What is a Good JAMB Score for University Admission in 2025?

The JAMB UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) is an important exam for students in Nigeria who want to gain admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Every year, thousands of students sit for the exam, but not everyone gets admitted. This is because different schools and courses have different cut-off marks, and only those who meet the required score have a better chance of getting admission.

One of the most common questions students ask is, “What is a good JAMB score?” The answer to this depends on several factors, such as the university you are applying to, the course you want to study, and the level of competition for that course. Some universities and courses require very high scores, while others accept lower scores.

A good JAMB score is important because it determines your chances of getting admission. If your score is too low, you may not be eligible for your chosen course, and you might have to change to another school or course with a lower cut-off mark. On the other hand, if you score very high, you will have a strong advantage and may even be considered for scholarships in some schools.

In this article, we will explain how the JAMB UTME scoring system works, what is considered a good score, and how different universities and courses set their own cut-off marks. We will also provide tips on how to improve your JAMB score so you can increase your chances of gaining admission in 2025.

By the end of this guide, you will have a clear understanding of what makes a good JAMB score and what you need to aim for to get into your desired university. Let’s get started!

Understanding JAMB UTME Scoring System

To understand what a good JAMB score is, you first need to know how the JAMB UTME scoring system works. The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is scored out of a total of 400 marks, and each subject is graded over 100 marks. Since JAMB requires students to choose four subjects, the total score is calculated by adding up the scores from these four subjects.

For example, if a student writes English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry and gets the following scores:

• English: 65
• Mathematics: 70
• Physics: 60
• Chemistry: 55

The total UTME score will be:
65 + 70 + 60 + 55 = 250

How JAMB Scores Affect Admission

Not all students who write JAMB will gain admission. Universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education set their own cut-off marks to determine who qualifies for admission. Some institutions may require a higher score, while others may accept lower scores.

Apart from your UTME score, some universities also conduct Post-UTME screenings to test candidates further before giving admission. This means that even if your JAMB score is high, you still need to perform well in the Post-UTME to secure admission into some competitive courses and universities.

Key Points to Remember About JAMB Scoring:

1. Total Score: JAMB UTME is scored over 400 (each subject is 100 marks).
2. Subject Combination: The four subjects chosen must match the requirements of the course you want to study.
3. Cut-off Marks Vary: Universities and courses have different cut-off marks, so what is considered a good score for one course may not be good for another.
4. Post-UTME May Apply: Some schools conduct Post-UTME, which also affects final admission chances.

What is Considered a Good JAMB Score in 2025?

Many students ask, “What JAMB score is good enough for admission?” The answer depends on the university, polytechnic, or college you want to attend and the course you want to study. Some courses require very high scores, while others have lower cut-off marks.

Below is a general breakdown of JAMB scores and what they mean for your admission chances:

1. 150 – 179: Low Score

• With a score in this range, getting admission into a university is very difficult.
• Most universities do not accept candidates with scores below 180.
• You may still have a chance at polytechnics, colleges of education, or schools with low competition.
• You might need to consider a change of course or institution to one that accepts lower scores.

2. 180 – 199: Fair Score

• This score is accepted by some universities, but mostly for less competitive courses.
• Many state universities and private universities accept candidates in this range.
• Polytechnics and colleges of education will easily accept this score for most programs.
• If your course is competitive, you may need to change to a less competitive course to increase your chances.

3. 200 – 249: Good Score

• This score range is considered good and gives you access to many universities and courses.
• Most federal and state universities will accept this score for a wide range of programs.
• However, for competitive courses like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, and Engineering, this score may not be enough.
• You still have a good chance if you perform well in Post-UTME or meet your university’s admission requirements.

4. 250 – 299: Very Good Score

• This score range is very competitive and increases your chances of getting admission into top universities.
• With a score of 250 and above, you stand a strong chance for courses like Engineering, Law, and Nursing in most universities.
• You may also qualify for scholarships and merit-based admissions in some schools.
• However, for Medicine and Surgery, some universities still require scores above 270 or 280.

5. 300 – 400: Excellent Score

• If you score 300 or above, you are in the top percentage of candidates and have a very high chance of getting admission.
• This score is required for highly competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Pharmacy in top universities like UI, UNILAG, UNN, and OAU.
• You may also be considered for scholarships and first-choice admission lists.

Summary of What is Considered a Good Score:

JAMB Score	Admission Chances
150 – 179	Very low, mostly for polytechnics and colleges of education.
180 – 199	Fair, accepted in some universities for less competitive courses.
200 – 249	Good, acceptable in many universities and courses.
250 – 299	Very good, strong chance for competitive courses.
300 – 400	Excellent, high chance for top universities and competitive courses.

