Discover the University of Calabar Cut Off Mark for All Courses for 2025/2026, including JAMB and departmental requirements for each faculty.
The University of Calabar (UNICAL), located in Cross River State, Nigeria, is one of the country’s prestigious federal universities. Known for academic excellence, robust research activities, and diverse faculties, UNICAL attracts thousands of applicants annually. With faculties ranging from the Arts to Medical Sciences, it offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across multiple disciplines.
A critical element of securing admission into UNICAL is understanding its cut off marks, which play a decisive role in the admission process. Cut off marks help determine the eligibility of candidates for admission and vary from one course to another.
Types of Cut Off Marks
- JAMB General Cut Off Mark: This is the baseline score set by JAMB and adopted by UNICAL.
- Departmental/Post-UTME Cut Off Marks: These are specific to each department and determined after post-UTME screening.
Catchment Area Considerations: Some flexibility in cut off marks is granted to candidates from certain geographical zones (ELDS or catchment states).
Read Also: LASU Screening Cut Off Mark for All Courses: Your Simple Guide
JAMB General Cut Off Mark for UNICAL
For the 2025/2026 academic session, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) set the general cut off mark for UNICAL at 140.
Implications:
- Candidates who scored 140 and above are eligible to apply for UNICAL’s Post-UTME screening.
- Scoring below 140 makes you ineligible for admission consideration in any program at UNICAL.
Historical Trends:
In previous years, UNICAL has maintained a minimum cut off between 140 and 160, depending on national policy and institutional discretion.
University of Calabar Cut Off Mark for All Courses: Departmental Cut Off Marks Explained
Each department at UNICAL has its own cut off mark, influenced by multiple factors:
Determining Factors:
- Number of Applicants: High demand leads to higher cut off marks.
- Admission Quota: Limited slots increase competitiveness.
- UTME and Post-UTME Performance: Departments set cut off marks after screening tests.
- Course Popularity: Programs like Medicine, Law, and Nursing typically require higher scores.
These departmental cut off marks often range from 150 to 270, depending on the course.
Faculty of Arts – Departmental Cut Off Marks
Department Cut Off Mark
English and Literary Studies 180
History and International Studies 170
Theatre and Media Studies 180
Philosophy 160
Religious Studies 150
Faculty of Social Sciences – Departmental Cut Off Marks
Department Cut Off Mark
Political Science 200
Sociology 190
Economics 210
Geography and Environmental Sci. 180
Public Administration 200
Faculty of Management Sciences – Departmental Cut Off Marks
Department Cut Off Mark
Accounting 230
Banking and Finance 210
Business Administration 220
Marketing 200
Hospitality Management 180
Faculty of Education – Departmental Cut Off Marks
Department Cut Off Mark
Education Management 160
Science Education 170
Arts and Social Science Education 160
Early Childhood Education 150
Library and Information Science 170
Faculty of Law – Departmental Cut Off Mark
Department Cut Off Mark
Law 250
Law is one of the most competitive programs at UNICAL, requiring a minimum of 250. Cut offs may be slightly reduced for candidates from catchment areas or ELDS.
Faculty of Science – Departmental Cut Off Marks
Department Cut Off Mark
Biochemistry 200
Microbiology 210
Physics 170
Mathematics 160
Computer Science 220
Statistics 170
Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences – Departmental Cut Off Marks
Department Cut Off Mark
Medical Laboratory Sci. 240
Radiography 230
Public Health 220
Nursing Science 250
These programs are highly competitive and are typically reserved for top scorers.
College of Medical Sciences – Departmental Cut Off Mark
Department Cut Off Mark
Medicine & Surgery 270
Dentistry 260
Anatomy 200
Physiology 190
Due to high competition, only candidates with very high UTME + Post-UTME scores are admitted.
Read Also: NEU Post UTME Form 2025/2026: Admission Guide to NEU
Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry, and Wildlife Management
Department Cut Off Mark
Agricultural Economics 170
Animal Science 160
Crop Science 160
Fisheries and Aquaculture 150
Forestry & Wildlife Mgt. 150
Faculty of Oceanography and Marine Sciences
Department Cut Off Mark
Marine Biology 160
Environmental Science 170
Fisheries 150
Geography 160
Faculty of Engineering and Technology
Department Cut Off Mark
Mechanical Engineering 200
Electrical Engineering 210
Civil Engineering 200
Computer Engineering 220
UNICAL Post-UTME Screening Process and Weighting
UNICAL uses a screening model that combines both UTME and Post-UTME scores to compute an aggregate.
Format:
UTME Score (50%) + Post-UTME Score (50%)
Example: UTME (280/400), Post-UTME (70/100) = 35 + 35 = Aggregate: 70%
O’Level Role:
O’Level results may be considered for tie-breaking or additional screening stages.
Cut Off Marks for Direct Entry (DE) Candidates
Direct Entry (DE) applicants gain admission into the 200 Level and must meet:
Requirements:
- At least two A-Level passes or NCE/OND with merit.
- Competitive departments may set higher DE cut off aggregates.
Departmental Differences:
- Medicine: DE students often require a Distinction in relevant science fields.
- Social Sciences: Merit or upper credit.
Catchment Area and ELDS Considerations
UNICAL follows Nigeria’s Federal Character Principle, which allows flexibility in admission based on:
Catchment States:
- Cross River
- Akwa Ibom
- Rivers
- Ebonyi
ELDS (Educationally Less Developed States):
Candidates from states like Zamfara, Yobe, and Bauchi may enjoy lower cut off thresholds.
Tips for Meeting or Exceeding UNICAL Cut Off Marks
1. Study Smart: Focus on JAMB-recommended texts.
2. Practice Past Questions: Use real Post-UTME past questions.
3. Time Management: Develop exam-taking strategies.
4. Correct Subject Combination: Match your UTME subjects with your course.
5. Early Application: Apply early for a change of course/institution if needed.
6. Consider Alternatives: If you fall short of your desired course, switch to less competitive ones within UNICAL.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I gain admission with a JAMB score below 180?
A: Yes, but only for courses with cut off marks below 180, like some Education or Agriculture programs.
Q2: Is the cut off mark the same for indigenes and non-indigenes?
A: Not always. Indigenes and candidates from catchment areas may receive some concessions.
Q3: When is the UNICAL cut off mark officially released?
A: Usually, a few weeks after the Post-UTME screening results are published.
Q4: Can I change my course if I meet the cut off for a different one?
A: Yes, UNICAL allows for a change of course based on availability and performance.
Conclusion
Understanding the University of Calabar’s cut off mark for all courses is essential for every aspiring student. Whether through UTME or Direct Entry, applicants must monitor updates on the university portal and prepare adequately.
Cut off marks vary significantly across faculties, and aspiring students are encouraged to:
- Stay updated on admission guidelines.
- Prepare effectively for both UTME and Post-UTME.
- Choose realistic and suitable programs based on their strengths.
By following the tips and insights in this guide, your journey toward becoming a student at UNICAL can be both informed and successful.
