JAMB Cut Off Mark 2026/2027 for All Schools,Complete Official List

Universities · Polytechnics · Colleges of Education · Nursing Schools
Federal, State & Private | Based on JAMB Policy Meeting, May 11, 2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.What Is a JAMB Cut Off Mark?
2.Official JAMB Cut Off Mark for 2026/2027 (Quick Summary)
3.Federal Universities & Their Cut Off Marks
4.State Universities Cut Off Marks
5. Private Universities Cut Off Marks
6.Polytechnics Cut Off Marks
7.Colleges of Education Cut Off Marks
8.Nursing Schools Cut Off Marks
9. Cut Off Marks by Course (Medicine, Law, Engineering & More)
10.What If Your Score Is Below the Cut Off?
12. 5 Tips to Improve Your Admission Chances
13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

            INTRODUCTION
If you recently got your JAMB result and the first thing you typed into Google was “JAMB cut off mark 2026 for all schools”  you are not alone. Thousands of Nigerian students are asking the same question right now. And honestly, that is the smartest thing you can do at this stage of your admission journey.
This guide is the only one you will need. We have compiled the official JAMB cut off marks for the 2026/2027 academic session for every category of institution , federal universities, state universities, private universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and nursing schools. We have also broken down departmental cut off marks for popular courses like Medicine, Law, Engineering, Pharmacy, and more.
Before anything else, here is the most important thing to understand: the national minimum cut off mark and your school’s actual cut off are two different things. Knowing both is what separates students who get admitted from those who spend another year preparing.

WHAT IS A JAMB CUT OFF MARK? 

A JAMB cut off mark is the minimum score a candidate must achieve in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to be eligible for admission consideration into a Nigerian tertiary institution. Think of it as the doorway you must at least touch the frame before anyone considers letting you in.
There are actually two levels of cut off marks you need to know about:

▶ NATIONAL MINIMUM CUT OFF:
This is the absolute floor set by JAMB. No university or polytechnic is legally allowed to admit any student below this score. For 2026, universities must not admit below 150, and polytechnics must not admit below 100.
▶ DEPARTMENTAL / INSTITUTIONAL CUT OFF:
This is the score each individual school or department sets for itself, always higher than the national minimum. For example, UNILAG sets its general baseline at 200, and its Medicine department may require 280 or above.
Scoring the national minimum only tells you that you are technically eligible. It does not mean you will be admitted. Your target should always be the institutional and departmental cut off of your chosen school and course.

2. OFFICIAL JAMB CUT OFF MARK FOR 2026/2027 QUICK SUMMARY
The 2026 JAMB cut off marks were officially confirmed at the JAMB Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja on Monday, May 11, 2026. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Education, vice-chancellors, rectors, registrars, and key stakeholders from institutions across Nigeria.

⚡ OFFICIAL JAMB MINIMUM CUT OFF MARKS 2026/2027:
Institution Type
Minimum Cut Off Mark
Universities (Federal, State & Private)
150
Colleges of Nursing & Specialized Institutions
150
Polytechnics (All Types)
100
Colleges of Education (NCE Programmes)
100
These are the baseline scores that every institution across Nigeria must respect. No university can legally offer admission to anyone who scored below 150. No polytechnic can admit a candidate below 100. These are hard rules  not guidelines.
However ,this is critical , most serious institutions have set their own cut off marks well above these national minimums. Read on for the full breakdown.

3. FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES & THEIR JAMB CUT OFF MARKS 2026/2027 

Federal universities in Nigeria remain the most competitive institutions in the country. They receive the highest number of applications every year, which is why most of them set their internal cut off marks significantly above the national minimum of 150.
The most prestigious federal universities including UNILAG, UI, OAU, UNIBEN, UNN, and UNIUYO ,have all adopted 200 as their institutional minimum for the 2026/2027 admission cycle. This means that if your score is below 200, these schools will not even consider your application, regardless of the 150 national minimum.
University
Abbreviation
Cut Off Mark
University of Lagos
UNILAG
200
University of Ibadan
UI
200
Obafemi Awolowo University
OAU
200
University of Nigeria, Nsukka
UNN
200
University of Benin
UNIBEN
200
University of Uyo
UNIUYO
200
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
ABU
180
University of Ilorin
UNILORIN
180
University of Port Harcourt
UNIPORT
180
University of Jos
UNIJOS
180
University of Maiduguri
UNIMAID
160
Federal University of Technology, Akure
FUTA
180
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
FUNAAB
160
University of Abuja
UNIABUJA
160
Federal University, Dutsin-Ma
FUDMA
150
Federal University, Dutse
FUD
150
Federal University, Gashua
FUGASHUA
150
Federal University, Birnin Kebbi
FUBK
150
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University
ATBU
160
Bayero University Kano
BUK
180

SEE ALSO:UNIMAID Cut Off Mark 2026/2027 for All Courses Released

IMPORTANT: These are the general institutional cut off marks. Individual departments especially Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, and Engineering will set their own higher departmental cut offs. Always confirm directly with your chosen department or the official institution website.
4. STATE UNIVERSITIES  JAMB CUT OFF MARKS 2026/2027 
State universities generally have slightly more flexible admission processes compared to federal universities, but that does not mean they are easy to enter. Many popular state universities particularly those in high-demand states like Lagos, Oyo, Rivers, and Enugu  still set competitive cut off marks.
University
State
Cut Off Mark
Lagos State University
Lagos
180
Ekiti State University
Ekiti
170
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
Oyo
170
Rivers State University
Rivers
170
Imo State University
Imo
160
Delta State University
Delta
160
Ambrose Alli University
Edo
160
Kano State University of Science & Technology
Kano
160
Enugu State University
Enugu
160
Cross River State University of Technology
Cross River
150
Abia State University
Abia
150
Yobe State University
Yobe
150
Benue State University
Benue
150
Niger Delta University
Bayelsa
150

5. PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES  JAMB CUT OFF MARKS 2026/2027 

Private universities span a wide range of cut off marks depending on their prestige and course offerings. Top-tier private institutions like Covenant University, Pan-Atlantic University, and American University of Nigeria set high standards, while others offer more accessible entry points.
University
Cut Off Mark
Pan-Atlantic University (PAU)
220
Covenant University
200
American University of Nigeria (AUN)
180
Babcock University
180
Redeemer’s University
180
Lead City University
160
Madonna University
160
Benson Idahosa University
160
Bowen University
160
Crawford University
150
Landmark University
160
Novena University
150
Salem University
150

6. POLYTECHNICS  JAMB CUT OFF MARKS 2026/2027 
The national minimum cut off mark for polytechnics in Nigeria for 2026/2027 is 100. This makes polytechnics a viable and practical route for candidates who may not meet the 150 threshold required for university admission. That said, competitive polytechnics in major cities do set their own higher internal cut offs.
Institution
Type
Cut Off Mark
Yaba College of Technology
Federal
150
Federal Polytechnic, Nekede
Federal
120
Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro
Federal
120
Kaduna Polytechnic
Federal
120
Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti
Federal
120
Federal Polytechnic, Bida
Federal
110
Federal Polytechnic, Offa
Federal
110
Lagos State Polytechnic
State
140
Ogun State Institute of Technology
State
110
Moshood Abiola Polytechnic
State
120
The Polytechnic, Ibadan
State
100
Auchi Polytechnic
Federal
110

7. COLLEGES OF EDUCATION JAMB CUT OFF MARKS 2026/2027 
The minimum JAMB cut off mark for Colleges of Education (NCE programmes) in Nigeria for 2026/2027 is 100. Colleges of Education are excellent options for students who wish to pursue a career in teaching and education.
It is also worth noting that candidates seeking NCE in Education and non-engineering Agriculture courses now enjoy UTME exemption under the new 2026 JAMB policy  though they still need to register with JAMB and go through the CAPS verification system.
Institution
Cut Off Mark
FCT College of Education, Zuba (Abuja)
100
Federal College of Education, Abeokuta
100
Federal College of Education, Katsina
100
Federal College of Education, Okene
100
Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka
100
Adeyemi Federal University of Education
120
Lagos State College of Education
110
Emmanuel Alayande COE, Oyo
100
Tai Solarin College of Education
110