In conclusion, a good JAMB score depends on your course and school of choice. If you are aiming for a highly competitive course, you should target 250 and above to increase your chances. However, if your course is less competitive, a score between 180 – 220 may still be enough.

JAMB Cut-off Marks for Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges in 2025

Every year, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) sets a minimum cut-off mark for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. However, this does not mean that all institutions will accept candidates with just the minimum score. Each university, polytechnic, and college has its own specific cut-off mark depending on the competitiveness of the course and the number of available spaces.

General JAMB Cut-off Marks for 2025

Below are the minimum cut-off marks set by JAMB for different types of institutions in 2025:

• Universities (Federal & State) – 160 and above
• Polytechnics – 120 and above
• Colleges of Education – 100 and above
• Innovative Enterprise Institutes – 100 and above

Note: These are the minimum cut-off marks. Many universities, especially top federal and state institutions, set higher cut-off marks for their courses.

Why Do Cut-off Marks Vary?

The cut-off mark for a university or course is not fixed and can change depending on:

1. The number of students applying – More applicants mean higher competition, so universities may increase the cut-off mark.
2. The number of available admission slots – If a university has limited spaces for a course, only students with higher scores will be admitted.
3. Post-UTME and screening processes – Some universities consider Post-UTME scores, while others use JAMB scores only.
4. Catchment area policy – Some universities lower their cut-off marks for students from specific states.

Cut-off Marks for Some Popular Universities in Nigeria (Based on Previous Years)

Here are examples of estimated cut-off marks for some universities based on past trends:

University	General Cut-off Mark	Highly Competitive Courses Cut-off
University of Lagos (UNILAG)	200	250 – 280 (Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, Engineering)
University of Ibadan (UI)	200	250 – 280 (Medicine, Law, Pharmacy)
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)	200	250 – 280 (Medicine, Law, Engineering)
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)	180 – 200	240 – 270 (Medicine, Law, Pharmacy)
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)	180 – 200	230 – 260 (Medicine, Engineering, Law)
Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)	180 – 200	220 – 260 (Engineering courses)
University of Benin (UNIBEN)	200	240 – 270 (Medicine, Law, Pharmacy)
Bayero University Kano (BUK)	180 – 200	230 – 260 (Medicine, Law, Engineering)

Note: These cut-off marks may change for 2025, depending on the level of competition and the number of applicants. It is always best to check the official university website for the most accurate information.

Course-Specific Cut-off Marks

Some courses are more competitive than others, meaning they have higher cut-off marks. Below is a general guide on the JAMB scores required for different courses:

Course	Recommended JAMB Score for Admission
Medicine and Surgery	270 – 300+
Law	250 – 280+
Pharmacy	250 – 270+
Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, etc.)	230 – 270+
Nursing	220 – 250+
Computer Science	220 – 250+
Accounting	220 – 250+
Business Administration	200 – 240+
Political Science	200 – 240+
Mass Communication	200 – 250+
Microbiology	200 – 240+
Education Courses	160 – 220+
Agricultural Sciences	160 – 220+

What If Your JAMB Score is Below the Cut-off Mark?

If your score is below the required cut-off mark, don’t panic! You still have some options:

1. Apply for a change of course or institution – Choose a less competitive course or a university with a lower cut-off mark.
2. Consider polytechnics or colleges of education – Some of these institutions accept lower scores and still offer good education.
3. Sit for the next JAMB exam – If you are not satisfied with your score, you can study harder and re-write JAMB next year.
4. Try direct entry or JUPEB – Some universities allow students to enter through JUPEB, IJMB, or direct entry programs instead of JAMB.

The JAMB cut-off mark for each university and course is different, and it depends on competition and available admission slots. While JAMB sets minimum cut-off marks, each school determines the actual score required for admission.

To increase your chances of getting admitted, you should aim for a score higher than the general cut-off mark for your preferred course and university. If you score below the required mark, you may have to change your course or institution to fit your score.

Competitive vs. Less Competitive Courses and Their Admission Requirements

One major factor that determines whether your JAMB score is “good” is the course you want to study. Some courses have very high competition because many students apply for them, while others have fewer applicants and lower cut-off marks.

In this section, we will discuss the most competitive courses, their admission requirements, and the less competitive courses that may accept lower JAMB scores.

Highly Competitive Courses

These are courses that many students apply for every year, and universities only admit a small percentage of applicants. Because of this, the JAMB score required is usually very high.

