Every year, over a million Nigerian students sit for the JAMB UTME. Most of them pass, but many still do not get admitted. The difference often comes down to your JAMB cut off mark. Cut off marks are the gatekeepers of Nigerian university admissions.
This decides who gets their dream course, who settles for something else, and who has to try again next year. Yet most candidates only start asking questions after their results drop, when smart choices are much harder to make.
Let's help you learn how cut off marks are set and why they shift every year, and the general JAMB cut off mark for Federal, State and Private Universities. You will understand the factors that push them up or down. And you will discover exactly what to do if your score falls short of the required minimum.
What Is a JAMB Cut Off Mark?
A JAMB cut off mark is the minimum score a candidate must obtain in the UTME to be eligible for admission into an institution. The cut off mark varies by institution and course. There are two types of cut off marks.
The general cut off mark is set by JAMB after consultation with institutions. For the 2026/2027 session, the general cut off marks are: universities require 150, polytechnics require 100, and colleges of education require 100. Each institution sets departmental cut off marks for specific courses.
This mark is usually higher than the general cut off mark. For example, a university may set 140 as the general cut off mark, but Medicine may require 280, Law 260, and Engineering 250.
Meeting the general cut off mark does not guarantee admission. It only makes you eligible to apply. You must also meet the departmental cut off mark for your chosen course.
See Latest Announcement: JAMB Policy Meeting Confirms 150 Cut Off for 2026/2027 Session and Plans for a "Bring Your Own Device" Option
JAMB Cut Off Mark for Federal Universities 2026/2027
Below is the complete list of federal universities in Nigeria, along with their approved JAMB cut off marks for the 2026/2027 academic session.
| Federal Universities | JAMB Cut Off Marks |
| Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi (ATBU) | 150 |
| Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU) | 150 |
| Bayero University, Kano (BUK) | 150 |
| Federal University Gashua, Yobe (FUGASHUA) | 150 |
| Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) | 150 |
| Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) | 150 |
| Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) | 150 |
| Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) | 150 |
| Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State (FUD) | 150 |
| Federal University, Dutsin Ma, Katsina (FUDMA) | 150 |
| Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State (FUKASHERE) | 150 |
| Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State (FULAFIA) | 150 |
| Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State (FULOKOJA) | 150 |
| Alex Ekwueme University, Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State (FUNAI) | 150 |
| Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa (FUOTUOKE) | 150 |
| Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State (FUOYE) | 150 |
| Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State (FUWUKARI) | 150 |
| Federal University, Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) | 150 |
| Federal University, Gusau Zamfara (FUGUS) | 150 |
| Michael Okpara University of Agricultural Umudike (MOUAU) | 150 |
| Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola (MAUTECH) | 150 |
| National Open University of Nigeria, Lagos (NOUN) | 150 |
| Nigeria Police Academy Wudil (NPA) | 150 |
| Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna (NDA) | 150 |
| Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK) | 150 |
| Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife (OAU) | 150 |
| University of Abuja, Gwagwalada (UNIABUJA) | 150 |
| Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) | 150 |
| University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM) | 150 |
| University of Benin (UNIBEN) | 150 |
| University of Calabar (UNICAL) | 150 |
| University of Ibadan (UI) | 150 |
| University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | 150 |
| University of Jos (UNIJOS) | 150 |
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | 150 |
| University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) | 150 |
| University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | 150 |
| University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) | 150 |
| University of Uyo (UNIUYO) | 150 |
| Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUSOK) | 150 |
| Nigerian Maritime University Okerenkoko, Delta State (NMU) | 150 |
| Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna (AFIT) | 150 |
| Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB) | 150 |
| Federal University of Health Technology, Otukpo, Benue State (FUHSO) | 150 |
| Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru, Kebbi State (FUAZ) | 150 |
| Federal University of Technology, Babura, Jigawa State (FUTB) | 150 |
| Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State (FUTIA) | 150 |
| Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, Bauchi State (FUHSA) | 150 |
| Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, Osun State (FUHSI) | 150 |
| David Nweze Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu (DNUUMS) | 150 |
| Admiralty University Ibusa, Delta State (ADUN) | 150 |
| Federal University of Transportation Daura (FUTD) | 150 |
| African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) | 150 |
JAMB Cut Off Mark for State Universities 2026/2027
Below is the complete list of all state universities in Nigeria and their approved JAMB cut off marks for the 2026/2027 academic session.
