JAMB 2026 CUT-OFF MARK FOR ALL UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA (FULL LIST)

By: Abdul-Qoyyum Adeshola, Badmus.

Date: Sunday, 5th April, 2026 (17th Shawwāl, 1447 AH).

THE Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the official benchmark cut-off mark for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Thousands of candidates who sat for the examination are now eager to know the minimum score required to secure admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria.

In this article, you will find the official JAMB 2026 cut-off mark, expected departmental cut-off marks for popular universities, and what you should do if your score is below the required mark. Read carefully to understand how admission decisions are made.

Is JAMB 2026 Cut-Off Mark Officially Out?

Yes. JAMB has announced the general benchmark cut-off mark for the 2026 admission year. However, it is important to understand that the benchmark score released by JAMB is not the same as the final departmental cut-off mark used by individual institutions.

JAMB sets the minimum score that allows candidates to be considered for admission, while universities and other tertiary institutions determine their own departmental requirements based on competition and available slots.

What Is the Official JAMB 2026 Cut-Off Mark?

For the 2026 admission cycle, the general benchmark cut-off marks are as follows:

• Universities: 140
• Polytechnics: 100
• Colleges of Education: 100
• Colleges of Nursing Sciences: 100

This means that any candidate who scores below 140 may not be eligible to apply for admission into a university, but may still qualify for polytechnics or colleges of education, depending on institutional requirements.

It is important to note that some competitive universities may not accept candidates with the minimum 140 score. Many institutions set higher internal benchmarks.

JAMB 2026 CUT-OFF MARK FOR POPULAR FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES

While JAMB sets 140 as the minimum benchmark for universities, most top federal universities in Nigeria usually require higher scores due to competition.

Below are estimated cut-off ranges based on previous admission patterns:

1. University of Lagos (UNILAG): 200 and above
2. University of Ibadan (UI): 200 and above
3. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU): 180 and above
4. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN): 180–200
5. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU): 200 and above
6. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN): 180–200

Keep in mind that these are general institutional cut-off marks. Departmental cut-off marks are usually higher.

DEPARTMENTAL CUT-OFF MARKS FOR COMPETITIVE COURSES

Even if a university accepts 180 as its general cut-off mark, certain courses demand much higher scores because of high competition.

Here are estimated departmental cut-off ranges for popular courses:

1. Medicine and Surgery: 250–280
2. Law: 240–270
3. Pharmacy: 230–260
4. Engineering: 220–250
5. Mass Communication: 200–240
6. Accounting: 200–230
7. Computer Science: 220–250
8. Nursing: 230–260

These ranges vary yearly depending on candidate performance and available admission slots.

The higher your JAMB score, the better your chances of gaining admission into competitive departments.

Read more: How to Check JAMB Result Online: Step-by-step Full Guide

HOW UNIVERSITIES DETERMINE DEPARTMENTAL CUT-OFF MARKS

Departmental cut-off marks are determined after considering:

1. Number of applicants for the course

2. Overall performance of candidates

3. Available admission quota

4. Catchment area and educationally disadvantaged states

5. Post-UTME screening performance

Some institutions combine JAMB score and Post-UTME score to calculate aggregate results before deciding admission eligibility.

For example, a university may calculate:

- 50% JAMB score

- 50% Post-UTME score

Candidates with the highest aggregate scores are offered admission first.

What If Your Jamb Score Is Below 140?

If you scored below 140, admission into a university may not be possible for the 2026 academic session. However, you still have options:

• Apply to a polytechnic
• Apply to a college of education
• Consider rewriting JAMB next year
• Explore pre-degree or foundation programmes

Do not panic. Many successful graduates began through alternative academic pathways.

What If Your Score Is Between 140 and 180?

If your score falls between 140 and 180, you still have opportunities, but you must apply strategically.

Here are smart steps you can take:

• Choose less competitive universities
• Consider state universities
• Apply for less competitive courses
• Apply for change of institution through JAMB portal
• Prepare well for Post-UTME screening

Admission is not determined by JAMB score alone. Your subject combination, O’Level results, and screening performance also matter.

Does JAMB Cut-Off Mark Guarantee Admission?

No.

Meeting the JAMB benchmark cut-off mark only qualifies you to apply for admission. It does not automatically guarantee that you will be admitted.

Admission depends on:

1. Departmental cut-off mark
2. Aggregate score
3. O’Level results
4. Catchment area policy
5. Admission quota

This is why scoring higher than the minimum requirement is always advisable.

When Will Institutions Release Their Cut-Off Marks?

Most universities release their specific departmental cut-off marks after conducting Post-UTME screening exercises.

Candidates are advised to:

1. Regularly check their chosen institution’s official website
2. Monitor the JAMB CAPS portal
3. Stay updated with admission announcements
4. Avoid relying on unofficial sources or rumors circulating on social media.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

1. What is the minimum JAMB score for university admission in 2026?

The official minimum benchmark is 140 for universities. However, many institutions require higher scores.

2. Can I gain admission with 150 in JAMB?

It depends on the institution and course. Some state universities may accept 150 for certain programmes.

3. What is the cut-off mark for Medicine in 2026?

Medicine is highly competitive and typically requires 250 and above in most federal universities.

4. Does scoring 200 guarantee admission?

No. While 200 is a strong score, admission depends on departmental competition and aggregate calculation.

5. Can I change my institution if I do not meet the cut-off mark?

Yes. JAMB allows candidates to apply for change of institution or course through its official portal.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON JAMB 2026 CUT-OFF MARK

The JAMB 2026 cut-off mark is an important benchmark that determines eligibility for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. However, candidates must understand that meeting the general benchmark is only the first step.

To improve your chances of admission:

• Aim for a high JAMB score
• Prepare thoroughly for Post-UTME
• Choose institutions strategically
• Stay informed through official updates

Admission into Nigerian universities is competitive, but with proper planning and the right information, you can position yourself for success.

Bookmark this page and check back regularly for updates on departmental cut-off marks and admission guidelines.