The official JAMB cut off mark for 2026 is 140 for federal, state, and private universities, and 100 for polytechnics, monotechnics, and colleges of education. However, most universities set their own higher departmental cut offs, typically between 180 and 300+. Always confirm your specific school and course cut off before applying.
If you have just checked your JAMB 2026 result and are wondering whether your score is good enough for your preferred school, you are in the right place. Every year, thousands of UTME candidates score above 200 but are still confused about whether they qualify for admission, because the JAMB national cut off mark and a school’s own departmental cut off mark are two very different things.
On this page, MasterJAMB.com has compiled the most complete and up-to-date list of JAMB cut off marks for 2026, covering all federal universities, state universities, private universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Nigeria. We also explain what to do if your score falls below the cut off for your desired school.
Bookmark this page, we update it immediately whenever JAMB or any institution releases new cut off information for the 2026 admission cycle.
What is JAMB Cut Off Mark?
A JAMB cut off mark is the minimum UTME score a candidate must achieve to be considered for admission into an institution. However, there are two levels of cut off marks every candidate must understand:
1. JAMB National Minimum Cut Off
This is the lowest acceptable score set by JAMB after the annual policy meeting with heads of tertiary institutions. It applies across all schools of the same category. Scoring below this mark means you are automatically ineligible for admission into that category of institution, regardless of any other qualification.
2. Institutional / Departmental Cut Off
This is the cut off set by each individual school and often by each department or course within the school. It is almost always higher than the JAMB national minimum. For example, JAMB may set 140 as the national minimum for universities, but the University of Lagos may require 200 for general entry, and 280 for Medicine specifically.
Official JAMB National Cut Off Mark 2026
The table below shows the national minimum cut off marks approved by JAMB for the 2026 admission exercise:
| Institution Type | JAMB Minimum Cut Off 2026 |
|---|---|
| Federal Universities | 140 |
| State Universities | 140 |
| Private Universities | 140 |
| Polytechnics & Monotechnics | 100 |
| Colleges of Education | 100 |
| Innovative Enterprise Institutions (IEI) | 100 |
JAMB Cut Off Mark 2026 for Federal Universities
Federal universities are the most competitive institutions in Nigeria. While JAMB’s national minimum is 140, most federal universities require a minimum of 180 to 200 for general admission, with science and professional courses demanding even higher scores.
| # | University | State | Cut Off Mark | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Lagos (UNILAG) | Lagos | 200 | Medicine, Law & Pharmacy require 270+ |
| 2 | University of Ibadan (UI) | Oyo | 200 | Medicine requires 280+ |
| 3 | Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) | Osun | 200 | Professional courses require 250+ |
| 4 | Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) | Kaduna | 180 | Medicine & Surgery require 260+ |
| 5 | University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) | Enugu | 180 | Medicine & Law higher |
| 6 | University of Benin (UNIBEN) | Edo | 180 | Medicine, Pharmacy & Law require 250+ |
| 7 | University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) | Kwara | 180 | Medicine requires 270+ |
| 8 | University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) | Rivers | 180 | Science courses require 200+ |
| 9 | University of Calabar (UNICAL) | Cross River | 180 | — |
| 10 | University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) | FCT | 160 | Law requires 200+ |
| 11 | Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) | Ondo | 160 | Engineering requires 180+ |
| 12 | Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTMinna) | Niger | 160 | — |
| 13 | Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) | Imo | 160 | — |
| 14 | Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) | Anambra | 170 | Medicine & Law higher |
| 15 | Bayero University Kano (BUK) | Kano | 160 | Medicine requires 220+ |
| 16 | University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) | Borno | 160 | — |
| 17 | Usman Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) | Sokoto | 160 | Medicine requires 200+ |
| 18 | Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) | Ekiti | 150 | — |
| 19 | Federal University Dutse (FUD) | Jigawa | 150 | — |
| 20 | Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA) | Katsina | 150 | — |
| 21 | Federal University Kashere (FUKashere) | Gombe | 150 | — |
| 22 | Federal University Lafia (FULafia) | Nasarawa | 150 | — |
| 23 | Federal University Wukari (FUWukari) | Taraba | 150 | — |
| 24 | Federal University Lokoja (FULokoja) | Kogi | 150 | — |
| 25 | Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) | Kebbi | 150 | — |
| 26 | Michael Okpara Univ. of Agriculture (MOUAU) | Abia | 160 | Agriculture-focused |
| 27 | Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB) | Ogun | 160 | — |
| 28 | Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) | Kaduna | 180 | Additional screening required |
Note: Cut off marks above are based on historical trends and available 2026 institutional announcements. Individual school Post-UTME cut offs may differ. Always verify with your specific institution.