List of Highly Competitive Courses and Recommended JAMB Scores

Course	Recommended JAMB Score	Additional Admission Requirements
Medicine and Surgery	270 – 300+	High Post-UTME score, strong O’Level results
Law	250 – 280+	High Post-UTME score, strong English & Government results
Pharmacy	250 – 270+	Strong science subjects, good Post-UTME score
Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, etc.)	230 – 270+	Strong in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry
Nursing	220 – 250+	High Post-UTME, good Biology and Chemistry results
Computer Science	220 – 250+	Strong Mathematics and ICT knowledge
Mass Communication	200 – 250+	Good English and Literature results
Accounting	220 – 250+	Strong in Mathematics, Economics, and Commerce
Political Science	200 – 240+	Strong Government and English scores

Why Are These Courses Competitive?

• Many students apply, but universities have limited slots.
• Admission is based on JAMB + Post-UTME + O’Level results.
• Some universities use catchment area policies, giving priority to students from certain states.

How to Gain Admission into Competitive Courses

• Score very high in JAMB (250+) to stand out.
• Perform well in Post-UTME, as it can increase or decrease your final score.
• Have good O’Level results (WAEC/NECO) with at least Credit passes in required subjects.
• Choose less competitive universities offering the course (e.g., instead of UNILAG for Medicine, try a state university).

Less Competitive Courses

These are courses that do not have too many applicants, so universities are more likely to admit students with lower JAMB scores. If your JAMB score is below 200, you may still gain admission into these courses.

List of Less Competitive Courses and Recommended JAMB Scores

Course	Recommended JAMB Score	Additional Admission Requirements
Education Courses (e.g., English, Biology, Mathematics Education)	160 – 220	WAEC/NECO credits in required subjects
Agricultural Science & Related Courses	160 – 220	Basic science subject requirements
Physics	160 – 220	Good O’Level results in Physics and Mathematics
Chemistry	160 – 220	Strong Chemistry and Biology results
Sociology	180 – 220	Good English and Government scores
Library and Information Science	160 – 200	Passes in English and any other 3 subjects
Environmental Science	160 – 220	Basic science subjects required
Fisheries and Aquaculture	160 – 220	Biology and Agricultural Science needed

Why Are These Courses Less Competitive?

• Fewer students apply, so universities have more spaces available.
• Many universities offer these courses, making it easier to gain admission.
• They still provide good career opportunities, especially in teaching, research, and public service.

How to Gain Admission into Less Competitive Courses

• Even if your JAMB score is low, you can still be admitted if you meet the basic O’Level requirements.
• Some schools allow students to switch courses after 100 level if they perform well.
• Consider polytechnics, colleges of education, or private universities if you are struggling with admission.

Which Should You Choose: Competitive or Less Competitive Course?

Your choice should depend on:
✔ Your JAMB Score – If your score is low, applying for a competitive course may reduce your chances.
✔ Your Passion and Career Goals – Don’t just choose a course because it is easy; choose one that aligns with your future plans.
✔ Alternative Pathways – If you want to study a competitive course but don’t have the required JAMB score, consider starting with a less competitive course and switching later.

Some courses have very high admission competition, and you need a high JAMB score (250+) to stand a good chance. Other courses are less competitive, and students with lower scores (160 – 220) can still gain admission.

If your JAMB score is not high enough for a competitive course, don’t lose hope! You can:

• Apply for a change of course to a less competitive one.
• Improve your O’Level results and Post-UTME performance to increase your chances.
• Consider polytechnics or colleges of education as an alternative.

Factors That Determine a Good JAMB Score for Admission in 2025

Scoring high in JAMB UTME is important, but it is not the only thing that determines whether you will be admitted into a university. There are other factors that universities consider when giving admission. Understanding these factors will help you know what score is good enough for your course and school of choice.

Here are the key factors that affect admission chances in 2025:

1. The University’s Admission Requirements

Each university has its own cut-off mark and admission criteria. Some schools have higher requirements than others.

Federal Universities vs. State Universities vs. Private Universities

• Federal Universities (e.g., UI, UNILAG, UNN) require higher JAMB scores (200+ for most courses).
• State Universities (e.g., LASU, AAUA, IMSU) may accept lower JAMB scores, but it depends on the course.
• Private Universities generally have lower cut-off marks and easier admission processes.

Tip: If your JAMB score is low, applying to state or private universities may increase your chances of admission.

2. The Course You Applied For

As discussed earlier, some courses are more competitive than others. If you apply for a highly competitive course like Medicine, Law, or Engineering, you will need a higher JAMB score (250+).

However, if you apply for a less competitive course like Education or Agricultural Science, a lower score (160 – 200) may be enough.

