BenjamintechOne of the first questions every UTME candidate asks after seeing their score is, “Is it enough to get admission?” The answer depends on two different things: the national minimum score set by JAMB, and the cut-off mark set by the school and course you want. This guide explains both for the 2026/2027 admission session and how to find your own school’s cut-off mark.
JAMB Minimum Admissible Scores for 2026/2027
At the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions into Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja, heads of tertiary institutions and JAMB agreed on the national minimum scores below. They are out of a total of 400 marks.
- Universities: 150
- Colleges of Nursing: 150
- Polytechnics and monotechnics: 100
No institution is allowed to admit a candidate who scores below these figures. This is the lowest score a school can accept, and it is not a promise of admission.
Colleges of Education and Some Agriculture Courses
The same policy meeting announced that candidates seeking admission into Education programmes and Agriculture (non-engineering) courses no longer need to sit for the UTME. If you are aiming for one of these, confirm the requirements with your school, because it may use its own admission process.
JAMB Cut-Off Mark vs School Cut-Off Mark
Many candidates confuse the two, so here is the difference:
- JAMB minimum (national): The lowest UTME score any school in that category can admit. For universities in 2026, that is 150.
- School or course cut-off: Schools are free to set a higher mark, and competitive courses like Medicine, Law, Engineering and Nursing usually do. A school’s cut-off can also differ from one course to another.
This means a score of 150 may qualify you to be considered, but it may not be enough for a popular course at a top university.
What Is Post UTME and Why Does It Matter?
Post UTME is the screening exercise that many universities run after the UTME. It can be a test, an interview, a document screening or a mix, depending on the school. Your final admission ranking is often based on a combination of your UTME score, your post-UTME performance and your O’level result, but the formula differs from school to school.
That is why you should not rely on your UTME score alone. Check your school’s post-UTME requirements and deadlines early.
How to Find Your School’s Cut-Off Mark
- Visit your school’s official website. Look for the admissions or post-UTME page, which usually lists the cut-off mark and the requirements for each course.
- Check the school’s official social media pages. Many institutions post updates there first.
- Look at previous years’ cut-offs. They are a useful guide, but the current figure can be higher or lower, so treat old numbers as a rough estimate only.
- Confirm with the admissions office. If information is unclear, contact the school directly.
- Check your subject combination and O’level requirements. Even a high UTME score will not help if your O’level result does not meet the course requirement.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Admission
- Choose a course that matches your UTME score and subject combination.
- Consider a less competitive course, or a change of course or institution, if your score is close to the minimum.
- Upload your O’level results to your JAMB profile and make sure they are correct.
- Register for post-UTME as soon as the form is out and prepare for the screening.
- Accept your admission offer on JAMB CAPS quickly when it appears.
- Follow only official school and JAMB sources for updates.
Beware of Admission Scams
During admission season, some people claim they can “help you get admission” or “raise your cut-off” for a fee. Genuine admission is processed through JAMB CAPS, and JAMB has warned that admissions done outside CAPS will not be recognised. Do not pay anyone who promises a guaranteed admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the JAMB cut-off mark for universities in 2026?
The national minimum for universities is 150 out of 400.
What is the JAMB cut-off mark for polytechnics in 2026?
The minimum for polytechnics is 100.
Can I get admission with exactly 150?
You can be considered by a university, but it is not guaranteed. Your school and course may set a higher cut-off, and admission is competitive.
Do all schools have the same cut-off mark?
No. The national minimum is the same, but each school and course can set its own higher mark.
Is post UTME compulsory?
It depends on the school. Some schools run a screening and some use other methods, so check your institution’s admission guidelines.
Where can I check my school’s exact cut-off mark?
On the school’s official website or social media pages, or through its admissions office.
Final Thoughts
The JAMB minimum of 150 for universities and 100 for polytechnics is only the starting point. What decides your admission is your school’s own cut-off, your course, your post-UTME performance and your O’level result. Check your school’s official requirements early, and come back to this blog for the latest JAMB updates and school-by-school cut-off mark guides.
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