JAMB Sets 320 UTME Score Cut-off Mark

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has set 320 as the minimum UTME score for underage candidates seeking consideration for exceptional admission in the 2026/2027 academic session.

The development follows the release of the JAMB  2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination results of candidates who were below the prescribed admission age for viewing.

However, scoring 320 or above does not automatically guarantee admission.

JAMB said underage candidates must meet additional academic and screening requirements before they can be considered for admission under the exceptional candidates category.

Who Is Considered an Underage Candidate?

For the 2026 admission exercise, JAMB defines an underage candidate as an applicant who will be below 16 years old by September 30, 2026.

The normal admission age requirement remains 16 years. The exceptional category is therefore intended for candidates who demonstrate outstanding academic ability and sufficient maturity despite being below the prescribed age.

JAMB stressed that the release of an underage candidate’s UTME result is mainly to allow the candidate, parents and guardians to know the examination performance.

The result should not be treated as an automatic admission qualification.

JAMB’s 320 UTME Requirement

Under the exceptional admission process, an underage candidate must score at least 320 out of 400 in the UTME.

The 320 mark represents an 80 per cent performance in the examination.

But the UTME score is only one part of the requirements.

JAMB also requires eligible candidates to achieve at least 80 per cent in relevant Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination subjects, where applicable.

Candidates must equally satisfy the Post-UTME requirements of their chosen institutions and complete the additional assessment stages prescribed for exceptional candidates.

320 Score Does Not Guarantee Admission

Parents and candidates should take note of an important distinction.

320 is the minimum benchmark for consideration, not an automatic admission cut-off.

An underage candidate who scores 320 or higher will still have to go through further screening and verification.

JAMB said the process is designed to identify candidates who demonstrate genuine exceptional academic ability and maturity rather than admitting every underage candidate who records a high UTME score.

The candidate must also meet the requirements of the institution chosen for admission.

Other Conditions for Exceptional Admission

For an underage candidate to be considered, the requirements include:

• A minimum UTME score of 320.
• At least 80 per cent in relevant SSCE subjects, where applicable.
• Meeting the Post-UTME requirements of the chosen institution.
• Passing the required assessment and verification stages.
• Completing the final assessment by designated experts.

JAMB said these stages are necessary before an admission decision can be reached.

JAMB Releases Underage Candidates’ Results

JAMB has now made the 2026 UTME results of underage candidates available for viewing.

The Board said the release allows candidates and their parents or guardians to know how they performed in the examination.

However, candidates should not confuse result release with admission approval.

JAMB specifically cautioned candidates who do not meet the requirements against presenting their results to institutions or individuals in an attempt to secure admission outside the approved process.

What Happens to Candidates Awaiting NECO Results?

The exceptional admission process has not yet been concluded.

JAMB said some stages of assessment and verification are still ongoing, particularly because some candidates are awaiting their National Examinations Council (NECO) results.

The Board said it would allow candidates awaiting their NECO results to present them for verification once the results are released.

After that, JAMB will announce the date for the final stage of assessment of exceptionally performing underage candidates.

What Underage Candidates Should Do Now

If you are an underage candidate who wrote the 2026 UTME, the release of your result gives you an opportunity to confirm your score.

If your score is 320 or above, you may fall within the group eligible for further exceptional-admission consideration, provided you also meet the other requirements.

If your score is below 320, you do not meet the stated UTME benchmark for exceptional consideration.

Candidates who meet the benchmark should also ensure their relevant O’Level results are available for verification and comply with the Post-UTME requirements of their chosen institutions.

JAMB has warned parents and candidates against anyone promising to secure admission for an underage candidate outside the approved process.

The Board said the exceptional admission exercise will remain rigorous and merit-based, with admission only considered after the required assessments and verification have been completed.