Tip: If your JAMB score is low, consider changing to a less competitive course with a lower cut-off mark.

3. Post-UTME Score and Screening Process

Many universities conduct Post-UTME exams or screening exercises after JAMB. Your final admission score is usually based on both JAMB and Post-UTME.

University Type	Post-UTME Policy
Some federal and state universities	Require a Post-UTME exam (e.g., UNILAG, UI, UNN, OAU).
Others	Use JAMB score + O’Level results instead of Post-UTME.

Example of Admission Calculation (JAMB + Post-UTME Score)
If a university uses JAMB (50%) + Post-UTME (50%), and you score:

• JAMB Score: 250 (50%)
• Post-UTME Score: 70% (50%)
• Final Admission Score: (250 ÷ 400 × 50) + (70 × 50 ÷ 100) = 62.5%

Tip: Even if your JAMB score is low, a high Post-UTME score can improve your chances of admission.

4. Catchment Area and State of Origin

Some universities give preference to candidates from certain states. This is called the catchment area policy.

How It Works:

• Federal universities have catchment states where they give lower cut-off marks to students from those states.
• Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS) like Zamfara, Kebbi, and Yobe sometimes have lower admission requirements.

Example:
A candidate from Lagos applying for UNILAG may need 250+ for Law, while a candidate from Ogun State (catchment area) may get in with 240.

Tip: If you are from an ELDS or catchment area, your chances of admission may be higher even with a lower JAMB score.

5. Number of Applicants for the Course

If too many students apply for a course, universities increase the cut-off mark to reduce the number of candidates.

For example:

• In 2024, over 80,000 students applied for Medicine, but only 4,000 were admitted.
• In courses with fewer applicants (e.g., Education, Fisheries), cut-off marks are lower, making admission easier.

Tip: If your JAMB score is not very high, choosing a less competitive course will increase your chances of admission.

6. O’Level (WAEC/NECO) Results

Your O’Level results (WAEC or NECO) also affect your admission chances. Some universities give points based on your O’Level grades.

Grade	Points (Example Calculation)
A1	6 points
B2	5 points
B3	4 points
C4 – C6	3 points

Example: If a university uses JAMB (50%) + O’Level (30%) + Post-UTME (20%), your WAEC grades can improve your final admission score.

Tip: To avoid problems, ensure you have at least 5 Credit passes (including English & Mathematics) in your O’Level.

7. Direct Entry (DE) and Other Admission Routes

If your JAMB score is too low, you can consider other options like:

1. Direct Entry (DE) – For students with ND, NCE, or IJMB who want to enter university at 200 level.
2. JUPEB/IJMB – A one-year A’Level program that allows students to enter 200 level without JAMB.
3. Pre-degree/Foundation Programs – Some universities offer pre-degree programs to help students gain admission.

Tip: If your JAMB score is too low, you can explore Direct Entry, JUPEB, or pre-degree programs as alternatives.

A good JAMB score alone does not guarantee admission. Universities also consider your Post-UTME score, O’Level results, catchment area, and course competitiveness.

To increase your chances of admission:

• Choose a university that fits your JAMB score.
• Consider a less competitive course if your score is low.
• Prepare well for Post-UTME and screening exercises.
• Ensure you have good O’Level results (at least 5 Credits).

Now that you understand the factors that affect admission, let’s move to the next section: How to Improve Your JAMB Score for Better Admission Chances.

How to Improve Your JAMB Score for Better Admission Chances

If you want to gain admission into a university, polytechnic, or college of education, you need a high JAMB score. Many students fail to get admission not because they didn’t write the exam, but because their score was too low for their desired course or university. The good news is that you can improve your JAMB score by preparing the right way.

Below are effective strategies to help you score higher in JAMB and increase your chances of admission.

1. Start Studying Early

Many students make the mistake of waiting until a few weeks before the JAMB exam to start studying. This leads to panic and poor performance. The earlier you start, the better your chances of scoring high.

What to Do:

• Start preparing at least 3–6 months before the exam.
• Create a study timetable and stick to it.
• Focus on subjects you find difficult and practice them regularly.

2. Use the Right JAMB Textbooks

JAMB recommends specific textbooks for each subject, and many questions in the exam come directly from these books. Using the wrong textbooks can cause you to miss important topics.

What to Do:

• Get the official JAMB syllabus to know the topics to cover.
• Use JAMB-recommended textbooks for each subject.
• Focus on subjects that carry higher marks (e.g., English, which is compulsory for all students).

3. Practice JAMB Past Questions

One of the best ways to improve your score is to practice past questions. JAMB often repeats questions, so if you study past questions, you may see similar ones in your exam.

