMB cut off mark 2025/2026 is 140. This means any candidate who scores 140 and above in the UTME can be considered for admission, depending on the institution’s specific requirements.
For polytechnics, the approved cut off mark is 100, while colleges of education have a minimum cut off mark of 100 as well. However, some competitive institutions may set higher departmental cut off marks based on the number of applicants.
Candidates should note that meeting the JAMB minimum cut off mark does not automatically guarantee admission. Each school determines its post-UTME screening cut off mark, which often varies by course and faculty.
JAMB Departmental Cut Off Marks for All Courses
Each university, polytechnic, and college in Nigeria sets its own departmental cut off marks after the general JAMB benchmark is announced. These departmental scores determine the minimum UTME and post-UTME performance required for admission into specific courses.
Highly competitive programs such as Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, and Engineering often have higher cut off marks than others. For example, top universities may set departmental cut off marks between 250 and 300 for Medicine, while courses like Agriculture or Education may range between 140 and 180.
Below is a general guide to JAMB departmental cut off marks for major courses in the 2025/2026 academic session:
| Course | Departmental Cut Off Mark (2025/2026) |
|---|---|
| Medicine and Surgery | 280 |
| Law | 260 |
| Pharmacy | 250 |
| Engineering Courses | 230 |
| Nursing Science | 240 |
| Computer Science | 220 |
| Mass Communication | 210 |
| Business Administration / Accounting | 200 |
| Education Courses | 160 |
| Agricultural Science / Forestry | 160 |
It’s important to remember that each school determines its final departmental cut off mark based on the number of applicants, average performance, and admission quota. Always check your institution’s official website or JAMB CAPS portal for the most accurate and updated figures.
What to Do If You Did Not Meet the JAMB Cut Off Mark
If you didn’t meet the JAMB cut off mark 2025/2026, don’t panic — there are still several smart options to secure admission. Many students gain admission every year through alternative routes even with low UTME scores.
Here are a few practical steps you can take:
- Apply for a Change of Institution or Course: JAMB allows candidates to switch to institutions or programs with lower cut off marks through the JAMB Change of Course/Institution Portal.
- Consider Polytechnics or Colleges of Education: These institutions usually have lower cut off marks (100 and above) and can still lead to strong academic and career pathways.
- Explore Part-Time or Pre-Degree Programs: Some universities offer pre-degree, IJMB, or JUPEB programs that help you gain direct entry into 200 level after one academic year.
- Wait for Supplementary Admission: Certain universities release supplementary lists that include candidates slightly below the departmental cut off.
The key is to stay proactive and flexible while monitoring updates on the official JAMB portal (www.jamb.gov.ng) and your chosen school’s admission page. A lower score doesn’t mean the end of your academic journey — it simply opens new routes to achieve your goals.