8. NURSING SCHOOLS  JAMB CUT OFF MARKS 2026/2027

Nursing is one of the most in-demand courses in Nigeria right now, largely due to the massive international demand for Nigerian nurses in countries like the UK, Canada, and the USA. Because of this demand, the competition for nursing school spots is fierce, and most institutions have set their cut off marks significantly above the national minimum of 150.
Institution
Cut Off Mark
Lagos State College of Nursing (LCON)
200+
LUTH School of Nursing
200+
OAUTHC School of Nursing, Ile-Ife
180
UCH School of Nursing, Ibadan
180
UBTH School of Nursing, Benin
170
State Schools of Nursing (Various)
150–160
Private Nursing Institutions
150

9. JAMB CUT OFF MARKS BY COURSE 2026/2027 

Beyond your school’s general cut off, every department sets its own departmental cut off mark based on how many students applied versus how many spots are available. Here are the realistic ranges for the most competitive and popular courses:
MEDICINE & SURGERY
Medicine remains the single most competitive course in Nigeria. Most top federal universities ,including UNILAG, UI, OAU, and UNIBEN  require scores between 260 and 300+. Some private universities like Madonna, Lead City, and Redeemer’s may consider scores around 220, but even that is not guaranteed. If Medicine is your goal, aim for 280 and above.
LAW
Law is equally competitive. Federal university law departments typically require between 220 and 260. State universities may be slightly more accessible at 200–220. A score below 220 for Law at a top federal university is a significant risk.
ENGINEERING ,ALL DISCIPLINES
Engineering departments across federal universities generally require a minimum of 200 to 240 for consideration. Electrical/Electronics Engineering and Computer Engineering tend to be the most competitive, while Civil and Agricultural Engineering may have slightly lower cut offs.
PHARMACY
Pharmacy sits just below Medicine in terms of competitiveness. Expect departmental cut offs of 230 to 260 at federal universities. Private universities may accept 200–220.

COMPUTER SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY COURSES

Due to the rising demand for tech professionals, Computer Science has become increasingly competitive. Typical cut offs at federal universities now range from 180 to 220.

EDUCATION & SOCIAL SCIENCES

These are generally less competitive, with most schools accepting scores from 150 to 180. Note: NCE Education candidates now enjoy UTME exemption under the new 2026 JAMB policy.

COURSE CUT OFF SUMMARY TABLE:
Courses
Federal University Cut Off
Competition Level
Medicine & Surgery
260–300+
🔴 Extremely High
Pharmacy
230–260
🔴 Very High
Law
220–260
🔴 Very High
Nursing (in Universities)
220–260
🔴 Very High
Engineering
200–240
🟠 High
Computer Science
180–220
🟠 High
Architecture
180–220
🟠 High
Accounting / Finance
170–200
🟡 Moderate
Mass Communication
160–190
🟡 Moderate
Social Sciences
150–180
🟢 Lower
Education
150–170
🟢 Lower
Agriculture
150–170
🟢 Lower

10. WHAT IF YOUR SCORE IS BELOW THE CUT OFF? 
Getting a score below your school’s cut off is not the end of your academic journey. It feels that way , we understand. But there are genuine, practical options available to you.

🔁 CHANGE OF INSTITUTION:
If your score meets the national minimum (150 for universities, 100 for polytechnics), use JAMB’s Change of Institution portal to switch to a school whose cut off your score can meet. This is simple to do and costs just ₦2,500.
📚 CHANGE OF COURSE:
Consider switching to a less competitive course within the same institution where your score may be sufficient. Many students enter through a related department and transfer or build from there.
🏫 CONSIDER A POLYTECHNIC:
Scores as low as 100 qualify for polytechnic admission. Polytechnic programmes are career-focused, and HND holders can convert to degree equivalents through bridge programmes.
🎓 DISTANCE LEARNING / PART-TIME:
Institutions like the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and weekend programmes at various universities typically have more flexible entry requirements and do not always demand high JAMB scores.
📝 RESIT JAMB NEXT YEAR:
If none of the above work for your goals, plan and resit JAMB. One well-prepared attempt can change everything. Many of Nigeria’s most successful professionals resit JAMB, it is not a setback, it is a strategy.

