JAMB sets the annual cut-off mark that determines your eligibility for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges.
Understanding this cut-off mark is crucial to planning your educational path, as it affects the likelihood of gaining admission to your desired institution.
In this article, we’ll look at what the JAMB cut-off mark is, how it works, and answer some common questions around it.
What is the JAMB Cut-Off Mark?
The JAMB cut-off mark is the minimum score you must achieve in your Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to be considered for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
This mark varies each year, depending on factors like the number of candidates and performance in that year’s exam.
JAMB sets a general minimum cut-off mark, but institutions often have the flexibility to raise this score based on their standards.
How is the JAMB Cut-Off Mark Determined?
JAMB sets the cut-off mark through consultations with educational stakeholders, including university administrators and officials from polytechnics and colleges of education.
This annual meeting, called the Policy Meeting, considers candidate performance, capacity of institutions, and educational standards.
The cut-off mark often varies across institutions and programs, meaning that some courses require higher scores than others.
What is the Current JAMB Cut-Off Mark?
As of the latest JAMB Policy Meeting, the general cut-off mark is set at 140 for universities, 120 for polytechnics, and 100 for colleges of education.
However, it’s essential to verify with your chosen institution, as they may have raised their minimum cut-off mark.
Competitive universities and programs, such as Medicine, Law, and Engineering, often require scores well above JAMB’s minimum.
Can I Gain Admission with a Score Below the Cut-Off Mark?
Typically, scoring below the JAMB cut-off mark reduces your chances of gaining admission into a university, though it’s not an absolute barrier.
Some polytechnics or colleges may still admit students who score slightly below the cut-off, especially for less competitive programs.
In cases where an institution has not met its enrollment target, they may lower the cut-off to accommodate more students.
However, aiming to score above the minimum cut-off is always advisable.
Do Different Courses Have Different Cut-Off Marks?
Yes, different courses have different cut-off marks.
Generally, competitive courses such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering, and Law require higher scores.
Institutions set departmental cut-off marks for these courses, which are often higher than JAMB’s general cut-off.
For instance, if the general cut-off is 140, Medicine may have a departmental cut-off of 250 or more.
Knowing the specific cut-off for your course helps you set realistic expectations.
How Can I Find My Chosen Institution’s Cut-Off Mark?
You can find an institution’s cut-off mark on its official website, JAMB’s portal, or by contacting the admission office directly.
JAMB also publishes approved cut-off marks after the Policy Meeting, which you can access online.
Note that while JAMB’s website provides general cut-offs, institutions may not publicly disclose their departmental cut-offs, as these vary each year.
What Happens if My Score Exceeds the Cut-Off Mark?
If you score above the cut-off mark, you have a strong chance of admission, but it’s not a guarantee.
Institutions consider additional factors, such as post-UTME scores, O’level results, and, in some cases, interviews.
High scores can boost your admission chances, especially for competitive courses, as they improve your position on the merit list.