The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the admission timelines and guidelines for the 2025/2026 academic session in Nigeria.
These guidelines provide clarity for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education while also informing candidates about their admission chances and requirements. With strict deadlines, a revised national cut-off mark, and a new minimum age for admission, prospective students need to stay informed to secure their place in higher institutions.
This article breaks down the key details of the admission process, including deadlines, cut-off marks, age requirements, and what candidates should do next.
Admission Deadlines for 2025/2026 Academic Session
JAMB has outlined specific deadlines for different categories of institutions. The goal is to ensure a smooth and timely admission process across the country.
- Public Universities: All admission processes must be completed by October 31, 2025. This ensures that federal and state universities finalize their lists early enough for academic planning.
- Private Universities: The deadline is November 30, 2025, giving these institutions additional time to complete their processes.
- Other Tertiary Institutions: For polytechnics, colleges of education, and other degree-awarding institutions, the deadline is set at December 31, 2025.
These deadlines are binding, meaning institutions must conclude all admission activities including internal processing, JAMB approval, and CAPS updates before the stated dates.
Checking Admission Status on JAMB CAPS Portal
Candidates can monitor their admission progress through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), an online platform managed by JAMB. CAPS allows candidates to:
- Accept or reject admission offers.
- Monitor changes in admission status.
- See which institution has offered them admission.
Some institutions, such as Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDutsin-ma) and University of Delta (UNIDEL), have already released their admission lists. Candidates applying to these schools should log into their JAMB CAPS profile regularly to confirm their status.
National Cut-Off Marks for 2025/2026 Admissions
JAMB has retained a flexible approach to cut-off marks, but a national minimum benchmark is in place to guide institutions.
- Universities: The minimum cut-off mark is 150. Institutions, however, may choose higher cut-off marks depending on competition and available slots.
- Polytechnics and Colleges of Education: The minimum cut-off mark is 100, giving candidates with lower UTME scores the opportunity to secure admission into these institutions.
It is important to note that while JAMB sets the minimum benchmarks, each institution reserves the right to set higher cut-off marks depending on the competitiveness of the course.
New Minimum Admission Age Requirement
For the 2025/2026 session, JAMB has introduced a new policy: candidates must be at least 16 years old to be considered for admission. This age requirement ensures that students admitted into tertiary institutions are mature enough to cope with academic and social responsibilities.
This development has stirred discussions among parents and candidates, especially those who complete secondary school at a younger age. Nonetheless, JAMB emphasizes that the rule is aimed at improving academic readiness and overall student welfare.
Implications for Candidates
The new guidelines mean that candidates must prepare strategically:
- Check Deadlines: Applicants should note the deadlines for their chosen institutions and ensure all requirements such as Post-UTME screenings, acceptance fees, and documentation are completed before time runs out.
- Confirm Admission Offers Promptly: Using the JAMB CAPS portal, candidates should accept offers early to avoid losing opportunities.
- Understand Course Cut-Off Marks: Candidates should research the specific cut-off marks of their chosen institutions, as competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering often require much higher scores than the national minimum.
- Verify Age Eligibility: Students below 16 years of age will need to wait until they meet the requirement before applying for admission.
Tips for Successful Admission in 2025/2026
- Stay Updated: Regularly check both the JAMB portal and the official websites of your chosen institutions.
- Prepare for Post-UTME: Most universities conduct Post-UTME or screening exercises in addition to UTME results.
- Consider Alternatives: Candidates who do not meet university requirements should consider polytechnics or colleges of education, which have lower cut-off marks and more flexible requirements.
- Seek Guidance: Parents, teachers, or admission consultants can help candidates make informed choices about their institution and course selection.
READ ALSO:Â Post-UTME Subjects and Question Formats Breakdown
Conclusion
The 2025/2026 admission cycle in Nigeria comes with clear timelines, a defined cut-off mark system, and a new age requirement. Candidates aiming for admission must pay close attention to deadlines, monitor their status on the JAMB CAPS portal, and prepare for institution-specific requirements. With timely action and proper planning, prospective students can secure their desired placements and begin their academic journey successfully.
FAQs
What is the deadline for 2025/2026 university admissions in Nigeria?
Public universities must conclude admissions by October 31, 2025, private universities by November 30, 2025, and other institutions such as polytechnics and colleges of education by December 31, 2025.
How do I check my JAMB admission status?
You can check your status on the JAMB CAPS portal by logging in with your registration details. There, you can accept or reject admission offers.
What is the cut-off mark for 2025/2026 admissions?
The national minimum is 150 for universities and 100 for polytechnics and colleges of education. However, some institutions may set higher cut-off marks for competitive courses.
What is the new age requirement for admission?
Candidates must be at least 16 years old to qualify for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Can a candidate below 16 years gain admission?
No. JAMB has made the minimum age requirement compulsory. Candidates below 16 will not be admitted.
Which institutions have already released admission lists?
Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDutsin-ma) and University of Delta (UNIDEL) are among the schools that have released admission lists, with others expected to follow soon.
What happens if I miss my institution’s deadline?
If you fail to accept or complete admission processes before the deadline, you may forfeit the admission and will have to wait for the next session.
What happens if I reject an admission offer on CAPS?
If you reject an admission offer, the slot will be given to another candidate. You may still be considered by another institution if you meet their criteria, but there is no guarantee.
Do all institutions use the same cut-off marks?
No. While JAMB sets the national minimum, each institution determines its own cut-off marks depending on competitiveness. For example, Medicine and Surgery at a federal university may require 250+, while a polytechnic may accept 120 for other programs.
