The JAMB cut-off mark 2026 is one of the most searched topics for every UTME candidate in Nigeria. Knowing the cut-off mark for your chosen university and course is essential for planning your admission strategy, deciding which institution to apply for in JAMB CAPS, and preparing for Post-UTME screenings. This comprehensive guide covers the JAMB cut-off marks for 2026 across federal, state, and private universities in Nigeria — both national minimums and departmental requirements.
National JAMB Cut-Off Mark for 2026
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) announced the following national minimum cut-off marks for the 2026 admission cycle:
- Universities: 140 (national minimum)
- Polytechnics: 100
- Colleges of Education: 100
These are the minimum scores accepted for admission consideration. However, individual universities set their own, usually much higher, departmental cut-off marks. A score of 140 may qualify you for consideration at state universities and some private universities, but the top federal universities require 200 and above.
Understanding JAMB Cut-Off Marks vs Departmental Cut-Off Marks
There are two types of cut-off marks you need to understand as a JAMB 2026 candidate. The JAMB aggregate cut-off mark is the institutional minimum — below this score, the university will not consider your application. The departmental cut-off mark is the course-specific minimum after combining your JAMB score with Post-UTME scores and O’Level grades. In many competitive departments (Medicine, Law, Engineering), the effective aggregate required is far higher than the institutional minimum. Read our JAMB 2026 Brochure guide for help on course and institution selection.
JAMB Cut-Off Marks 2026: Top Federal Universities
University of Ibadan (UI) — JAMB Cut-Off 2026
UI institutional minimum: 200
- Medicine and Surgery: 240 minimum (highly competitive)
- Law: 220–240
- Engineering courses: 200–220
- Sciences: 180–200
- Arts and Humanities: 180–200
- Agriculture: 160–180
University of Lagos (UNILAG) — JAMB Cut-Off 2026
UNILAG institutional minimum: 200
- Medicine and Surgery: 240 minimum
- Law: 220–250
- Engineering: 200–230
- Computer Science: 200–220
- Business Administration: 200–210
- Sciences: 180–200
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria — JAMB Cut-Off 2026
ABU institutional minimum: 160
- Medicine and Surgery: 220 minimum
- Law: 200–220
- Engineering: 180–200
- Sciences: 160–180
- Agriculture: 160
For full ABU details, see our ABU Zaria Admission 2026 guide.
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) — JAMB Cut-Off 2026
OAU institutional minimum: 180
- Medicine and Surgery: 250 minimum
- Dentistry: 240
- Law: 220–240
- Engineering: 200–220
- Sciences: 180–200
University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) — JAMB Cut-Off 2026
UNN institutional minimum: 180
- Medicine: 230 minimum
- Law: 200–220
- Pharmacy: 200–220
- Engineering: 180–200
- Arts and Social Sciences: 170–180
University of Benin (UNIBEN) — JAMB Cut-Off 2026
UNIBEN institutional minimum: 180
- Medicine: 230 minimum
- Law: 200–220
- Engineering: 180–200
- Sciences: 170–190
Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) — JAMB Cut-Off 2026
FUTA institutional minimum: 160
- Engineering (all disciplines): 170–200
- Computer Science: 180–200
- Architecture: 170–190
- Sciences: 160–180
University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) — JAMB Cut-Off 2026
UNIPORT institutional minimum: 160
- Medicine: 220 minimum
- Petroleum Engineering: 200–220
- Law: 200–220
- Environmental Sciences: 160–180
Bayero University Kano (BUK) — JAMB Cut-Off 2026
BUK institutional minimum: 160
- Medicine: 220 minimum
- Law: 190–210
- Engineering: 170–190
- Sciences: 160–180
Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB) — JAMB Cut-Off 2026
FUNAAB institutional minimum: 160
- Veterinary Medicine: 200–220
- Food Science: 160–180
- Agriculture: 160–180
JAMB Cut-Off Marks 2026: State Universities
- LAUTECH: Institutional min 160; Engineering 180–200; Technology 160–180
- Lagos State University (LASU): Institutional min 160; Law 180–200; Social Sciences 160–180
- Ekiti State University (EKSU): Institutional min 140; Medicine 200–220; Sciences 140–160
- Delta State University (DELSU): Institutional min 140; Medicine 200–220; Sciences 140–160
- Rivers State University (RSU): Institutional min 140; Engineering 160–180
JAMB Cut-Off Marks 2026: Private Universities
- Covenant University: Minimum 160; Engineering 180–200; Management 160–180
- Babcock University: Minimum 160; Medicine 200–220; Sciences 160–180
- Landmark University: Minimum 140; Agriculture 140–160; Engineering 160–180
- ABUAD: Minimum 160; Medicine 200–220; Law 180–200
- American University of Nigeria (AUN): Minimum 160; all programmes 160–180
What Happens After JAMB Cut-Off: Post-UTME and Aggregate Scores
Meeting the JAMB cut-off mark is only the first step. Most federal and state universities conduct Post-UTME screening exercises. Your final aggregate score — usually a weighted combination of your JAMB score (60%) and Post-UTME performance (40%), plus O’Level grades — determines your admission offer. Once results are out, log in to JAMB CAPS 2026 to accept your offer.
Frequently Asked Questions: JAMB Cut-Off Marks 2026
What is the JAMB cut-off mark for 2026?
The national minimum JAMB cut-off mark for universities in 2026 is 140. However, individual universities set their own higher cut-off marks. Most competitive federal universities require a minimum of 180–200, with specific departments (Medicine, Law) requiring 220–280. The cut-off mark for polytechnics and colleges of education is 100.
Can I gain admission with 140 in JAMB 2026?
Yes, 140 qualifies you for consideration at many state universities, private universities, and some federal universities with lower competition. You can gain admission with 140 in courses like Education, Agricultural Science, and Social Sciences at institutions like Ekiti State University, Delta State University, and several private universities. However, you will not gain admission to competitive courses like Medicine, Law, or Engineering at top federal universities with a score of 140.
What JAMB score do I need for Medicine in Nigeria 2026?
To study Medicine and Surgery at a top Nigerian university, you typically need a JAMB score of 240 or above. UNILAG’s College of Medicine is among the most competitive. A minimum JAMB score of 220 is the practical floor for Medicine at any recognised Nigerian university.
Does JAMB cut-off mark change every year?
Yes, JAMB announces the national minimum cut-off mark annually during its policy meeting with university stakeholders. Individual university cut-off marks also fluctuate based on the number of applicants and available spaces. Always confirm the specific institutional cut-off at your chosen university’s official portal or through SchoolInfoSpot updates.
Plan Your 2026 Admission Strategy Today
Knowing the JAMB cut-off marks is just one part of a successful admission strategy. Combine this knowledge with solid Post-UTME preparation, strong O’Level results, and timely use of JAMB CAPS. Visit SchoolInfoSpot regularly for the most current JAMB 2026 updates, Post-UTME schedules, and admission news from all Nigerian universities. Share this guide with every 2026 JAMB candidate you know.
