The University of Calabar (UNICAL), a prominent federal university in Cross River State, Nigeria, is known for its academic excellence and competitive admission process. Thousands of prospective students apply for undergraduate programs yearly, hoping to secure a spot in this prestigious institution. Understanding the JAMB cut off mark for UNICAL is crucial for admission seekers, as it determines eligibility for the post-UTME screening and, ultimately, admission into the university.
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This article provides a comprehensive and detailed guide to the JAMB cut off mark for UNICAL in the 2025/2026 academic session. It explains the general and departmental jamb cut off mark for University of Calabar, the factors influencing them, the post UTME screening process, how to calculate aggregate scores, and tips for increasing your chances of admission.
Read Also: JAMB Cut Off Mark for Ekiti State University: 2025/2026 Full Guide
What is JAMB Cut Off Mark?
The JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) cut off mark is the minimum score a candidate must attain in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to be considered eligible for admission into any Nigerian university.
Purpose of the JAMB Cut Off Mark:
- It serves as a benchmark to streamline the admission process.
- It filters the pool of applicants to a manageable size for universities.
- It ensures candidates meet a baseline academic standard.
Types of Cut Off Marks:
- General Cut Off Mark: This is the minimum score approved by JAMB for all institutions.
- Institutional Cut Off Mark: Set by individual institutions, it may be higher than the general JAMB minimum.
- Departmental Cutoff Mark: This mark is set by various departments within a university and depends on competitiveness, the number of applicants, and available slots.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial for students targeting competitive courses like Medicine, Law, or Engineering.
General JAMB Cut Off Mark for University of Calabar (UNICAL) 2025/2026
For the 2025/2026 academic session, the University of Calabar has set its general JAMB cutoff mark at 140. Candidates who score 140 or above in the UTME can apply for the UNICAL post-UTME screening.
Historical Trends:
- 2022: 160
- 2023: 140
- 2024: 140
- 2025: 140
While the general cut off mark is 140, some highly competitive departments may require higher scores. Thus, scoring just the minimum may not guarantee admission.
Implications of Scoring Below 140:
- Not eligible to register for UNICAL’s post-UTME.
- Cannot be considered for admission into any program.
- Recommended to either seek admission into institutions with lower cut off marks or re-sit the UTME.
UNICAL Departmental Cut Off Marks for All Courses (2025/2026)
The departmental cut off mark is the minimum score required for a specific course. It varies based on the course’s popularity and competitiveness.
1. Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
- Medicine and Surgery: 250+
- Dentistry: 240+
2. Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences
- Nursing Science: 240+
- Medical Laboratory Science: 220+
- Public Health: 210+
3. Faculty of Law
- Law: 240+
4. Faculty of Engineering and Technology
- Civil Engineering: 200+
- Mechanical Engineering: 200+
- Electrical/Electronics Engineering: 200+
5. Faculty of Sciences
- Computer Science: 210+
- Microbiology: 200+
- Biochemistry: 200+
- Physics: 170+
- Mathematics: 170+
- Chemistry: 180+
6. Faculty of Social Sciences
- Economics: 210+
- Political Science: 200+
- Sociology: 190+
- Public Administration: 200+
7. Faculty of Management Sciences
- Accounting: 220+
- Business Administration: 200+
- Banking and Finance: 190+
- Marketing: 180+
8. Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- Mass Communication: 220+
- English and Literary Studies: 200+
- Philosophy: 180+
- History and International Studies: 200+
9. Faculty of Education
- Education/English: 190+
- Education/Biology: 180+
- Education/Mathematics: 170+
These scores are not fixed and may change based on the performance of applicants and the university’s admission policy for the year.
Factors Influencing UNICAL Cut Off Marks
Several factors affect the setting of both general and departmental cut off marks:
- Number of Applicants: High demand leads to higher cut off marks.
- Admission Quotas: Limited slots mean only the top scorers are selected.
- Average JAMB Scores: Higher average performance may increase the cut off marks.
