JAMB Cut-Off Marks for 2026 Admission
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the minimum cut-off marks for the 2026 admission exercise. This means candidates who sat for the 2026 UTME can now know the minimum score required to be considered for admission into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and colleges of nursing across Nigeria.
The JAMB UTME cut-off mark is one of the most important parts of the admission process because it determines whether a candidate is eligible to apply for admission into a particular institution. However, it's important to understand that the score announced by JAMB is the minimum cut-off mark. Individual institutions are free to set higher cut-off marks, especially for competitive courses.
In this article, you'll find the official JAMB cut-off marks for 2026 admission, what the scores mean, whether schools can set higher cut-off marks, and what you should do next to improve your chances of gaining admission.
Official JAMB Cut-Off Marks for Admission 2026/2027
At its 2026 Policy Meeting, JAMB approved the following minimum cut-off marks for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
| Institution | Minimum JAMB Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
| Universities | 150 |
| Colleges of Nursing | 150 |
| Polytechnics | 100 |
| Colleges of Education | 100 |
It is also worth remembering that these are minimum scores. Many universities and other tertiary institutions usually set higher cut-off marks depending on the course you choose and the number of candidates applying.
Before you start worrying about whether your score is enough, make sure you have the correct JAMB subject combination for your chosen course. Even if you score very high in the UTME, choosing the wrong subject combination can affect your admission because you may not meet the requirements for that course.
Do Some Courses Have Higher Cut-Off Marks?
Yes. Even though JAMB has announced the minimum cut-off marks for admission, some courses require much higher scores because they are very competitive.
Courses such as Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Law, Medical Laboratory Science, Radiography, Engineering, Computer Science, and Accounting usually attract thousands of applicants every year. Since the number of available spaces is limited, many institutions set higher cut-off marks for these courses to select the best-performing candidates.
For example, while the minimum JAMB cut-off mark for universities is 150, a candidate applying for Medicine or Law in some universities may need 250 or above to have a strong chance of gaining admission. On the other hand, less competitive courses may accept candidates with lower scores, provided they meet the school's admission requirements.
This is why you shouldn't rely only on the general JAMB cut-off mark. After checking that your UTME score meets the minimum requirement, confirm the cut-off mark for your specific course at your preferred institution. That will give you a better idea of your admission chances and help you decide whether to continue with your current choice or consider a change of course or institution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the official JAMB cut-off mark for 2026 admission?
- JAMB has approved a minimum cut-off mark of 150 for universities and colleges of nursing, while 100 is the minimum cut-off mark for polytechnics and colleges of education.
Does meeting the JAMB cut-off mark guarantee admission?
- No. Meeting the JAMB cut-off mark only makes you eligible to be considered for admission. You must also meet your preferred institution's cut-off mark and satisfy other admission requirements.
Can universities set higher cut-off marks than JAMB?
- Yes. The cut-off marks announced by JAMB are the minimum scores. Universities can set higher cut-off marks, especially for competitive courses such as Medicine and Surgery, Law, Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, and Engineering.
Which courses usually require higher JAMB scores?
- Courses such as Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Law, Medical Laboratory Science, Radiography, Engineering, Computer Science, and Accounting are highly competitive. As a result, many institutions require candidates applying for these courses to have much higher UTME scores than the minimum cut-off mark approved by JAMB.
Can I gain admission with the minimum JAMB cut-off mark?
- Yes, you can. However, gaining admission will depend on your preferred institution, course, O'Level requirements, Post-UTME performance (where applicable), and the number of candidates applying for the course.
What should I do if my UTME score is below my preferred course's cut-off mark?
- If your score is below your preferred course's cut-off mark, you may consider changing to a less competitive course or another institution that accepts your score. Before making any changes, compare your UTME score with the admission requirements of your preferred school.
Where can I check my school's official cut-off mark?
- You can check your preferred institution's official website or admission portal once it releases its cut-off marks. You can also follow trusted education websites for verified admission updates.
We hope this guide has helped you understand the 2026 JAMB cut-off marks and what they mean for your admission.
If you found this article helpful, please share it with other JAMB candidates so they can also stay informed. If you have any questions about the 2026 JAMB cut-off marks or your admission chances, leave a comment below, and we'll be happy to help.