JAMB Cut Off Mark 2026 for State Universities
State universities vary widely in competitiveness. Some top state universities like LASU, LAUTECH, and Rivers State University are as competitive as federal universities, while newer state universities tend to have lower cut offs. The table below covers major state universities across all geopolitical zones.
| # | University | State | Zone | Cut Off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lagos State University (LASU) | Lagos | SW | 200 |
| 2 | Ladoke Akintola Univ. of Technology (LAUTECH) | Oyo/Osun | SW | 180 |
| 3 | Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) | Ogun | SW | 160 |
| 4 | Ekiti State University (EKSU) | Ekiti | SW | 160 |
| 5 | Ondo State University of Science & Technology | Ondo | SW | 150 |
| 6 | Rivers State University (RSU) | Rivers | SS | 180 |
| 7 | Delta State University (DELSU) | Delta | SS | 160 |
| 8 | Ambrose Alli University (AAU) | Edo | SS | 160 |
| 9 | Anambra State University (ANSU) | Anambra | SE | 160 |
| 10 | Imo State University (IMSU) | Imo | SE | 160 |
| 11 | Enugu State University of Science & Technology (ESUT) | Enugu | SE | 160 |
| 12 | Kano State University of Science & Technology (KUST) | Kano | NW | 150 |
| 13 | Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) | Niger | NC | 150 |
| 14 | Benue State University (BSU) | Benue | NC | 160 |
| 15 | Adamawa State University (ADSU) | Adamawa | NE | 150 |
| 16 | Gombe State University (GSU) | Gombe | NE | 150 |
JAMB Cut Off Mark 2026 for Private Universities
Private universities generally accept candidates with lower JAMB scores but many have their own entrance examinations or screening processes. The national minimum of 140 applies, but most reputable private universities set their own minimum above this figure.
| # | University | State | Cut Off | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Covenant University | Ogun | 200 | Has own entrance exam |
| 2 | Babcock University | Ogun | 180 | Screening required |
| 3 | Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) | Lagos | 180 | — |
| 4 | Bowen University | Osun | 160 | — |
| 5 | American University of Nigeria (AUN) | Adamawa | 160 | Has scholarship options |
| 6 | Redeemer’s University | Osun | 160 | — |
| 7 | Landmark University | Kwara | 160 | — |
| 8 | Baze University | FCT | 150 | — |
| 9 | Caleb University | Lagos | 150 | — |
| 10 | Al-Hikmah University | Kwara | 140 | Accepts national minimum |
JAMB Cut Off Mark 2026 for Polytechnics
The JAMB national minimum for polytechnics is 100, but most major polytechnics especially the federal ones require higher scores for competitive programmes like Engineering, Business Administration, and Computer Science. Below are cut off marks for major polytechnics in Nigeria:
| # | Polytechnic | State | Cut Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) | Lagos | 150 |
| 2 | Federal Polytechnic Ilaro | Ogun | 130 |
| 3 | Kaduna Polytechnic | Kaduna | 120 |
| 4 | Federal Polytechnic Nekede | Imo | 120 |
| 5 | Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti | Ekiti | 120 |
| 6 | Federal Polytechnic Bida | Niger | 100 |
| 7 | Federal Polytechnic Mubi | Adamawa | 100 |
| 8 | Kano State Polytechnic | Kano | 100 |
| 9 | Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) | Ogun | 120 |
| 10 | The Polytechnic Ibadan | Oyo | 120 |
JAMB Cut Off Mark 2026 for Colleges of Education
