Seeking admission? Here’s what JAMB’s 2025 cut-off marks mean for you

As schools go on break for the holidays, many students are focused on rest, travel, and family time. But for those who sat for the 2025 UTME, this period is also the beginning of a crucial phase—the university and tertiary institution admission cycle.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has just released this year’s official cut-off marks, which are minimum scores candidates must meet to qualify for admission into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

While the holidays may be a time of relaxation, it is also a golden opportunity to research institutions, apply for post-UTME screening, and prepare the necessary documents that will shape your admission chances.

What Are the Official Cut-Off Marks for 2025?

At the JAMB policy meeting held on July 8, 2025, stakeholders agreed on the national minimum cut-off marks for the 2025/2026 admission cycle. For admission into universities, candidates must score at least 150. For polytechnics and colleges of education, the minimum remains 100, making these institutions accessible to a wider range of students. Colleges of Nursing Sciences, however, require a slightly higher threshold of 140. It’s important to note that these are minimum requirements set by JAMB in collaboration with institutional representatives. They serve as a guideline for institutions but are not binding as final selection criteria. Institutions are allowed to set higher marks based on the competitiveness of their courses.

Meeting the Minimum vs. Gaining Admission: Know the Difference

Meeting the national cut-off does not automatically guarantee admission. It simply makes you eligible to apply to institutions offering your preferred course. However, most institutions—especially universities—set their own internal or departmental cut-off marks that are significantly higher. For example, while JAMB’s minimum for universities is 150, a department like Medicine at the University of Lagos might require 250 or more. Courses like Law, Pharmacy, Engineering, and Computer Science in top-tier universities also tend to have high departmental thresholds. As such, admission seekers must go beyond the national cut-off and understand the course-specific demands of their preferred institutions.

How Nigeria’s Admission Process Works

Admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions is multi-phased. After sitting for the UTME and obtaining your score, the next step is to confirm that you meet the general and departmental cut-off marks. Once you qualify, you are expected to apply for the post-UTME screening organized by your chosen institution. This screening might include a written test, an oral interview, or simply a verification of documents, depending on the school. After the screening, institutions upload their admission lists to the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), where candidates can either accept or reject their offers. JAMB then validates and finalizes the admission. This entire process typically runs from July through November.

The minimum admissible scores for admissions for the next academic session have been fixed at 150 for universities, 100 for polytechnics, 100 for colleges of education and 140 for colleges of nursing sciences by the stakeholders (Heads of Tertiary Institutions).

— JAMB (@JAMBHQ) July 8, 2025

What Candidates Should Do Now During the Holiday

For prospective students, this holiday is more than a break—it’s a strategic time to prepare. First, check your JAMB result and determine which institutions you’re eligible to apply to. Visit the websites of those institutions and look for announcements regarding post-UTME forms, deadlines, and requirements. Begin gathering necessary documents like your JAMB result slip, O’level results (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB), birth certificate, local government identification, passport photographs, and any other credentials requested. Also, start studying for post-UTME tests, especially if your target school is known for tough screenings. Finally, keep an eye on JAMB CAPS and your email for important updates.

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Real-Life Scenario: Understanding Your Options Based on Score

Let’s assume a candidate scored 145 in UTME. With this score, the candidate is not qualified for university admission based on the national benchmark of 150. However, they can still apply to a polytechnic or a college of education, both of which accept a minimum of 100. If another candidate scores 165, they qualify for university admission but may still not meet the requirement for highly competitive courses. Such a candidate could either consider a different course or institution with lower departmental cut-off marks or work hard during the post-UTME screening to boost their overall ranking. Understanding how to strategize based on your score is key to securing admission.

Advice for Admission Seekers

The release of the 2025 cut-off marks marks the start of a critical journey toward gaining admission into higher institutions in Nigeria. If you’ve met the minimum requirement, congratulations—but don’t stop there. Do your research, stay informed, and prepare well for your next steps. Reach out to your chosen schools, understand what they expect from applicants, and make sure you meet all deadlines. Admission is competitive, but with the right preparation and awareness, your chances can improve significantly. Use this holiday wisely—it may determine where you’ll be when the next school session begins.