JAMB Cut Off Mark for English and Literary Studies

Do you want to study English and Literary Studies at a Nigerian university? Or have you missed admission in previous years despite applying for the course? One of the most common reasons many candidates fail to gain admission is not meeting the required JAMB cut-off mark or other admission requirements set by their preferred university. While passing the UTME is important, admission into English and Literary Studies also depends on your O'Level results, Post-UTME performance (where applicable), and your university's departmental cut-off mark.

In this guide, you will find the latest JAMB cut-off mark for English and Literary Studies for the 2026/2027 admission session, the minimum scores accepted by different universities, and general admission requirements for English and Literary Studies. We will also show you the UTME subject combination, O'Level requirements, and practical tips to improve your chances of gaining admission. If you are applying for the first time or trying again after missing admission, this article will help you understand exactly what you need to study English and Literary Studies in Nigeria.

What is the JAMB Cut Off Mark for English and Literary Studies?

The official JAMB minimum cut-off mark for English and Literary Studies is 150. Candidates who score 150 or above in the UTME are eligible to apply for admission into universities offering the course. However, meeting the JAMB minimum score does not guarantee admission. Most universities set their own departmental cut-off marks based on the number of applicants and available admission slots. Generally, the expected cut-off marks are:

• Federal Universities: 180–220
• State Universities: 170–190
• Private Universities: 170–200

Candidates aiming for highly competitive universities should target 200 or above to improve their chances of admission.

List of Universities Offering English and Literary Studies and Their JAMB Cut-Off Marks

For Federal Universities:

Below are the expected JAMB scores for some federal universities offering English and Literary Studies.

JAMB Cut-Off Marks for State and Private Universities:

Many state and private universities admit candidates with lower UTME scores.

Note: These scores may change from one admission year to another. Always check your preferred university's official admission requirements.

JAMB Subject Combination for English and Literary Studies

To study English and Literary Studies, you must register the correct UTME subjects:

• English Language (Compulsory)
• Literature in English (Compulsory)
• Government, History, CRS, IRS, French, or Economics (any two relevant Arts or Social Science subjects)

Choosing the correct subject combination is essential, as the wrong combination may affect your admission.

General Admission Requirements for English and Literary Studies 2026/2027

Apart from meeting the required JAMB cut-off mark, candidates should:

• Choose English and Literary Studies as their preferred course during JAMB registration.
• Meet the O'Level subject requirements.
• Register for the Post-UTME or screening exercise of their chosen university.
• Meet the university's departmental or aggregate cut-off mark.
• Upload their O'Level results to the JAMB CAPS portal.
• Accept their admission offer through JAMB CAPS once admitted.

O'Level Requirements:

Candidates must have at least five (5) credit passes in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB, including:

• English Language
• Literature in English
• Mathematics
• Two other relevant Arts or Social Science subjects

Most universities accept results from one or two sittings, depending on their admission policy.

Post UTME Requirements

Many universities conduct a Post UTME screening after the release of JAMB results. Admission is usually based on an aggregate score, which may include:

• JAMB Score
• Post UTME Score
• O'Level Grades

A good performance in the Post UTME can significantly improve your chances of gaining admission.

Career Opportunities for English and Literary Studies Graduates

Graduates of English and Literary Studies can build careers in:

• Journalism
• Teaching and Education
• Publishing
• Content Writing
• Copywriting
• Public Relations
• Media and Broadcasting
• Advertising
• Creative Writing
• Corporate Communications
• Civil Service
• Law (through Direct Entry in some cases)

The course equips graduates with strong communication, writing, research, and analytical skills that are valuable across many industries.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Admission

To improve your chances of studying English and Literary Studies:

• Aim for a JAMB score of 180 or above, especially if you are applying to a federal university.
• Read extensively to improve your vocabulary and comprehension skills.
• Study the recommended Literature texts for JAMB.
• Practice JAMB and Post UTME past questions regularly.
• Ensure your O'Level results meet your university's requirements.
• Apply to universities where your UTME score gives you a competitive advantage.