JAMB cut off mark for Medicine and Surgery 2026 is one of the highest in Nigeria because the course is extremely competitive. Every year, thousands of candidates apply for MBBS, making the minimum score a crucial requirement.
For the 2026 admission cycle, universities generally set the Medicine and Surgery JAMB cut-off between 280 and 320, depending on the institution. Federal universities usually have higher cut-off marks compared to state and private schools.
Scoring above the official JAMB cut off for Medicine and Surgery does not guarantee automatic admission, but it significantly boosts your chances. This is because institutions also consider post-UTME performance, O’Level grades, and catchment factors.
Read JAMB Subject Combination for Medicine and Surgery
Most top universities offering MBBS, such as UNILAG, UI, UNN, UNIBEN, and ABU Zaria, require candidates to score very high. These schools often set internal screening scores that are far above the general JAMB benchmark.
To stand out in the 2026/2027 academic session, candidates should aim for a score much higher than the national minimum. Achieving 300+ in JAMB positions you strongly for Medicine and Surgery in competitive universities.
Departmental Cut Off Mark for Medicine and Surgery 2026/2027
The departmental cut off mark for Medicine and Surgery 2026/2027 varies widely across Nigerian universities, with federal institutions maintaining the highest thresholds. These cut-off marks are determined after considering applicant volume, programme capacity, and institutional competitiveness.
For the 2026/2027 session, top universities such as University of Ibadan (UI), University of Lagos (UNILAG), and University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) set their Medicine and Surgery departmental cut-off mark between 315. These schools consistently rank among Nigeria’s most selective medical colleges, making their MBBS admission extremely competitive.
Schools like Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and University of Benin (UNIBEN) set their departmental cut-off for MBBS around 300. Their medical faculties admit large candidate pools, yet still demand very high UTME and screening scores.
State universities including LASU, UNICAL, UNIZIK, and BSU typically maintain MBBS departmental cut-offs between 270. These institutions offer slightly lower thresholds but still require strong UTME performance, especially for candidates outside their catchment areas.
Accredited private universities such as Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Babcock University, and Madonna University accept cut-off scores ranging from 240 for Medicine and Surgery. These schools provide alternative pathways for candidates who fall short of federal and state university requirements while still securing a quality medical education.
JAMB Cut Off Mark for Medicine and Surgery 2026/2027
The general JAMB cut off mark for Medicine and Surgery 2026/2027 is 280 for all candidates seeking admission into Nigerian universities offering MBBS. This national benchmark serves as the minimum UTME score required before candidates can be considered for further screening.
A JAMB score of 280 for Medicine and Surgery places candidates in the competitive zone where universities can proceed to evaluate post-UTME results and O’Level performance. This score is intentionally set high due to the limited number of medical training slots nationwide.
Universities use the 280 JAMB cut-off for MBBS as the first filter to separate eligible applicants from the large pool of UTME candidates. Scoring below 280 significantly reduces admission chances regardless of O’Level grades or catchment considerations.
Achieving 280 in JAMB for Medicine and Surgery indicates strong academic potential in core science subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. This aligns with the rigorous curriculum expected in medical school, which demands consistency and high intellectual capacity.
Although universities may still conduct internal screenings, the national JAMB benchmark of 280 remains the foundational requirement for MBBS applicants in the 2026/2027 session. Candidates aiming for top medical schools are encouraged to score far above this threshold to strengthen their admission chances.
