Can I Get Admission with a Low JAMB Cut-Off Mark in 2025/2026?

Can I Get Admission with a Low JAMB Cut-Off Mark in 2025/2026? Every year, many students in Nigeria take the JAMB exam hoping to get admission into universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education. One of the biggest questions students have is, “Can I get admission with a low JAMB cut-off mark in 2025/2026?” In this article, we will talk about the chances of getting admission if you have a low JAMB cut-off mark and what you can do to still get into your desired school.

Table of Contents

What is a JAMB Cut-Off Mark?

The JAMB cut-off mark is the minimum score set by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) that a student needs to get to be considered for admission into a university, polytechnic, or college of education in Nigeria. If your score meets or is higher than the cut-off mark, it means you are eligible for admission to the school.

However, different schools set different cut-off marks. Some schools may have higher cut-off marks because they are more competitive, while others may have lower cut-off marks because they are less competitive.

Can I Get Admission with a Low JAMB Cut-Off Mark?

If you have a low JAMB cut-off mark, you may still have a chance of getting admission into a higher institution. However, it depends on a few factors. Let’s look at how a low JAMB score might affect your admission chances.

1. School’s Cut-Off Mark Requirements

One of the most important things to consider is the cut-off mark set by the school you are applying to. Every school has its own cut-off mark, which may be different from other schools. Some schools set higher cut-off marks because they are more competitive, while others may have lower cut-off marks.

If your JAMB score is low, you might not be able to meet the cut-off mark for some of the more competitive schools, especially those in big cities or well-known universities. For example, schools like University of Lagos (UNILAG) or University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) may have higher cut-off marks.

However, if you apply to schools with lower cut-off marks, you might stand a better chance of getting admission, even with a low JAMB score. Some colleges of education, polytechnics, or universities in smaller towns may have lower cut-off marks, and you might still meet the requirements for those schools.

2. Post-UTME or Screening

Even if you have a low JAMB cut-off mark, some schools may still consider you for admission through the Post-UTME or screening process. After the JAMB exam, many schools hold their own internal exams or screenings to further assess students before granting admission. If you score well in the Post-UTME or screening, your chances of getting admission can increase, even if your JAMB score is low.

Some schools may give you a second chance through the Post-UTME if your JAMB score is lower than the required cut-off mark. This is why it’s important to perform well in any additional tests or interviews that the school may require.

3. Consider Changing Your Course

If your JAMB score is low, you can also consider changing your course to one that has a lower cut-off mark. Some courses are more competitive than others, and the cut-off marks for these courses tend to be higher. For example, courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering often have higher cut-off marks because many students want to study them.

If you are interested in getting admission but have a low JAMB score, you can change to a less competitive course like Sociology, Education, or Theater Arts, which may have lower cut-off marks. This will increase your chances of gaining admission into your desired school.

4. Consider Other Schools with Lower Cut-Off Marks

If your JAMB score is low, you can also consider applying to other schools that have lower cut-off marks. While some schools have higher cut-off marks, others may have lower requirements, especially polytechnics, colleges of education, and private universities.

For example, if you did not meet the JAMB cut-off mark for a public university, you can apply to a private university or a polytechnic that may have a lower cut-off mark. Some private universities have a changing admission process, and they might consider you even with a low JAMB score.

5. Supplementary Admission

Some schools may offer supplementary admission for students who did not meet the required JAMB cut-off mark. If there are still available spaces after the main admission process, schools may release a supplementary list for students who performed well in their JAMB exam but did not meet the initial cut-off mark.

If you did not meet the cut-off mark for your preferred school, you can wait to see if the school releases a supplementary list. You may have a chance of being admitted through this process.

6. Consider Direct Entry (DE)

If your JAMB score is low and you already have a National Diploma (ND) or other qualifications, you may want to consider Direct Entry (DE). Direct Entry allows you to gain admission into a higher level of study without taking JAMB again.

For example, if you have a National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply for Direct Entry into a university or polytechnic. This means you can skip the JAMB exam and proceed to a higher level of study.

7. Work Hard to Improve Your Chances

Even if your JAMB cut-off mark is low, you can still improve your chances by working hard during the next step of the admission process. Here are some things you can do to improve your chances of getting admission:

Study for the Post-UTME: If the school you applied to requires a Post-UTME or screening test, study well for it. Your performance in this exam may be enough to secure your admission even if your JAMB score is low.
Improve Your Skills: Some schools may give preference to students with special skills like sports, music, or leadership. If you have a talent in any of these areas, be sure to showcase them during the screening process.
Stay Updated: Keep checking the school’s website or JAMB portal for updates on supplementary admissions or changes in cut-off marks. You never know when an opportunity will arise.

Conclusion

So, can you get admission with a low JAMB cut-off mark in 2025/2026? The answer is yes, but it depends on several factors. If your JAMB score is low, you may still have a chance of getting admission if you apply to schools with lower cut-off marks, perform well in Post-UTME or screening tests, or change to a less competitive course. You can also consider Direct Entry, supplementary admission, or applying to private universities.

Remember that admission into a higher institution is not only about the JAMB cut-off mark. Your performance in other admission stages, as well as your ability to pass, will increase your chances of getting the admission you want. Keep studying hard, stay focused, and explore all your options for admission.