What to Do:

• Solve at least 10 years of JAMB past questions.
• Identify the most frequently asked topics and focus on them.
• Time yourself while answering past questions to improve speed and accuracy.

4. Use JAMB CBT Apps and Online Tests

Since JAMB is a computer-based test (CBT), you need to practice using a CBT format to get familiar with how the exam works.

What to Do:

• Download JAMB CBT practice apps on your phone or laptop.
• Take online mock tests to test your speed and accuracy.
• Get comfortable using a mouse and keyboard if you are not used to computers.

5. Improve Your Time Management

Many students fail JAMB not because they don’t know the answers but because they run out of time before finishing the exam.

What to Do:

• Practice answering questions under timed conditions.
• Learn to skip difficult questions and return to them later.
• Manage your time by allocating 1 minute per question to avoid wasting time.

6. Avoid Guessing, Use Smart Techniques

JAMB does not penalize wrong answers, but guessing blindly can still reduce your chances of getting the right answer. Instead, use smart techniques to eliminate wrong options before choosing your answer.

What to Do:

• Eliminate obviously wrong answers first.
• If unsure, use logic to find the most reasonable option.
• Read all four options carefully before selecting an answer.

7. Enroll in JAMB Tutorials or Study Groups

Studying alone can be difficult, and sometimes, learning in a group helps you understand topics better.

What to Do:

• Join a reliable JAMB tutorial center for extra coaching.
• Study with serious friends who are also preparing for JAMB.
• Ask questions and discuss difficult topics to understand them better.

8. Take JAMB Mock Exam Seriously

JAMB offers a Mock Exam before the actual UTME. This is an opportunity to test yourself under real exam conditions.

What to Do:

• Register for and write the JAMB Mock Exam if possible.
• Treat it as a real exam to check your strengths and weaknesses.
• Use the results to improve on weak areas before the main UTME.

9. Stay Focused and Avoid Distractions

Social media, TV, and friends can be distractions while preparing for JAMB. If you want to score high, you must stay focused on your studies.

What to Do:

• Reduce time spent on social media and watching TV.
• Set daily study goals and reward yourself after achieving them.
• Stay motivated by remembering why you need a high score.

10. Take Care of Your Health and Stay Confident

No matter how well you prepare, if you are stressed or sick during the exam, you may not perform well. It’s important to take care of your health and stay mentally confident.

What to Do:

• Get enough sleep before the exam.
• Eat healthy foods to stay strong and focused.
• Stay positive and believe in yourself—confidence is key!

Improving your JAMB score requires early preparation, the right study materials, and consistent practice.

To increase your chances of scoring high:

• Start studying early and follow the JAMB syllabus.
• Use past questions, CBT apps, and online tests for practice.
• Manage your time well during the exam.
• Stay focused, confident, and take care of your health.

If you follow these strategies, you will increase your chances of scoring high and gaining admission into your desired university.

Conclusion

A good JAMB score is not just about passing the exam; it is about scoring high enough to secure admission into your desired university and course. What is considered a good score depends on the cut-off mark for your course, the competition level, and your university’s requirements.

From everything we have discussed, here is a summary of what makes a good JAMB score:

• 150 – 179 – Low score, limits your chances of admission. Mostly accepted in polytechnics and colleges of education.
• 180 – 199 – Fair score, eligible for some state universities and less competitive courses.
• 200 – 249 – Good score, allows admission into many universities and courses, but not for highly competitive courses.
• 250 – 299 – Very good score, increases your chances for competitive courses like Engineering, Law, and Pharmacy.
• 300 – 400 – Excellent score, gives you a strong advantage for highly competitive courses like Medicine and Surgery.

Final Tips to Ensure Admission in 2025

• Know Your University’s Cut-off Mark: Always check the latest cut-off marks for your university and course.
• Choose Your Course Wisely: If your score is low, consider changing to a less competitive course.
• Perform Well in Post-UTME: Many universities use Post-UTME to select students. A high score here can help secure admission.
• Have Good O’Level Results: Ensure you have at least 5 Credits in WAEC/NECO, including English and Mathematics.
• Consider Alternative Options: If your JAMB score is too low, try Direct Entry (DE), JUPEB, or Pre-degree programs.

Final Encouragement

Scoring high in JAMB requires dedication, hard work, and the right strategies. If you follow the preparation tips discussed earlier—such as studying with the right materials, practicing past questions, and using CBT apps—you can achieve a high score and gain admission into your dream university.

Even if you don’t score as high as you hoped, don’t give up! There are always alternative ways to achieve your academic goals. Stay focused, stay motivated, and keep pushing towards success.