JAMB Cut-Off Marks for 2026/2027 Admission Released: (Universities, Polytechnics & Nursing)

JAMB Cut-Off Marks for 2026/2027 Admission Released: (Universities, Polytechnics & Nursing)

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the minimum cut-off marks for the 2026/2027 admission exercise across Nigerian tertiary institutions.

The announcement was made during the 2026 JAMB Policy Meeting attended by key stakeholders in the education sector, including the Honourable Minister of Education, institution heads, registrars, and admission officers nationwide.

The approved cut-off marks serve as the minimum admissible scores for candidates seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, colleges of nursing, colleges of education, and agriculture-related programmes.

JAMB Approved Cut-Off Marks for 2026/2027 Admission

The following are the minimum scores approved for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria:

Institution Category	Minimum Cut-Off Mark
Universities	150
Colleges of Nursing Sciences	150
Polytechnics	100
Colleges of Education (NCE)	No UTME Score Required
Agriculture Programmes	No UTME Score Required

What the New JAMB Cut-Off Marks Mean

The approved scores represent the lowest admission benchmark that institutions can use for the 2026/2027 admission exercise.

However, candidates should note that meeting the JAMB minimum score does not automatically guarantee admission. Universities, polytechnics, and colleges are allowed to set higher departmental or institutional cut-off marks depending on:

Competition for admission
Number of available spaces
Course requirements
Institutional admission policies

For example, while the national university benchmark is 150, competitive courses such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Law, Nursing, Engineering, and Computer Science may require significantly higher scores.

Admission Requirements for Universities

Candidates seeking admission into Nigerian universities must:

Score at least 150 in UTME.
Possess the required O’Level credits.
Participate in the institution’s Post-UTME or screening exercise.
Meet departmental admission requirements.

Admission Requirements for Polytechnics

Candidates applying to polytechnics must:

Obtain a minimum UTME score of 100.
Meet O’Level requirements.
Complete the institution’s screening process where applicable.

Colleges of Nursing Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission into Colleges of Nursing Sciences must:

Score at least 150 in UTME.
Possess the required science subjects in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB.
Meet individual college admission conditions.

NCE and Agriculture Programmes

One of the major highlights of the 2026 policy meeting is that candidates applying for approved NCE and Agriculture programmes are no longer required to present a UTME score as a condition for admission.

Interested applicants should monitor their preferred institutions for specific admission guidelines and application procedures.

What Candidates Should Do Next

With the release of the minimum admission benchmarks, institutions across the country are expected to begin announcing:

Post-UTME forms
Screening schedules
Departmental cut-off marks
Admission requirements

Candidates are advised to:

Monitor their institution of choice regularly.
Begin preparing for Post-UTME examinations.
Verify departmental requirements early.
Consider alternative courses if their UTME score falls below the expected departmental benchmark.

Factors That Affect Admission Beyond JAMB Cut-Off Marks

Many candidates mistakenly believe that meeting the JAMB cut-off mark automatically guarantees admission. In reality, several other factors determine whether a candidate will secure admission.

O’Level Results

Most institutions require at least five relevant credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics. Competitive courses may place additional emphasis on grades in core subjects.

Post-UTME Performance

Many universities conduct Post-UTME screening examinations or online screening exercises. A strong performance in the screening process can significantly boost a candidate’s admission chances.

Catchment Area Consideration

Federal and state institutions often consider candidates from their catchment areas during admission. This policy helps ensure balanced educational opportunities across different regions.

Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS)

Some federal institutions provide admission advantages to candidates from Educationally Less Developed States as part of efforts to promote equal access to higher education.

Course Competitiveness

Courses such as Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, Pharmacy, Law, Computer Science, Accounting, and Engineering typically attract thousands of applicants every year. As a result, their departmental cut-off marks are usually higher than the general institutional cut-off mark.

Expected 2026 Departmental Cut-Off Marks for Competitive Courses

Although institutions are yet to release their official departmental cut-off marks for the 2026/2027 admission session, candidates can use previous admission trends as a guide.

Course	Expected Competitive Score Range
Medicine and Surgery	260 – 320
Pharmacy	240 – 300
Nursing Science	220 – 290
Law	240 – 300
Computer Science	220 – 280
Accounting	200 – 260
Engineering Courses	200 – 280
Mass Communication	200 – 260
Economics	200 – 260

Candidates should note that these figures are estimates based on previous admission patterns and may vary by institution.

What Candidates With Low JAMB Scores Can Do

Scoring below your preferred institution’s cut-off mark does not mean your admission journey is over. Several alternatives are available.

Change of Course

Candidates may switch to less competitive programmes within their institution of choice. This option often improves admission chances significantly.

Change of Institution

JAMB allows candidates to change institutions through the Change of Institution process. Choosing a school with a lower admission benchmark may increase the likelihood of gaining admission.

Consider Polytechnic Programmes

Polytechnics offer quality education and practical training. Candidates with scores below university requirements may find excellent opportunities in polytechnic institutions.

Explore NCE Programmes

The recent policy adjustment makes NCE programmes even more accessible. Candidates interested in education-related careers can consider this pathway.

Direct Entry Programmes

Candidates may also explore alternative admission routes such as JUPEB, IJMB, NABTEB A-Level, and other recognised foundation programmes that lead directly into 200-level admission.

Common Mistakes Candidates Should Avoid

Every admission year, thousands of candidates lose admission opportunities because of avoidable mistakes.

Avoid the following:

Waiting too long before checking admission updates.
Uploading incorrect O’Level results.
Ignoring Post-UTME registration deadlines.
Selecting highly competitive courses without backup options.
Failing to verify admission requirements.
Using incorrect subject combinations.
Providing inaccurate personal information during registration.

Staying informed and acting early can greatly improve admission prospects.

Expert Admission Tips for 2026 Candidates

To maximize your chances of gaining admission this year, consider the following recommendations:

Monitor your school’s admission portal regularly.
Register for Post-UTME immediately after forms are released.
Keep all academic documents ready.
Upload your O’Level results on the JAMB CAPS portal.
Prepare thoroughly for screening exercises.
Consider alternative courses if necessary.
Follow only verified admission updates from trusted sources.

Candidates who stay proactive throughout the admission process often have a higher chance of receiving admission offers.

The release of the 2026/2027 JAMB cut-off marks marks the beginning of another admission season for Nigerian tertiary institutions. While the approved minimum scores provide a benchmark for eligibility, admission success ultimately depends on a combination of factors, including O’Level performance, Post-UTME results, course competitiveness, and institutional requirements.

Candidates are encouraged to remain informed, prepare adequately, and monitor official announcements from their preferred institutions. With proper planning and timely action, securing admission becomes significantly easier.

Final Note

The 2026/2027 JAMB cut-off marks provide a starting point for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. While the approved benchmarks determine eligibility for consideration, each institution retains the authority to set higher admission standards.

Candidates should therefore focus on meeting both the national benchmark and their institution’s specific admission requirements to improve their chances of securing admission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the JAMB cut-off mark for universities in 2026?

The approved minimum cut-off mark for universities is 150.

What is the JAMB cut-off mark for polytechnics in 2026?

The approved minimum cut-off mark for polytechnics is 100.

What is the JAMB cut-off mark for Colleges of Nursing?

The minimum approved score for Colleges of Nursing Sciences is 150.

Is UTME required for NCE admission in 2026?

No. Approved NCE programmes do not require a UTME score under the new policy.

Can schools set higher cut-off marks?

Yes. Institutions can set higher cut-off marks but cannot go below the minimum benchmark approved by JAMB.