Colleges of Education use the JAMB national minimum of 100 as their baseline. Most accept candidates within the 100–150 range, making them a good option for candidates who did not score high enough for university admission. Below are some of the major colleges of education in Nigeria and their cut off marks:
| # | College of Education | State | Cut Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Federal College of Education Zaria | Kaduna | 120 |
| 2 | Federal College of Education Kano | Kano | 100 |
| 3 | Federal College of Education Abeokuta | Ogun | 120 |
| 4 | Federal College of Education Eha-Amufu | Enugu | 100 |
| 5 | College of Education Azare | Bauchi | 100 |
| 6 | Tai Solarin College of Education (TASCE) | Ogun | 120 |
| 7 | Adeyemi College of Education (ACE) | Ondo | 120 |
| 8 | Emmanuel Alayande College of Education | Oyo | 100 |
JAMB Cut Off Mark by Course/Department 2026
Beyond the general school cut off, your specific course of study has its own departmental cut off mark. The table below gives you a realistic guide to the typical JAMB score ranges required for the most popular courses across Nigerian universities in 2026:
| Course | Typical Cut Off Range | Competition Level |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine & Surgery | 280 – 300+ | 🔴 Extremely High |
| Law | 250 – 280 | 🟥 Very High |
| Pharmacy | 240 – 270 | 🟥 Very High |
| Dentistry | 250 – 280 | 🟥 Very High |
| Engineering (all branches) | 200 – 240 | 🟩 High |
| Computer Science | 200 – 230 | 🟩 High |
| Nursing | 200 – 240 | 🟩 High |
| Accounting / Finance | 180 – 220 | 🟡 Moderate-High |
| Mass Communication | 180 – 210 | 🟡 Moderate-High |
| Economics / Business Admin | 170 – 210 | 🟡 Moderate |
| Social Sciences (Pol. Sci, Sociology) | 160 – 200 | 🟢 Moderate |
| Agriculture | 160 – 190 | 🟢 Moderate |
| Education courses | 150 – 180 | 🟢 Low-Moderate |
| Library & Information Science / Religious Studies | 140 – 160 | 🟢 Low |
What to Do If Your Score is Below Cut Off
Scoring below your preferred school or course cut off is not the end of the road. Here are your best options:
Option 1: Apply to a School with a Lower Cut Off
If your score is between 150 and 170, there are still many federal and state universities that will accept you. Use the tables above to identify schools where your score qualifies. You can change your institution choice on JAMB CAPS before the admission window closes.
Option 2: Switch to a Less Competitive Course
Within the same school, different departments have different cut offs. If Medicine requires 280+ but your score is 220, you may still qualify for Biochemistry, Microbiology, or Medical Laboratory Science in the same school. A course change can keep you in your preferred university.
Option 3: Apply to a Polytechnic or College of Education
If your score is below 140 and therefore below the university minimum, polytechnics and colleges of education are excellent alternatives. Many polytechnic graduates go on to top-up their qualifications with a degree programme through Direct Entry later.
Option 4: Apply Through Direct Entry
If you already have an OND, NCE, or A-Level qualification, you can bypass the UTME entirely and apply for 200-level admission through JAMB Direct Entry. [Read our JAMB Direct Entry 2026 guide]
Option 5: Re-Sit JAMB Next Year
If none of the above options work for your goals, the best decision is to re-sit JAMB in 2027. Use the extra time to prepare thoroughly using the official JAMB syllabus and past questions. Many top-scoring candidates did not pass on their first attempt.
