JAMB Cut-Off Marks for 2026 Admission
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the official cut-off marks for the 2026 admission exercise. If you sat for the 2026 UTME and have been waiting to know the minimum score required for admission, this is one of the updates you shouldn't miss.
The cut-off mark is the minimum UTME score candidates must obtain to be considered for admission into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions in Nigeria. However, meeting the JAMB cut-off mark doesn't automatically guarantee admission, as schools are free to set higher requirements based on the courses they offer and the number of applicants.
Below, you'll find the official JAMB cut-off marks for the 2026 admission exercise, what the scores mean for your admission chances, and the other requirements you'll need to meet before you can be offered admission.
Official JAMB Cut-Off Marks for 2026 Admission
At the 2026 JAMB Policy Meeting, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), in collaboration with heads of tertiary institutions, approved the minimum UTME scores for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. These scores serve as the lowest benchmarks that institutions can use for admission, although schools are free to adopt higher cut-off marks if they choose.
| Institution | JAMB Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
| Universities | 150 |
|
Polytechnics, Monotechnics, Colleges of Agriculture and Colleges of Education |
100 |
| Colleges of Nursing Sciences | 140 |
Scoring the minimum JAMB cut-off mark is a good achievement, but it doesn't mean you'll automatically gain admission. The scores above are simply the minimum approved by JAMB. Every institution still has the right to set a higher cut-off mark for its admission exercise, provided it doesn't go below JAMB's approved benchmark.
For instance, while a score of 150 may make you eligible to apply to some universities, it may not be enough for highly competitive institutions or courses. This is because admission into such programmes is based on competition, and candidates with higher UTME scores usually stand a better chance. Courses that typically require higher JAMB scores include:-
- Medicine and Surgery
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
- Nursing
- Law
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Veterinary Medicine
If you're applying for any of these courses, it's advisable to aim for a score that's well above the minimum cut-off mark. A higher UTME score not only improves your chances of meeting your school's admission requirements but also makes you more competitive during the admission process.
Other Admission Requirements You Must Meet
Your JAMB score is only one part of the admission process. Even if you meet the required cut-off mark, you'll still need to satisfy your institution's other admission requirements.
Some of the requirements you should meet include:
- Meeting your institution's admission cut-off mark: Your school may require a higher score than the minimum approved by JAMB.
- Having the correct JAMB subject combination: The four UTME subjects you wrote must be the ones required for your chosen course.
- Meeting the O'Level requirements: You must have the required number of credit passes in the relevant WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB subjects.
- Uploading your O'Level result to JAMB: Your result should be uploaded to the JAMB portal before your admission can be processed.
- Participating in the Post-UTME or screening exercise: Many institutions require candidates to take part in a screening exercise before admission is offered.
- Choosing the institution appropriately: Where required, ensure the institution is your preferred choice before applying for admission.
- Accepting your admission on JAMB CAPS: Once you're offered admission, you'll need to accept it on the JAMB CAPS Portal before proceeding with other admission processes.
Meeting all these requirements will significantly improve your chances of gaining admission into your preferred institution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I gain admission with the minimum JAMB cut-off mark?
Yes, it's possible. However, admission isn't based on your JAMB score alone. You'll also need to meet your institution's admission requirements, and competitive courses often require much higher scores.
Can universities set higher cut-off marks than JAMB?
Yes. JAMB only sets the minimum benchmark. Universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education can adopt higher cut-off marks for admission.
Does scoring above the cut-off mark guarantee admission?
No. A high JAMB score improves your chances, but admission also depends on factors such as your O'Level results, Post-UTME performance, and your institution's admission policy.
What happens if I score below the approved cut-off mark?
If your score is below the approved minimum for your preferred institution or course, you may need to consider changing your course or institution to one whose requirements you meet.
Do I still need to write Post-UTME after meeting the cut-off mark?
Yes, if your chosen institution conducts a Post-UTME or screening exercise. Meeting the JAMB cut-off mark doesn't exempt you from other admission requirements.
We hope this guide has helped you understand what the 2026 JAMB cut-off marks mean and how they affect your admission chances. If you found this article helpful, share it with other admission seekers who may need the information.
If you have any questions, leave them in the comments section, and we'll be happy to help. Also, check out our website for more JAMB updates, Post-UTME news, and admission guides to stay informed throughout the admission process.
