JAMB Cut Off Mark 2026 for All Schools

JAMB Cut Off Mark 2026 for All Schools

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.

⚠ Important Note: Scoring above the JAMB national cut off mark does not guarantee you admission. You must also meet your school’s departmental cut off and pass the Post-UTME screening where applicable.

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
📌 Update Notice: JAMB may revise cut off marks after its annual policy meeting, usually held in April or May. This page will be updated immediately once any revision is officially announced.

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 School’s Cut Off Mark 2026

Follow these steps to verify the exact cut off mark for your chosen school and course:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like