| State Universities | JAMB Cut Off Marks |
| Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) | 150 |
| Adamawa State University Mubi (ADSU) | 150 |
| Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA) | 150 |
| Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden | 150 |
| Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma (AAU) | 150 |
| Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli (COOU) | 150 |
| Bauchi State University, Gadau (BASUG) | 150 |
| Benue State University, Makurdi (BSU) | 150 |
| Yobe State University, Damaturu (YSU) | 150 |
| Cross River State University of Technology, Calabar (CRUTECH) | 150 |
| Delta State University Abraka (DELSU) | 150 |
| Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki (EBSU) | 150 |
| Ekiti State University (EKSU) | 150 |
| Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu (ESUT) | 150 |
| Gombe State Univeristy, Gombe (GSU) | 150 |
| Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBU) | 150 |
| Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni (IUAE) | 150 |
| Imo State University, Owerri (IMSU) | 150 |
| Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, Jigawa (SLU) | 150 |
| Kaduna State University, Kaduna (KASU) | 150 |
| Kano University of Science & Technology, Wudil (KUST) | 150 |
| Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero (KSUSTA) | 150 |
| Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba (PAAU) | 150 |
| Kwara State University, Ilorin (KWASU) | 150 |
| Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso (LAUTECH) | 150 |
| Ondo State University of Science and Technology Okitipupa (OAUSTECH) | 150 |
| Rivers State University (RSU) | 150 |
| Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye (OOU) | 150 |
| Lagos State University, Ojo (LASU) | 150 |
| Niger Delta University Yenagoa | 150 |
| Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK) | 150 |
| Plateau State University Bokkos (PLASU) | 150 |
| Tai Solarin University of Education Ijebu Ode (TASUED) | 150 |
| Umar Musa Yar’ Adua University Katsina (UMYU) | 150 |
| Osun State University Osogbo (UNIOSUN) | 150 |
| AbdulKadir Kure University, Minna Niger State (AKUM) | 150 |
| Kogi State University, Kabba (KSUK) | 150 |
| Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education (SRUE) | 150 |
| Emanuel Alayande University of Education Oyo | 150 |
| University of Ilesa, Osun State (UNILESA) | 150 |
| Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto (SSUES) | 150 |
| Lagos State University of Science and Technology Ikorodu (LASUSTECH) | 150 |
JAMB Cut Off Mark for All Polytechnics 2026/2027 (Private and Public)
Below are the some polytechnics in Nigeria and their approved JAMB cut off mark for the 2026/2027 academic session:
| Polytechnics | JAMB Cut Off Mark |
| Ajayi Polytechnic, Ara Ekiti | 100 |
| Al Hikma Polytechnic, Karu | 100 |
| Allover Central Polytechnic, Sango Ota | 100 |
| Ashi Polytechnic, Anyin | 100 |
| Bellarks Polytechnic, Kwale | 100 |
| Best Solution Polytechnic, Akure | 100 |
| Bolmor Polytechnic, Ibadan | 100 |
| Brainfill Polytechnic, Ikot Ekpene | 100 |
| British Transatlantic Polytechnic, Akure | 100 |
| Calvary Polytechnic, Owo Oyibu, Delta State | 100 |
| Citi Polytechnic, Abuja | 100 |
| Coastal Polytechnic, Badagry | 100 |
| Covenant Polytechnic, Aba | 100 |
| Federal Polytechnic, Offa | 100 |
JAMB Cut Off Mark For Colleges of Education 2026/2027
Below are the various colleges of education in Nigeria and their JAMB cut off mark for the 2026/2027 academic session:
| College of Education | JAMB Cut Off Mark |
| Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba | 100 |
| Federal College of Education, Kano | 100 |
| Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo | 100 |
| College of Education, Gindiri | 100 |
| College of Education, Hong | 100 |
| Tai Solarin College of Education, Ijebu Ode | 100 |
| College of Education, Ikere Ekiti | 100 |
| Ebonyi State College of Education, Ikwo | 100 |
| College of Education, Warri | 100 |
| Federal College of Education, Pankshin | 100 |
| Federal College of Education, Yola | 100 |
| Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo | 100 |
| Federal College of Education, Obudu | 100 |
| Federal College of Education, Katsina | 100 |
| Federal College of Education (Technical) | 100 |
| Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi | 100 |
| Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka | 100 |
| City College of Education, Mararaba | 100 |
| College of Education, Waka BIU | 100 |
| Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afahansit | 100 |
| Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa | 100 |
| Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu | 100 |
| Aminu Sale College of Education, Azare | 100 |
| Zamfara State College of Education, Maru | 100 |
Departmental Cut Off Marks for Competitive Courses
Your JAMB score must meet or exceed the departmental cut off mark for your chosen course. Here are the typical departmental cut off marks for competitive courses across Nigerian universities for 2026/2027.
