The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the 2026 cut-off marks for admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria. This announcement is a crucial step for candidates who sat for the 2026 UTME, as it determines eligibility for admission into tertiary institutions.
If you are aspiring to secure admission in 2026, understanding the approved cut-off marks and how institutions apply them is extremely important.
What Is a JAMB Cut-Off Mark?
The JAMB cut-off mark is the minimum score a candidate must obtain in the UTME to be considered for admission into a tertiary institution. While JAMB sets a general minimum benchmark, individual institutions are allowed to set higher cut-off marks based on competitiveness and available admission slots.
Approved JAMB 2026 Cut-Off Mark
Below are the officially approved minimum JAMB cut-off marks for 2026:
1. Universities
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Minimum Cut-Off Mark: 140
This applies to all federal, state, and private universities. However, highly competitive institutions and courses such as Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Pharmacy may require scores well above 200.
2. Polytechnics
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Minimum Cut-Off Mark: 100
Candidates with scores from 100 and above are eligible to apply for admission into polytechnics, subject to institutional screening and course requirements.
3. Colleges of Education
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Minimum Cut-Off Mark: 100
This category includes federal, state, and private colleges of education offering NCE programmes.
Important Note for Candidates
The cut-off marks listed above are minimum requirements only. Institutions may:
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Increase their cut-off marks
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Conduct post-UTME or internal screening
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Rank candidates based on merit and catchment area
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Consider O’Level results and subject combinations
Meeting the minimum JAMB cut-off mark does not automatically guarantee admission.
JAMB 2026 Cut-Off Mark vs Departmental Cut-Off Mark
Many candidates confuse the general JAMB cut-off mark with departmental cut-off marks. Here’s the difference:
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JAMB Cut-Off Mark: The minimum score to qualify for admission consideration
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Departmental Cut-Off Mark: The score set by individual departments based on competition
For example, a university may accept 140, but Medicine may require 250+, while Education courses may accept lower scores.
What to Do If You Score Below the Cut-Off Mark
If your UTME score is below your preferred institution’s cut-off mark, you still have options:
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Apply for Change of Institution or Course
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Consider polytechnics or colleges of education
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Choose less competitive courses
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Apply to private universities with flexible admission policies
These alternatives can significantly improve your chances of securing admission in 2026.
Admission Tips for 2026 Candidates
To increase your chances of admission:
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Aim far above the minimum cut-off mark
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Prepare thoroughly for post-UTME or screening
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Upload correct O’Level results on the JAMB CAPS portal
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Monitor admission updates from your chosen institution
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Be open to alternative institutions or courses
Conclusion
The JAMB 2026 cut-off mark serves as a gateway into Nigeria’s tertiary education system. With 140 for universities and 100 for polytechnics and colleges of education, candidates now have clarity on the basic requirements for admission.
However, competition remains high, and scoring above the minimum benchmark is always the safest strategy. Stay informed, plan wisely, and take proactive steps to secure your admission in the 2026 academic session.
