How to Increase Your Chances if You Miss JAMB Cut-Off Mark in 2025/2026; It can be very disappointing to check your JAMB result and find out that you didn’t meet the required cut-off mark. But don’t worry, this is not the end of your journey. There are several ways to still increase your chances of getting admission into a university, polytechnic, or college of education in Nigeria, even if you miss the JAMB cut-off mark in 2025/2026. In this article, we will talk about practical steps you can take.
What Happens When You Miss the JAMB Cut-Off Mark?
Every year, the JAMB cut-off mark is set by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). It is the minimum score you must have in the JAMB exam to be considered for admission into higher institutions in Nigeria. If your score is below the cut-off mark, it means you are not eligible for admission.
However, this doesn’t mean there is no hope for you. There are many other ways you can increase your chances of getting into your desired school.
1. Consider Applying to a School with a Lower Cut-Off Mark
If you did not meet the JAMB cut-off mark for the school you applied to, you can look for another school with a lower cut-off mark. Different schools in Nigeria have different cut-off marks. Some schools are more competitive and require higher scores, while others accept students with lower scores.
For example, polytechnics and colleges of education usually have lower cut-off marks than universities. So, if you didn’t meet the university cut-off mark, you can consider applying to a polytechnic or college of education where the cut-off marks may be lower.
2. Change Your Course
Another way to increase your chances is by changing your course. Some courses are more competitive than others, meaning they have higher cut-off marks. If you applied for a competitive course like Medicine, Law, or Engineering, and you did not meet the cut-off mark, you can change to a course that has a lower cut-off mark.
For example, you can switch from Law to Sociology, Business Administration, or Education, which may have lower cut-off marks. Changing to a less competitive course could give you a better chance of getting admission, even with a low JAMB score.
3. Prepare for Post-UTME or Screening
Some schools give you another chance through the Post-UTME or screening. If you miss the JAMB cut-off mark, you might still have a chance to take part in the Post-UTME exam or screening. Some schools may still admit students who didn’t meet the cut-off mark if they perform well in the Post-UTME.
Even if your JAMB score is low, a good performance in the Post-UTME could increase your chances of admission. So, it is very important to prepare well for the Post-UTME to give yourself the best chance possible.
4. Look Out for Supplementary Admission
After the main admissions are completed, some schools may offer supplementary admission. This happens when schools still have extra spaces available in some programs. If you did not meet the JAMB cut-off mark and your desired school still has space, you could be given a chance through the supplementary list.
You will need to keep checking the school’s website or the JAMB portal to see if a supplementary list is released. If your name appears on the list, you could be invited to apply again and still get admission.
5. Apply for Direct Entry (DE)
If you have other qualifications, like a National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply for Direct Entry (DE). Direct Entry allows you to gain admission into a university without needing to take JAMB again. This is a good option if your JAMB score was low but you have other qualifications.
For example, if you have an ND in a related field, you can apply for Direct Entry into the second year of a university program. This way, you won’t need to retake JAMB; you can enter the university with your ND qualification.
6. Consider Private Universities
If you didn’t meet the JAMB cut-off mark for a public university, you can consider applying to a private university. Private universities tend to be easier when it comes to admission. Some private universities have lower cut-off marks or different admission requirements.
Private universities also don’t always require students to have high JAMB scores to gain admission. Even if you missed the JAMB cut-off mark for a public university, you can try private universities, as they might offer you a chance for admission.
7. Re-sit for JAMB the Next Year
If you are really determined to attend a specific school and you didn’t meet the JAMB cut-off mark in 2025/2026, you can always re-sit for the JAMB exam the following year. Sometimes, it may take more preparation to score higher, and repeating the JAMB exam could be the best choice.
To improve your chances in the next JAMB exam, you can study harder, take extra lessons, and practice past questions. If you perform well in the next exam, you may be able to meet the cut-off mark and get into the school of your choice.
8. Try Waiting for a New Admission Cycle
Another option is to wait for the next JAMB admission cycle. Sometimes, students who did not meet the cut-off mark may decide to defer their admission, which may open up spots in the following year. If you are still interested in your school or course, waiting for the next cycle could help you improve your chances.
9. Stay Updated on JAMB and School Updates
It is important to stay informed about JAMB and the school you are applying to. Many schools post updates about their admission process on their websites or on the JAMB portal. Make sure to check for new information and any changes to the admission process, as this could give you a chance to apply again or try another method to improve your admission chances.
READ ALSO: Can I Get JAMB Admission Without Writing JAMB in 2025/2026?
Conclusion
Missing the JAMB cut-off mark for 2025/2026 does not mean that you have missed out on university admission. There are many ways you can still increase your chances. You can apply to schools with lower cut-off marks, change your course to one with a lower cut-off mark, apply for Post-UTME, or look out for supplementary admission. You can also consider Direct Entry, apply to private universities, or even re-sit for JAMB the next year.
Don’t give up on your dreams. Keep pushing and checking out all the options available to you. With hard work and the right plan, you can still get the admission you want.