| Course | Federal Universities | State Universities | Private Universities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine and Surgery | 150 to 320 | 150 to 280 | 150 to 250 |
| Law | 150 to 300 | 150 to 260 | 150 to 220 |
| Pharmacy | 150 to 280 | 150 to 250 | 150 to 220 |
| Nursing | 150 to 270 | 150 to 240 | 150 to 200 |
| Engineering (All Branches) | 150 to 260 | 150 to 220 | 150 to 180 |
| Computer Science | 150 to 240 | 150 to 200 | 150 to 170 |
| Mass Communication | 150 to 260 | 150 to 220 | 150 to 180 |
| Accounting | 150 to 240 | 150 to 200 | 150 to 170 |
| Economics | 150 to 240 | 150 to 200 | 150 to 170 |
| Political Science | 150 to 230 | 150 to 190 | 150 to 160 |
| Biochemistry | 150 to 220 | 150 to 180 | 150 to 150 |
| Microbiology | 150 to 220 | 150 to 180 | 150 to 150 |
| Industrial Chemistry | 150 to 200 | 150 to 170 | 150 |
| Physics | 150 to 190 | 150 to 160 | 150 |
| Mathematics | 150 to 190 | 150 to 160 | 150 |
How Cut Off Marks Are Determined
Several factors influence the cut off mark for each institution and course. Understanding these factors helps you predict where you stand and make smarter admission choices.
1. Number of Applicants
When thousands of students compete for a limited number of slots, institutions raise the cut off mark to filter the pool. Courses like Medicine and Law attract massive numbers of applicants, which is why their cut off marks are consistently high.
2. Performance in JAMB
If candidates perform exceptionally well in a given year, institutions respond by raising their cut off marks. On the flip side, if overall performance drops, cut off marks may also drop to fill available spaces.
3. Available Admission Slots
Every department has a fixed number of admission slots. The Faculty of Medicine may have only 100 slots, while the Faculty of Arts may have 500. Courses with fewer slots naturally have higher cut off marks because competition is stiffer.
4. Institutional Policy
Some universities deliberately set high cut off marks to maintain academic standards and prestige. Others keep cut off marks low to attract more applicants and fill their admission quotas.
5. Accreditation Status
Courses with full accreditation attract more applicants, which drives up cut off marks. Courses with provisional or no accreditation tend to have lower cut off marks because students are less willing to apply.
What to Do If Your JAMB Score Is Below the Cut Off Mark
Not every candidate will meet the cut off mark for their chosen course or institution. That does not mean your admission dream is over. Here are your options.
1. Change Your Course or Institution
JAMB allows candidates to change their course or institution after results are released. If your score is lower than expected, switch to a less competitive course or a less competitive institution.
For example, if you cannot study Medicine, consider Nursing or Biochemistry. If your score is not high enough for UNILAG, consider a state university or a polytechnic. This is often the quickest way to secure admission.
2. Apply for Supplementary Admission
Some institutions release supplementary admission lists after the main admission list is published. These supplementary lists often have lower cut off marks because not all admitted candidates accept their offers.
Keep checking the school portal and JAMB CAPS regularly for updates. You might get a second chance.
3. Consider Polytechnics or Colleges of Education
Polytechnics and colleges of education have lower cut off marks than universities. You can earn a National Diploma (ND) or Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and later use it to gain admission into a university through Direct Entry. This path takes longer, but it is a reliable backup plan.
4. Consider Private Universities
Private universities accept lower JAMB scores, but their tuition fees are higher than federal and state universities.
If you have the financial means, private universities are a good option. Many private institutions offer quality education and have smaller class sizes.
5. Retake JAMB
If you are not satisfied with your score and none of the above options works for you, register for JAMB again next year.
Use the extra time to prepare thoroughly, take mock exams, identify your weak areas, and improve your score. Many successful candidates got in on their second or third attempt.
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