JAMB approves cut-off marks

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JAMB Cut Off Mark for Polytechnics in Nigeria

JAMB approves cut-off marks for varsities, polytechnics

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, on Thursday, approved cut-off marks for universities and polytechnics in the country.

The decision was taken after a heated session comprising officials from JAMB, the Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission, and the National Board for Technical Education among others.

For the polytechnics, 120 cut-off mark was approved while 140 was approved for universities.

The PUNCH had earlier reported that the JAMB registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, at the 2026 policy meeting revealed that only 378,639 of the 1,761,338 who wrote the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations scored 200 and above.

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While giving further statistics of the 2026 examination, Oloyede noted that 378,639 scored above 200; a total of 520,596 candidates scored 190 and above; 704,991 scored 180 and above; 934,103 scored 170 and above; 1,192, 057 scored 160 and above.

Speaking further, Oloyede noted that the board allowed candidates with awaiting results to register for the 2026 UTME.

“JAMB allowed awaiting results candidates to register and sit for the 2026 UTME. These candidates can’t be considered for admission on awaiting result status. They must present their O’level results on the board’s portal before the commencement of admissions”.

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Jamb Cut-Off Marks

Understanding JAMB Cut-Off Marks: A Comprehensive Guide for Nigerian Students

For millions of Nigerian students, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) represents the gateway to higher education. Central to the anxiety and excitement surrounding this process is the “JAMB cut-off mark.”

Understanding how these marks function is critical for any student aiming for a stress-free admission process. This guide breaks down what they are, how they work, and how they impact your journey into a Nigerian university, polytechnic, or college of education.

What is a JAMB Cut-Off Mark?

In simple terms, a cut-off mark is the minimum score a candidate must achieve in the UTME to be eligible to participate in the admission screening exercise of a specific tertiary institution.

It is important to distinguish between two types of cut-off marks:

The “National” Minimum Cut-Off Mark: Every year, during the policy meeting chaired by the Minister of Education, JAMB and heads of institutions set a baseline score for the entire country. This serves as a “floor”—no institution is legally allowed to admit students who score below this threshold.
Institutional/Departmental Cut-Off Marks: These are scores set by individual universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. While they cannot be lower than the national minimum, they are often significantly higher based on the institution’s prestige, the popularity of the course, and the volume of applicants.

The Factors That Influence Cut-Off Marks

Why does one school set a cut-off of 140 while another sets it at 250? Several variables dictate these numbers:

Course Competitiveness: Courses like Medicine and Surgery, Law, Pharmacy, and Computer Science are highly sought after. Consequently, departments for these courses often set very high cut-off marks to prune down the massive number of applicants.
The “carrying Capacity” of the Institution: Every school has a quota mandated by the National Universities Commission (NUC). If a university can only admit 50 students into a specific department, they will naturally set a higher cut-off mark to ensure they select only the top-performing candidates.
Performance of the Cohort: If a particular year’s UTME results are generally low, schools might adjust their cut-off marks slightly downwards to ensure they have enough candidates to fill their quotas. Conversely, if students perform exceptionally well, marks may rise.
Catchment Area and ELDS (Educationally Less Developed States): Many federal institutions apply a quota system that considers the candidate’s state of origin. Sometimes, candidates from designated ELDS may have lower departmental cut-off requirements compared to those from more educationally advantaged states.

The Admission Process: It’s Not Just JAMB

A common misconception is that the UTME score alone guarantees admission. In reality, the final decision is a composite score.

Most institutions use the following formula (or variations of it) to determine who gets a seat:

$$\text{Admission Score} = \frac{\text{UTME Score}}{8} + \text{Post-UTME/Screening Score}$$

Note: Some schools may also include a weighted percentage for O’Level (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB) results.

Because of this, a high JAMB score provides a massive safety net. Even if you perform average in your Post-UTME, a strong UTME score can keep you above the merit line.

Strategic Steps for Candidates

To navigate the cut-off mark system effectively, keep the following in mind:

Research Your Target Institution

Before applying, visit the official website of your target school or check their official bulletin. Do not rely on hearsay or old forum posts, as cut-off marks can change annually.

Know the Difference Between Merit and Catchment

Merit: Admissions based purely on your performance.
Catchment: Admissions reserved for candidates from states geographically close to the institution.
ELDS: Admissions reserved for states with lower educational representation.

Understand which category you fall into to manage your expectations.

Aim Well Above the Minimum

Never aim for the cut-off mark. If a school’s cut-off is 200, aiming for 200 puts you in a precarious position where one bad day during the Post-UTME could cost you admission. Always aim for a score 30–50 points higher than the historical cut-off to ensure you remain competitive.