> How to Check Your JAMB Result 2026
> JAMB UTME Result Slip 2026 (How to Print Original Result Slip)
How to Check Your School’s Cut Off Mark 2026
Follow these steps to verify the exact cut off mark for your chosen school and course:
- Visit the school’s official admissions portal. Navigate to the admissions or Post-UTME section of your institution’s website. Cut off marks are usually listed here once the Post-UTME exercise is announced.
- Log in to JAMB CAPS. Visit caps.jamb.gov.ng and sign in with your JAMB registration number. CAPS shows your admission status and which institution has offered you admission.
- Follow the school’s Post-UTME announcement. Each school releases its Post-UTME screening date and departmental requirements separately. Follow the school’s official social media pages and website for updates.
- Monitor JAMB’s official website. Any revision to the national minimum cut off will be published on jamb.gov.ng after the JAMB policy meeting.
- Bookmark this page on MasterJAMB.com. We update this article immediately as schools publish their official 2026 cut off marks throughout the admission cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions About JAMB Cut Off Mark 2026
What is the JAMB cut off mark for 2026?
The national minimum cut off mark set by JAMB for 2026 is 140 for all universities (federal, state, and private) and 100 for polytechnics, monotechnics, and colleges of education. However, individual institutions set their own higher cut offs for their departments.
Is 140 enough to gain admission in 2026?
140 satisfies JAMB’s national minimum requirement for universities, but in reality most federal and state universities require at least 180 for general admission and 200+ for competitive courses. A score of 140 is more likely to secure admission in a polytechnic, college of education, or a less competitive state university.
Which schools accept 150 in JAMB 2026?
Several federal and state universities accept 150 as a general cut off mark. These include Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Federal University Dutse (FUD), Federal University Kashere, Federal University Lafia, and several state universities in the North-East and North-West zones. Confirm with each school’s official Post-UTME announcement.
What is the cut off mark for UNILAG 2026?
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) typically sets its general cut off mark at around 200. Highly competitive courses like Medicine & Surgery, Law, and Pharmacy require scores of 270 and above. Check UNILAG’s official website for the exact 2026 Post-UTME figures.
Can I gain admission with 120 in JAMB 2026?
A score of 120 is below the national minimum of 140 required for university admission. However, you can apply to polytechnics and colleges of education where the national minimum is 100. Several polytechnics — including Kaduna Polytechnic and Federal Polytechnic Nekede — accept scores in the 100–130 range.
When will schools release their cut off marks for 2026?
Schools typically release their departmental cut off marks after conducting their Post-UTME screening, usually between May and August 2026. JAMB releases the national minimum cut off after the annual policy meeting, which typically holds in April or May. Bookmark this page for updates.
Does JAMB cut off mark change every year?
Yes, JAMB holds a policy meeting every year where the Board and heads of tertiary institutions agree on the national minimum cut off marks. The national minimum has remained at 140 for universities for several years, but this can be revised. Individual school cut offs fluctuate each year based on the number and quality of applicants.
What is the cut off mark for Medicine in 2026?
Medicine and Surgery is the most competitive course in Nigeria. Most federal universities require a minimum JAMB score of 280 to 300+ for Medicine. Some schools that offer Medicine — like UNILAG, UI, OAU, and UNIBEN — may require candidates to score in the top percentile of all UTME candidates nationwide before even being considered.
Conclusion
The JAMB cut off mark for 2026 is 140 for universities and 100 for polytechnics and colleges of education. But remember, the national minimum is just the starting point. Every school and department has its own higher cut off, and your score must meet both the national and institutional requirements to qualify for admission.
Use the tables on this page to check where your score fits, explore alternatives if needed, and take advantage of the JAMB CAPS platform to monitor your admission status. MasterJAMB.com will keep updating this page as schools release their official 2026 Post-UTME cut off marks throughout the admission cycle.
Save this page, share it with fellow candidates, and check back regularly for the latest updates on JAMB cut off marks for all schools in 2026.