- Catchment Area Policy: Candidates from UNICAL’s catchment states might have a slight advantage.
- Merit and Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS): Special consideration may be given to candidates from ELDS.
Read Also: JAMB Cut Off Mark for Public Health: Full Guide for Aspirants
UNICAL Post UTME Screening Process
UNICAL conducts a screening process for candidates who meet the JAMB cut off mark.
Eligibility:
- Minimum UTME score of 140.
- Selection of UNICAL as the first choice.
- O’Level requirements (5 credits including English and Maths).
Application Process:
- Visit https://myunical.edu.ng
- Register for post UTME
- Pay the screening fee (usually around N2,000)
- Upload the required documents
Format:
- Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- 50 questions across relevant subjects
- Time duration: 30 minutes
Required Documents:
- JAMB result slip
- O’Level results (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB)
- Birth certificate
- Local government certificate
How to Calculate UNICAL Aggregate Score
UNICAL uses a weighted average of JAMB and Post UTME scores.
Formula:
- (UTME Score / 8) + (Post UTME Score / 2) = Aggregate Score
Example:
- UTME Score: 280 → 280/8 = 35
- Post UTME Score: 60 → 60/2 = 30
- Aggregate = 35 + 30 = 65
Higher aggregate scores increase the chances of gaining admission into competitive courses.
Admission Requirements into UNICAL (UTME & Direct Entry)
UTME Candidates:
- Minimum JAMB score of 140
- Minimum of 5 credit passes in O’Level, including English and Mathematics
- Correct subject combination for the intended course
Direct Entry Candidates:
- Acceptable qualifications: A-levels, OND, NCE, JUPEB, etc.
- Must also meet O’Level requirements
- Must apply through the JAMB Direct Entry portal
Tips to Boost Your Admission Chances into UNICAL
- Score High in JAMB: Aim for 200+
- Prepare Thoroughly for Post UTME: Practice with past questions
- Apply Early: Don’t wait till the deadline
- Choose Less Competitive Courses: To increase the chances of selection
- Meet All Requirements: Especially O’Level and subject combinations
- Follow Official Channels: Avoid misinformation
UNICAL vs Other Federal Universities: Cut Off Mark Comparison
University General Cut Off Mark Competitive Course Cut Off
UNICAL 140 240–250 (Medicine, Law)
UNILAG 200 250–270
UNIBEN 200 240–260
UNN 160–180 230–250
UI 200 240–270
UNICAL is relatively more accessible regarding cut off marks, but still competitive for professional courses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I get admission into UNICAL with 150?
Yes, but only for less competitive courses like Education or some Arts programs.
Q2: Does UNICAL accept second choice?
No. Only candidates who selected UNICAL as their first choice are considered.
Q3: When will the UNICAL Post UTME form be out?
Usually released between August and October each year.
Q4: Can I do a change of course after applying?
Yes, but you meet the requirements only before screening and with courses.
Q5: Does UNICAL accept two sittings for O’Level?
Yes, as long as the required credits are met across both sittings.
Official UNICAL Contacts and Resources
- Website: https://www.unical.edu.ng
- Admissions Portal: https://myunical.edu.ng
- Email: registrar@unical.edu.ng
Social Media:
- Twitter: @UniCalNigeria
- Facebook: facebook.com/UniversityOfCalabar
Always use official sources for updates and admission processes.
Conclusion
Understanding the JAMB cut off mark for the University of Calabar is essential for aspiring students. While the general cut off is 140, higher scores improve your chances significantly, especially for competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Nursing. Departmental cut off marks are based on demand, performance, and institutional policy.
To secure admission into UNICAL, students must aim high in both JAMB and Post UTME, meet all academic requirements, and stay updated on admission timelines. This guide provides the necessary information to navigate the 2025/2026 admission process successfully.
This material has been prepared for educational purposes. Always consult the UNICAL website or JAMB portal for the latest official updates.
