Official JAMB Cut Off Marks For Federal Universities 2026/2027

Is the approved jamb cut off marks for federal universities out? What score do I need to gain admission into my dream federal school this year? How can I check if my UTME score is enough to get me into the 2026/2027 academic session? If YES, this article contains the full information you need.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) recently held its annual policy meeting in Abuja, chaired by the Minister of Education. Good news! The official national minimum jamb cut off marks for federal universities, state universities, and polytechnics have been officially decided.

If you are a student or a job seeker preparing for higher education opportunities, then this article is for you. This comprehensive guide will break down the exact approved scores for each federal university and what you need to do next.

National Minimum JAMB Cut Off Marks 2026/2027

During the policy meeting, JAMB and various institutional heads agreed on the baseline minimum scores for the current admission cycle. Here is the general breakdown:

• Universities (Federal and State): 150

• Colleges of Nursing Sciences: 150

• Polytechnics and Monotechnics: 100

• Colleges of Education & Agriculture: No UTME Score Required (New waiver introduced this year!)

  Important Note: Even though JAMB set 150 as the general minimum baseline for universities, it does not mean every school will accept 150.Top-tier federal universities usually raise their institutional jamb cut off marks higher, especially for highly competitive courses.

Approved JAMB Cut Off Marks For All Federal Universities

To make it super easy for you, here is the official list of institutional jamb cut off marks for different federal universities across Nigeria as approved during the policy meeting for the 2026/2027 admission year.

Eligibility and Admission Requirements for Federal Universities

Meeting the jamb cut off marks is just the first hurdle. To secure your admission slot completely, you must satisfy the following criteria:

1. Age Limit: You must be at least 16 years old by the time of admission. The Federal Government has formally retained 16 years as the minimum age for this academic cycle.

2. O’Level Credits: You must have a minimum of 5 credit passes in relevant subjects (including English Language and Mathematics) in your WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB. This must be obtained in not more than two sittings.

3. Correct Subject Combination: Your UTME subject combination must perfectly match the requirements for your chosen course.

4. Post-UTME Screening: You must register for and pass your target university’s institutional screening or Post-UTME test.

Read Also: How to Check LASU Admission List for 2026/2027 Session

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Change of Course or Institution

If your UTME score is lower than the specific jamb cut off marks required for your dream school, do not panic! You can quickly apply for a change of course or institution on the CAPS portal. Here is how:

1. Visit the official JAMB E-facility portal via https://efacility.jamb.gov.ng/

2. Log in with your registered email address and password.

3. Locate and click on “Correction of Data” from the dashboard sidebar.

4. Select “Change of Course/Institution”.

5. A transaction ID will be generated. Proceed to make a payment of ₦2,500 using your debit card or online banking.

6. After a successful payment, select your new preferred Federal University and the new course that fits your score.

7. Review your choices carefully and click “Submit”.

8. Remember to print out your Change of Course/Institution slip for screening purposes.

How to Check Admission Status on JAMB CAPS

Once the admission processing starts later this year, you must regularly monitor your Central Admission Processing System (CAPS). Follow these quick steps:

1. Go to the official JAMB CAPS portal.

2. Enter your login details to access your dashboard.

3. Click on “Check Admission Status”.

4. Click on “Access my CAPS”.

5. On the left sidebar, click on “Admission Status”.

6. If you have been offered admission, click “Accept Offer”. If it shows “Admission in Progress” (AIP), check back frequently.

Important Notice for 2026/2027 Candidates

• Course Competitiveness: Professional courses like Medicine & Surgery, Law, Pharmacy, and Nursing require way higher marks than the general cut-off. If you want to study Medicine in UNILAG or UI, aiming for 250 to 280+ is highly recommended.

• Avoid Scammers: JAMB has not authorized any individual to “upgrade” results. Anyone telling you they can change your score from 140 to 200 is a thief. Do not fall victim!

• Exemption Rule: If you are applying for the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) or non-technical Agricultural courses, you are completely exempted from taking the UTME this year, provided you have 4 credit passes in O’Level.

Can I gain admission into a federal university with a JAMB score of 150?

Yes, you can! Some federal universities accept 150 for less competitive courses. However, highly competitive schools like UNILAG, UI, UNIBEN, and OAU will not accept less than 200 for any course.

What is the approved JAMB cut off mark for Medicine and Surgery in 2026?

While the general university baseline is 150, the departmental cut-off mark for Medicine and Surgery in federal universities is usually between 250 and 280+ due to heavy competition.

Is the 16-year age limit still active for 2026/2027 admission?

Yes, the Minister of Education confirmed during the policy meeting that the minimum age requirement remains 16 years for this admission cycle.

How much is the JAMB change of institution form?

The official fee for changing your course or institution on the JAMB portal is exactly ₦2,500, excluding bank charges or cyber café service fees.

What should I do if my score is below my school’s cut off mark?

Simply log into your JAMB profile and apply for a Change of Course or Change of Institution to a school or department where your score meets the required benchmark.

Conclusion

Getting the right information about the approved jamb cut off marks is the best way to start your journey into a tertiary institution this year. Now that the national benchmarks are out, take your time to evaluate your score and make the right choices on your JAMB CAPS portal.

Do not let a low score pull you down; there are always plenty of alternative schools and courses ready to welcome you. Stay focused, prepare hard for your upcoming Post-UTME screening, and success will surely be yours!