National minimum, screening score or cut-off mark: what each one means

Students often say "cut-off mark" for three different numbers. Mixing them up is one of the most common admission mistakes.

1. The national minimum. This is the lowest UTME score JAMB allows any institution to admit with in a session. For 2026/2027 it is 150 for universities and 100 for polytechnics and colleges of education. It is a floor for everyone, not a target.

2. The institution's screening threshold. Each university publishes the UTME score you need to take part in its Post-UTME or screening. It is often higher than the national minimum, and it can differ by faculty.

3. The course cut-off. After screening, the institution ranks candidates for each programme, usually by an aggregate that combines your UTME score with your screening score and sometimes your O'Level grades. A course's published cut-off is usually the lowest aggregate admitted on merit in that session. Some schools also publish catchment or educationally less developed states (ELDS) lists with different numbers.

What this means for you: scoring above 150 makes you eligible to be considered, not admitted. Aim above your course's recent cut-off, because it can rise from year to year. Cut-offs from earlier years are a useful guide, but they are not the current requirement.

Admission is decided by the institution and confirmed on JAMB CAPS. On AdmitMe, your admission journey shows each of these numbers separately, and labels any older cut-off as a historical reference.