The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has set the cut-off mark for university admission in 2024 at 140, while the cut-off mark for Polytechnics and Colleges of Education is 100.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) officially determines the minimum acceptable scores for admission into various tertiary institutions across Nigeria each year. For the 2024 admission cycle, specific cut-off marks have been approved based on the type of institution.
JAMB 2024 Approved Cut-Off Marks
The approved cut-off marks for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) are as follows:
| Institution Type | Approved JAMB Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
| Universities | 140 |
| Polytechnics | 100 |
| Colleges of Education (COEs) | 100 |
Understanding JAMB Cut-Off Marks
A cut-off mark represents the minimum score a candidate must achieve in the UTME to be considered eligible for admission into a particular institution or type of institution. It is a foundational benchmark established by JAMB to ensure a standardized baseline for admission processes nationwide.
Important Considerations for Applicants
While JAMB sets these general minimum cut-off marks, it is crucial for aspiring students to understand additional factors that influence admission:
- Minimum Eligibility: The JAMB cut-off mark is merely the minimum score required for a candidate to be considered for admission. Scoring below this mark automatically disqualifies a candidate from seeking admission into that category of institution.
- Institutional Autonomy: Individual universities, polytechnics, and Colleges of Education retain the right to set their own institutional or departmental cut-off marks, which are often higher than the JAMB-approved general cut-off. These higher marks are typically determined by factors such as the institution's popularity, the competitiveness of specific courses, and the number of applicants.
- Course-Specific Requirements: Highly competitive courses like Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Accounting often have significantly higher departmental cut-off marks than the general institutional mark, reflecting the intense competition for limited spaces.
- Aggregate Scores: Admission into many institutions is not solely based on the JAMB UTME score. Institutions often calculate an aggregate score which may include O'level results and, in some cases, scores from a Post-UTME screening exercise conducted by the institution itself.
Therefore, meeting the JAMB general cut-off mark is the first step, but candidates must also strive for higher scores to enhance their chances of securing admission into their desired institution and course, especially in competitive fields.