Watch for Change of Course

If you perform below the cut-off for your chosen course, many institutions will offer a “Change of Course” form. This allows you to switch to a less competitive program within the same school rather than losing your chance at admission entirely.

Summary Table: Typical Expectations

Institution Type	Typical UTME Cut-Off Range	Factors to Consider
Federal Universities	180 – 250+	Highly competitive; merit-based.
State Universities	160 – 220	Varies; often considers state of origin.
Polytechnics	120 – 160	Generally lower; emphasizes technical skills.
Colleges of Education	100 – 140	Often the most accessible entry point.

Conclusion

The JAMB cut-off mark is not a barrier designed to stop you; it is a filter designed to manage the high demand for limited university seats. By understanding the criteria, researching your chosen institution’s history, and preparing diligently for both the UTME and your Post-UTME, you can master the system and secure your spot in a tertiary institution.

How To Do Reprinting Of Jamb Slip

Comprehensive Guide: How to Reprint Your JAMB Examination Slip

For any candidate participating in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the Examination Slip is the most critical document you must carry to the exam center. It serves as your official “entry ticket,” containing vital information such as your exact examination date, designated Computer Based Test (CBT) center address, and scheduled session time.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough for reprinting your JAMB slip securely and effectively.

Why You Must Reprint Your Slip

Even if you kept a copy during your registration, reprinting your slip closer to the exam date is essential because:

Final Confirmation: JAMB may occasionally adjust schedules or centers. Your most recently printed slip reflects the absolute latest information.
Verification: It ensures you have a clean, readable copy for the invigilators.
Preparation: Knowing your exact center and time allows you to plan your logistics (travel, arrival time) to avoid being late.

Official Requirements

To access your slip on the official JAMB portal, you will need:

JAMB Registration Number: The unique number issued to you during your registration.
Registered Details: You may be asked for the phone number or email address associated with your JAMB profile.
A Stable Internet Connection: Ensure you have a reliable network to avoid page timeouts.
A Printer/Device: Access to a computer and printer, or a smartphone capable of saving the slip as a PDF.

Step-by-Step Procedure to Reprint

Method 1: Using the Dedicated Slip Printing Portal (Recommended)

This is the fastest and most direct method for candidates.

Visit the Official Portal: Navigate to the Official JAMB Slip Printing Portal.
Input Your Details: In the required field, type your JAMB Registration Number, Phone Number, or Email Address exactly as they appear on your profile.
Search/Print: Click the “Print Examination Slip” button.
Save as PDF: If you are using a phone, the browser will likely open a preview. Use the “Print” or “Save as PDF” function to save the file to your device.
Print a Hard Copy: Take the PDF file to any local cybercafé or business center to print it out.

Method 2: Via the JAMB e-Facility Dashboard

If the dedicated printing portal is congested, you can access the slip through your personal JAMB profile.

Log In: Go to jamb.gov.ng.
Enter Credentials: Sign in using your registered email and password.
Locate Service: Look for the tab labeled “Print UTME Main Examination Slip” or “Examination Slip Printing.”
Download: Once the document loads, download it immediately for printing.

Important Tips for Exam Day

Print Multiple Copies: It is advisable to print at least two copies. Keep one in your bag and one in your file. Having an extra copy is a smart safety measure.
Clear Quality: Ensure the printed copy is clear, especially your photograph and the exam center details. If the ink is faded, it may cause issues at the verification desk.
Avoid Third-Party Scams: Never pay unofficial websites or individuals to “unlock” or “generate” your slip. The official reprinting process is free. Any service fees you pay at a cybercafé are strictly for the physical printing/photocopying service, not for the document itself.
Check Regularly: If you are unsure about your schedule, check the portal a few days before your exam to ensure no changes have been made.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

“Portal Not Loading”: The JAMB portal experiences high traffic during the peak exam window. If the page is slow or unresponsive, try accessing it during off-peak hours, such as late at night or very early in the morning.
“Details Not Found”: Double-check that you are using the exact registration number or the phone number you used for your JAMB profile. If you have recently performed a change of data (like a change of course or institution), it may take a few days for the system to reflect the most current information.
Pop-up Blockers: If you click “Print” and nothing happens, your browser may be blocking pop-ups. Check your browser settings and allow pop-ups for the JAMB website.

Disclaimer: Always ensure you are on the official JAMB domain (jamb.gov.ng). Always verify your exam schedule directly through official channels to ensure you are fully prepared for your test.