JAMB 2025/2026 News on Cut-Off Marks: What You Need to Know; The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is in charge of organizing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for students who want to attend universities, polytechnics, and other higher institutions in Nigeria. If you are preparing for JAMB 2025/2026, you might be wondering about the cut-off marks. In this article, we will explain what JAMB cut-off marks are, how they work, and what the latest news is for JAMB 2025/2026.
What is JAMB Cut-Off Mark?
A cut-off mark is the minimum score a candidate needs to get to be considered for admission into a higher institution. After taking the UTME, JAMB sets the cut-off marks for universities, polytechnics, and other institutions. These marks help schools decide who can enter their programs.
For example, if you score 180 and the cut-off mark for your chosen course is 180 or higher, you are eligible for admission. If your score is below the cut-off mark, you may not be considered for admission in that particular year.
READ ALSO: JAMB 2025/2026 News on Admission Process: What You Need to Know
How Does JAMB Set the Cut-Off Marks?
JAMB does not set the same cut-off mark for all courses or schools. The cut-off marks vary based on different factors such as the type of school and the popularity of the course. For example:
- Universities: Top universities like the University of Lagos (UNILAG) or the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) may have higher cut-off marks, such as 200 or more.
- Polytechnics: Polytechnics might have a lower cut-off mark, around 150 to 180.
- Colleges of Education: These may have even lower cut-off marks, starting from 140 and upwards.
JAMB works with universities, polytechnics, and other institutions to set these marks based on how many students apply and how difficult the exams were that year.
JAMB 2025/2026 News on Cut-Off Marks
As JAMB 2025/2026 approaches, many students are eager to know the expected cut-off marks. While JAMB has not yet officially released the cut-off marks for 2025/2026, there are a few things we can expect.
Expected Cut-Off Marks for 2025/2026
From previous years, we can predict that the cut-off marks for JAMB 2025/2026 will follow a similar trend. In 2024, JAMB set the cut-off mark for universities at 140, and the cut-off for polytechnics and colleges of education was set at 120. We expect that for 2025/2026, the cut-off for universities might stay around 140 to 200, while polytechnics may have cut-off marks from 120 to 180.
Changes in JAMB Cut-Off Marks
There may be changes in the cut-off marks depending on the number of candidates that sit for the exam, the performance of the students, and the decisions made by individual schools. In some years, schools may raise or lower their cut-off marks based on how students performed in the exams.
Why Are JAMB Cut-Off Marks Important?
JAMB cut-off marks play a big role in helping students get into the right schools. They help to:
- Make Admission Fair: By having a set cut-off mark, it ensures that all students are judged by the same standard.
- Limit Number of Applicants: The cut-off mark helps control the number of applicants that are considered for admission. If too many students score well, the cut-off mark might be increased.
- Help Students Plan Better: Knowing the cut-off marks helps students choose courses and schools that match their abilities.
What Happens After You Meet the Cut-Off Mark?
If you meet the cut-off mark for your chosen institution, the next step is to go through the admission process. This often includes:
- Post-UTME Screening: Many universities hold post-UTME screening tests. If you pass this, your admission is considered.
- Choosing the Right Institution: Make sure you choose a school with a cut-off mark that matches your score. This helps increase your chances of getting admitted.
- Merit List: After the exams and screening, the school will release a list of successful candidates. If you are on the list, you will be given an admission offer.
READ ALSO: JAMB 2025/2026 News on Post-UTME Dates: Everything You Need to Know
What Happens if You Don’t Meet the Cut-Off Mark?
If you do not meet the required cut-off mark for your chosen course or school, you might have a few options:
- Change of Course/Institution: You can apply for a different course or school with a lower cut-off mark.
- Supplementary Admission: Some schools might have a supplementary list where students who did not meet the cut-off for the first list can be considered.
- Wait for the Next Year: If you still want to go to the same school or study the same course, you may need to wait for the next JAMB exam.
Tips to Improve Your JAMB Score for 2025/2026
Getting a high score in JAMB will increase your chances of meeting the cut-off mark and getting into your desired school. Here are some tips to help you perform better in the exam:
- Study Continuously: Make a study schedule and stick to it. Focus on the subjects that are most important for your course.
- Take Practice Tests: Practice as much as you can with mock exams. This will help you become familiar with the exam format.
- Review Past Questions: Studying past JAMB questions will give you an idea of what to expect in the real exam.
- Join Study Groups: If possible, join a study group where you can learn with others and share tips.
Conclusion
The JAMB 2025/2026 cut-off marks are important for any student planning to attend university or polytechnic in Nigeria. Although we are still waiting for the official announcement, it is expected that the cut-off marks will be similar to previous years. It is important to aim for a high score in your JAMB exams so you can be confident of meeting the cut-off marks for your chosen institution. If you are determined, with proper study and preparation, you can achieve success in the 2025/2026 JAMB exam and gain admission to your dream school.
Good luck!