The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) alongside Heads of Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria have agreed on the minimum admissible scores for the 2026 admission exercise.
According to the decision reached during the admission policy discussions, the approved JAMB cut-off marks for 2026 are as follows:
- Universities — 150
- Colleges of Nursing Sciences — 150
- Polytechnics — 100
This update is important for all candidates preparing for admission into universities, polytechnics, and nursing colleges across Nigeria.
Official JAMB 2026 Cut-Off Marks
Below are the approved minimum scores for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria for the 2026 academic session:
- Universities — 150
- Colleges of Nursing Sciences — 150
- Polytechnics — 100
Candidates who score below the approved minimum cut-off mark may not be eligible to participate in admission screening exercises for their chosen institution.
What the JAMB 2026 Cut-Off Mark Means
The JAMB cut-off mark is the minimum score a candidate must obtain in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) before being considered for admission.
However, candidates should understand that meeting the national minimum cut-off mark does not automatically guarantee admission. Individual institutions are allowed to set higher departmental or institutional cut-off marks depending on the competitiveness of the course.
For example:
Competitive courses like Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacy, Law, Nursing, and Engineering may require much higher scores.
Some federal universities may still maintain cut-off marks above 200 for certain departments.
Polytechnics and Colleges of Nursing may also set higher internal requirements.
Universities May Still Increase Their Cut-Off Marks
Although the general minimum cut-off mark for universities is 150, many institutions are expected to adopt higher scores for admission.
Candidates applying to highly competitive institutions such as the University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, and Ahmadu Bello University should aim for scores far above the minimum benchmark.
A higher JAMB score increases a candidate’s chances of gaining admission, especially for competitive courses.
Colleges of Nursing Sciences Cut-Off Mark 2026
For candidates seeking admission into Colleges of Nursing Sciences, the approved minimum score is 150.
Due to the increasing competition for Nursing programmes in Nigeria, candidates are advised to target higher scores to improve their admission chances.
Many nursing colleges may still conduct additional screening exercises or interviews before offering admission.
Polytechnics JAMB Cut-Off Mark 2026
Polytechnics in Nigeria have adopted 100 as the minimum admissible score for the 2026 admission exercise.
Candidates who score 100 and above in UTME can apply for admission into polytechnics, provided they also meet other admission requirements such as O’level results and departmental conditions.
Important Advice to 2026 UTME Candidates
Candidates are advised to:
- Choose courses wisely based on their UTME scores
- Upload their O’level results on the JAMB CAPS portal
- Prepare properly for Post-UTME screening exercises
- Monitor admission updates regularly
- Ensure their subject combinations are correct
- Candidates with lower scores can still gain admission by applying for less competitive courses or institutions.
From JAMB official from X
Conclusion
The announcement of the JAMB 2026 cut-off marks has given candidates a clearer understanding of the admission process for the 2026 academic session.
While the minimum benchmark for universities and colleges of nursing sciences is 150, and polytechnics 100, candidates are strongly encouraged to aim for higher scores to improve their admission chances.
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