JAMB 2026/2027 Cut-Off Mark Officially Released as Universities Retain 150 Minimum Score

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the minimum cut-off mark for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions for the 2026/2027 academic session. The announcement was made after the National Policy Meeting on Admissions held on May 11, 2026, where heads of universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other stakeholders agreed on the approved benchmarks for the new admission year.

Just like previous sessions, JAMB retained 150 as the minimum admissible score for universities across Nigeria. While many candidates expected possible changes this year, the board decided to maintain the existing benchmark, keeping admission standards relatively stable for the 2026/2027 exercise.

The announcement has already sparked reactions among students, parents, and institutions, especially as many candidates continue checking their chances of gaining admission into competitive courses and top federal universities.

Official JAMB Cut-Off Marks for 2026/2027 Academic Session

According to the outcome of the policy meeting, the approved national minimum cut-off marks are as follows:

Universities

Federal, State, and Private Universities: 150

Polytechnics

Polytechnics nationwide: 100

Colleges of Education

Colleges of Education: 100

Colleges of Nursing Sciences

Most Colleges of Nursing Sciences: 150
Some institutions may still accept 140 depending on internal admission policies.

These scores represent the minimum national benchmarks approved by JAMB for institutions across the country. However, this does not automatically guarantee admission into any institution or course.

What the JAMB Cut-Off Mark Really Means

Many candidates often misunderstand the meaning of the official JAMB cut-off mark. Scoring 150 does not automatically secure admission into a university. What JAMB has released is simply the minimum score institutions are allowed to accept.

Individual universities still have the power to set higher admission requirements based on several factors, including:

• Number of applicants
• Performance of candidates
• Competitiveness of courses
• Available admission slots
• Institutional policies
• Post-UTME screening results

This means a candidate who scores 150 may qualify to apply for admission, but may still struggle to gain admission into highly competitive schools or departments.

Why Competitive Courses Require Much Higher Scores

Courses like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, Nursing, Engineering, and Computer Science remain among the most competitive programs in Nigeria. Thousands of candidates apply yearly for limited admission spaces, forcing universities to raise departmental cut-off marks far above the national minimum.

In top institutions, some departments may demand scores above 250 before candidates are considered seriously.

This is one reason many candidates with scores around 150 to 180 still fail to secure admission into competitive schools despite meeting JAMB’s minimum requirement.

General Departmental Cut-Off Expectations for 2026/2027

Although universities have not fully released all departmental cut-off marks yet, admission trends from recent years already give a clear picture of what candidates should expect.

Highly Competitive Courses

These courses usually require very high scores due to intense competition.

Medicine and Surgery

Expected range: 250–300+

Dentistry

Expected range: 250–290+

Pharmacy

Expected range: 240–280+

Law

Expected range: 240–280+

Nursing

Expected range: 220–260+

Engineering Courses

Expected range: 220–270+

Computer Science

Expected range: 200–250+

Architecture

Expected range: 200–250+

Candidates aiming for these programs in schools like University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria, and Ahmadu Bello University are expected to face even tougher competition.

Moderately Competitive Courses

Many science, arts, management, and social science programs typically fall within the mid-range category.

Expected scores often range between 180 and 220.

Courses under this category include:

• Accounting
• Economics
• Political Science
• Mass Communication
• Sociology
• Business Administration
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• English
• Education-related programs

Candidates with scores above 180 usually stand a stronger chance in these departments, especially when combined with good O’Level grades and strong Post-UTME performance.

Less Competitive Courses

Some departments with lower demand may accept candidates close to the institutional minimum score.

In certain universities, candidates with scores around 150 to 170 may still gain admission into less competitive programs depending on:

• Catchment considerations
• Available spaces
• Institution type
• State quota system
• Course popularity

Private universities also tend to be more flexible with admission requirements in some cases.

What Candidates Should Do After Seeing Their JAMB Score

The release of the official cut-off mark now shifts attention to institutional screenings and departmental admission requirements.

Candidates are strongly advised to:

Check Their Preferred School’s Requirements

Every institution will soon release:

• Post-UTME forms
• Screening guidelines
• Departmental cut-off marks
• Admission procedures

These details vary from school to school.

Be Realistic About Course Choices

Candidates with lower scores should carefully evaluate their chances before selecting highly competitive courses.

Sometimes changing to a less competitive course increases admission chances significantly.

Prepare for Post-UTME

Some universities still conduct Post-UTME examinations, while others rely mainly on screening and aggregate calculations.

Strong Post-UTME performance can improve admission chances greatly.

Monitor Admission Portals Frequently

Admission updates can change quickly during the admission season. Candidates should regularly monitor:

• JAMB CAPS
• School portals
• Official announcements

Admission Chances Based on JAMB Score Range

150–170

You may still qualify for admission into some universities, especially private institutions or less competitive departments.

180–200

This score range gives better chances in many public universities for several courses.

200–220

Candidates within this range are already competitive for many programs across federal and state universities.

220 and Above

This opens more opportunities for competitive courses and top institutions.

250 and Above

Candidates in this category stand strong chances in elite departments like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, and Nursing, depending on the institution and Post-UTME performance.

Why Many Universities May Still Reject 150

Even though JAMB approved 150 as the minimum score, many universities may internally set higher institutional benchmarks.

Top schools often receive massive applications yearly, making it impossible to admit everyone with low scores.

Some universities may choose:

• 180 as institutional minimum
• 200 for certain faculties
• Higher aggregates for premium departments

This explains why candidates should never rely only on the national cut-off mark.

Colleges of Education and Possible UTME Exemption Discussions

One major discussion from the policy meeting was the possibility of UTME exemptions for certain candidates seeking admission into Colleges of Education.

Although full implementation details are still developing, the move is part of wider efforts to encourage more students to study education-related courses in Nigeria.

More updates on this are expected from the relevant authorities in the coming months.

Final Thoughts

The official release of the 2026/2027 JAMB cut-off marks has now given millions of candidates a clearer picture of their admission chances. While the minimum benchmark for universities remains 150, the reality is that admission into many competitive courses will still demand significantly higher scores.

Candidates should avoid relying solely on the national minimum and instead focus on:

• Their preferred institution’s requirements
• Departmental competition
• Post-UTME performance
• Strategic course selection

As universities begin releasing their individual admission guidelines, candidates are advised to stay informed and act quickly once screening forms become available.