     5 TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR ADMISSION CHANCES 

Meeting the cut off mark is just step one. Here is how to go further;

TIP 1 AIM ABOVE THE MINIMUM:
Never target the minimum. Score 30–50 points above the cut off to give yourself a safety buffer when competition is high.

TIP 2 PREPARE FOR POST-UTME:
Most universities combine your JAMB score with Post-UTME scores. A strong Post-UTME performance can compensate for a JAMB score just above the cut off.

TIP 3 MONITOR JAMB CAPS:
Check the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) regularly. Admission offers are placed there first. Missing your slot has real consequences.

TIP 4  KNOW YOUR SCHOOL’S AGGREGATE FORMULA:
Different schools calculate their admission aggregate differently some weight JAMB 60%/Post-UTME 40%, others 50/50. Know yours and plan accordingly.

TIP 5: ACT EARLY, DON’T WAIT:
Admission lists move quickly. The earlier you engage with your institution’s process ,uploading O’Level results, registering for screening ,the better your chances.

12. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) 

Q: What is the JAMB cut off mark for 2026/2027?
A: The official JAMB minimum cut off mark for 2026/2027 is 150 for universities and nursing schools, and 100 for polytechnics and colleges of education. These were confirmed at the JAMB Policy Meeting held on May 11, 2026 in Abuja.

Q: Can I gain admission with a score of 150?
A: Yes 150 meets the national university minimum and makes you technically eligible for consideration at many institutions. However, top schools like UNILAG, UI, OAU, and UNIBEN require at least 200, so a score of 150 will not be sufficient for these schools specifically.

Q: What is a good JAMB score in 2026?
A: A score of 250 and above is generally considered a competitive score that puts you in a strong position at most federal universities. For Medicine, Law, and Pharmacy, aim for 280+. For other courses at top schools, 200–250 is a solid range.

Q: Is the JAMB cut off mark the same as the Post-UTME cut off?
A: No. The JAMB cut off mark is for your UTME score. The Post-UTME (or screening exercise) is a separate test or process conducted by individual institutions. Many schools combine your JAMB score and Post-UTME score to compute an aggregate for admission.

Q: Which school has the highest cut off mark in 2026?
A: Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) adopted the highest institutional minimum cut off mark at 220 for the 2026/2027 session. Among public universities, UNILAG, UI, OAU, UNIBEN, and UNN all set their minimum at 200.

Q: Can Education and Agriculture students skip JAMB in 2026?
A: Yes. Under the new 2026 JAMB policy, candidates for NCE Education programmes and non-engineering Agriculture courses are now exempted from writing the UTME. However, they must still register with JAMB and go through the CAPS verification process.

Q: What is the cut off mark for Polytechnics in 2026?
A: The national minimum cut off mark for all polytechnics in Nigeria is 100 for 2026/2027. Individual polytechnics especially those in Lagos and other major cities may set their own higher institutional cut offs.

Q: When is the admission deadline for 2026/2027?
A: JAMB has set an October 2026 deadline for federal universities to conclude their admission lists and upload them to CAPS. Polytechnics have until November 30, and colleges of education until December 31, 2026.

DISCLAIMER & SOURCE NOTE
The cut off marks listed in this guide are based on the official JAMB Policy Meeting announcement of May 11, 2026, and institutional data gathered from reliable Nigerian education sources. Individual departmental cut off marks are dynamic and may change as Post-UTME screening results come in. Always confirm your school’s specific requirements directly via the institution’s official website or the JAMB CAPS portal at portal.  Jamb.gov.ng.