JAMB cut-off marks change each year. But some courses always top the list. They attract the highest number of applicants, which pushes their cut-off marks higher.
This guide explains the top 10 courses with the highest JAMB cut-off marks in 2025, why they are competitive, and practical tips to boost your admission chances.
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What Is a High Cut-Off Mark?
A high cut-off mark is usually 200 and above. For top courses like Medicine, Law, and Pharmacy, universities may push the minimum to 250–320 depending on demand.
Factors that influence cut-off marks include:
- Number of students applying.
- The school’s reputation.
- Demand for the course.
- Performance of applicants in JAMB and Post-UTME.
If many top scorers apply, the cut-off goes higher.
Top Courses with the Highest Cut-Off Marks in 2025
Here’s a breakdown of the most competitive courses in Nigeria and their expected 2025 JAMB cut-off marks:
| Rank | Course | Cut-Off Range (2025) | Top Universities | Why It’s Competitive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Medicine & Surgery | 270–320 (Top schools); 250+ (Others) | UNILAG, UI, UNN, OAU | Limited slots, prestige, high demand |
| 2 | Law | 250–290 (Top schools); 230 (Some state schools) | UNILAG, UI, UNN, OAU | Status, many applicants, few spaces |
| 3 | Pharmacy | 260–300 (Top schools); 240+ (Others) | UNILAG, UI, UNIBEN | Seen as alternative to Medicine |
| 4 | Engineering | 240–290 (Top schools); 220+ (Others) | UNILAG, UI, UNILORIN, FUTA | Oil & tech career prospects |
| 5 | Nursing Science | 250–290 (Top schools); 220+ (Others) | UNILAG, UI, UNN | Rising demand in Nigeria and abroad |
| 6 | Computer Science | 240–280 (Top schools); 180+ (Private schools) | UNILAG, FUTA, UI, UNIBEN | Tech boom and freelancing opportunities |
| 7 | Accounting | 230–270 (Top schools); lower in polytechnics | UNILAG, UI, UNIBEN | Career options in banks, firms, companies |
| 8 | Economics | 240–270 (Top schools); 200+ (State schools) | UI, UNILAG, UNN | Popular and widely offered |
| 9 | Mass Communication | 230–260 (Top schools); 200+ (Others) | UNILAG, UNN, UI | Links to media, journalism, broadcasting |
| 10 | Dentistry | 260–310 (Top schools only) | UNILAG, UI, UNN | Closely related to Medicine; very limited slots |
Why These Courses Are Hard to Get
- Limited slots: Universities only admit a small number of students.
- Many top scorers: Competition among high achievers raises the cut-off.
- WAEC/NECO results: Most schools require at least five credits in one sitting.
- Post-UTME performance: JAMB score alone is not enough.
Tips to Beat High Cut-Off Courses
- Target 270+ in JAMB – especially for Medicine, Law, and Pharmacy.
- Perform strongly in Post-UTME – some schools give it more weight than JAMB.
- Choose less competitive schools – cut-offs are often lower outside UNILAG, UI, and UNN.
- Pick the right subject combination – avoid mistakes that cost marks.
- Consider related courses – e.g., Anatomy or Physiology instead of Medicine.
- Excel in WAEC/NECO – many schools add O’level grades to screening.
Courses like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, Engineering, and Nursing always rank as the toughest in Nigeria. To secure a spot, you need more than just a good JAMB score—you need the right strategy, preparation, and school choice.
If your score is below the cut-off for a top course, don’t give up. Consider applying to less competitive schools or look into alternative but related courses. Admission is still possible if you plan wisely.
