JAMB 2025 Cut‑Off Marks: What Every Nigerian UTME Candidate Must Know

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the minimum UTME scores (cut-off marks) required for the 2025/2026 academic session. These scores define the baseline for admission eligibility into Nigerian tertiary institutions.

• Universities: 150
• Polytechnics: 100
• Colleges of Education: 100
• Colleges of Nursing Sciences: 140

These benchmarks align with JAMB’s policy that institutions can set higher departmental thresholds but cannot admit candidates below these national minima

Why These Scores Matter for UTME Candidates

1. Eligibility for Admission Screening

Scoring at or above the cut-off makes you eligible for post-UTME screening by your chosen institution. Below this mark, you’re automatically disqualified.

2. Institutional Flexibility

Universities, polytechnics, and colleges may have higher internal cut-offs based on demand and programme competitiveness. But JAMB’s national minimum must be met.

3. Course-Specific Requirements

Competitive courses (e.g., medicine, engineering, nursing) often require significantly higher scores—sometimes 200 or more for university nursing programmes.

Detailed Breakdown of Cut‑Off Marks

• University Cut-Off (150): This stronger threshold reflects increased competition and academic standards for university programmes.
• Polytechnic & CoE Cut-Off (100): These entry points support technical and vocational training pathways.
• Nursing Sciences Cut-Off (140): Nursing colleges require a slightly higher score due to the rigour and sensitivity of the healthcare field.

Cut-Off Mark Verification: Reliable Sources

JAMB’s official statement confirms cut-offs are minimum national scores, institutions may raise them but not lower them

1. NUC and other education bodies already use these benchmarks during admission screenings.
2. Nursing-specific cut-off guidance shows the typical range of 180–200 for nursing courses at universities, but 140 is the minimum for nursing colleges.

What UTME Candidates Should Do Next

1. Check Your Score Promptly

Once results are out, compare your score to these cut-offs:

• ≥ 150: Eligible for university admission processes.
• ≥ 100: Eligible for polytechnic or college of education.
• ≥ 140: Eligible for nursing college programmes.

2. Choose Your Preferred Institution

Research departmental and additional screening cut-offs, as many institutions in 2025 may set higher entry marks.

3. Prepare for Post‑UTME

Meeting JAMB’s cut-off doesn’t guarantee admission. Prepare for post-UTME exams, academic transcripts, and O’Level requirements, typically five credits in WAEC/NECO.

4. Monitor Official Announcements

Stay updated via:

• JAMB’s official website (jamb.gov.ng)
• Institutional portals and notice boards

The 2025 JAMB cut-off marks mark the minimum threshold to qualify for admission into various tertiary institutions in Nigeria:

• Universities: 150
• Polytechnics: 100
• Colleges of Education: 100
• Colleges of Nursing Sciences: 140

After meeting these thresholds, candidates must also clear institutional screenings e.g., departmental cut-offs, post‑UTME tests, and O’Level requirements. Always rely on official JAMB and school portals to verify information and deadlines.

Best wishes to all UTME candidates