Different universities employ varying formulas, weighing JAMB scores, Post UTME results, and O’Level grades differently. Each institution also sets specific cut off-off marks for various courses, making it crucial to understand these calculations thoroughly.
Knowing how to calculate Post UTME cut off marks is essential for every Nigerian student seeking admission into a Nigerian based university. After writing the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, many candidates remain uncertain about whether their scores meet the requirements for their preferred institutions and courses. The admission process extends far beyond your JAMB score, as most universities conduct Post UTME screening exercises and combine multiple factors to determine your final aggregate score.
Whether you scored 200 or 300 or less in JAMB, knowing how to calculate your Post UTME cut off mark helps you make strategic decisions about course selection and university choices.
What Is Post UTME Cut off Mark?
The Post UTME cut off mark represents the minimum aggregate score required for admission into a specific course at a Nigerian university. while JAMB sets a general benchmark of 180 for universities, individual institutions establish their own departmental cut off-off marks based on course competitiveness and available spaces.
Your aggregate score is the combination of your JAMB performance, Post UTME results, and sometimes O’Level grades using specific formulas. This final percentage determines whether you qualify for your chosen course. Therefore, even candidates with excellent JAMB scores must perform well in Post UTME to meet their department’s aggregate requirements.
How Nigerian Universities Calculate Aggregate Scores
Nigerian universities primarily use three calculation methods for admission. Understanding which formula your institution employs is the first crucial step.
Method 1: JAMB and Post UTME (50:50 Ratio)
Most federal universities, including University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), University of Ibadan (UI), and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), use this straightforward method.
Formula: (JAMB Score ÷ 8) + (Post UTME Score ÷ 2) = Aggregate Percentage
This calculation gives equal weight to both examinations. The formula divides your JAMB score by 8 (since 400 ÷ 8 = 50) and your Post UTME score by 2 (since 100 ÷ 2 = 50), ensuring both contribute 50% to your final aggregate.
Method 2: JAMB, Post UTME, and O’Level (Variable Ratios)
Several institutions incorporate O’Level results into their calculations. Common weightings include:
50:30:20 Ratio (used by LASU, DELSU, and others)
- JAMB: 50%
- Post UTME: 30%
- O’Level: 20%
50:40:10 Ratio (used by OAU and some others)
- JAMB: 50%
- Post UTME: 40%
- O’Level: 10%
Formula for 50:30:20: (JAMB ÷ 400 × 50) + (Post UTME ÷ 100 × 30) + (O’Level Points ÷ 30 × 20)
Method 3: Institution-Specific Formulas
Some universities have unique calculation methods. For instance, certain institutions may use ratios like 60:40 or apply different denominators. Always verify your specific university’s formula from official sources.
How to Calculate Post UTME cut off Mark
Step 1: Confirm Your University’s Calculation Method
Visit your chosen university’s official website or check their Post UTME brochure to identify which formula they use. Different courses within the same institution may occasionally use varying methods, especially for competitive programmes like Medicine, Law, or Engineering.
Contact the admissions office if the information isn’t clearly published. Additionally, educational forums and websites often compile this information from various institutions.
Step 2: Gather All Required Scores
Before calculating, collect the following:
JAMB Score – Your Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) score out of 400
Post UTME Score – Your screening examination score, typically out of 100
O’Level Results (if applicable) – Five relevant subjects from WAEC, NECO, or a combination of both. You can select your best grades across both examinations.
For O’Level calculations, identify the five subjects required for your course. Most programmes require English Language, Mathematics, and three subject-specific requirements.
Step 3: Understanding O’Level Grading (If Applicable)
If your university includes O’Level results, you’ll need to convert your grades to points using this standard system:
- A1 = 6 points
- B2 = 5 points
- B3 = 4 points
- C4 = 3 points
- C5 = 2 points
- C6 = 1 point
The maximum O’Level points you can score is 30 (6 points × 5 subjects). Add up the points from your five relevant subjects before proceeding with the calculation.
Step 4: Calculate Using the JAMB + Post UTME Method (50:50)
This is the most common formula used across Nigerian universities. Follow this calculation process:
Example 1:
- JAMB Score: 270
- Post UTME Score: 65
Calculation:
- JAMB Component: 270 ÷ 8 = 33.75
- Post UTME Component: 65 ÷ 2 = 32.5
- Total Aggregate: 33.75 + 32.5 = 66.25%
Example 2:
- JAMB Score: 310
- Post UTME Score: 80
Calculation:
- JAMB Component: 310 ÷ 8 = 38.75
- Post UTME Component: 80 ÷ 2 = 40
- Total Aggregate: 38.75 + 40 = 78.75%
Example 3:
- JAMB Score: 240
- Post UTME Score: 70
Calculation:
- JAMB Component: 240 ÷ 8 = 30
- Post UTME Component: 70 ÷ 2 = 35
- Total Aggregate: 30 + 35 = 65%
These examples demonstrate how both JAMB and Post UTME scores equally affect your final aggregate. A strong Post UTME performance can compensate for a moderate JAMB score, and vice versa.
Step 5: Calculate Using JAMB + Post UTME + O’Level Method (50:30:20)
For universities incorporating O’Level results with a 50:30:20 weighting, follow this comprehensive calculation:
Example 1:
- JAMB Score: 280
- Post UTME Score: 75
- O’Level Grades: A1, B2, B3, A1, C4
- O’Level Points: 6 + 5 + 4 + 6 + 3 = 24 points
Calculation:
- JAMB Component: (280 ÷ 400) × 50 = 0.7 × 50 = 35%
- Post UTME Component: (75 ÷ 100) × 30 = 0.75 × 30 = 22.5%
- O’Level Component: (24 ÷ 30) × 20 = 0.8 × 20 = 16%
- Total Aggregate: 35 + 22.5 + 16 = 73.5%
Example 2:
- JAMB Score: 250
- Post UTME Score: 68
- O’Level Grades: B2, B3, C4, B2, C5
- O’Level Points: 5 + 4 + 3 + 5 + 2 = 19 points
Calculation:
- JAMB Component: (250 ÷ 400) × 50 = 0.625 × 50 = 31.25%
- Post UTME Component: (68 ÷ 100) × 30 = 0.68 × 30 = 20.4%
- O’Level Component: (19 ÷ 30) × 20 = 0.633 × 20 = 12.67%
- Total Aggregate: 31.25 + 20.4 + 12.67 = 64.32%
This method rewards candidates with strong overall academic performance across all three components.
Step 6: Calculate Using the 50:40:10 Ratio
Some universities like OAU use a 50:40:10 weighting system:
Formula: (JAMB ÷ 400 × 50) + (Post UTME ÷ 100 × 40) + (O’Level Points ÷ 30 × 10)
Example:
- JAMB Score: 290
- Post UTME Score: 72
- O’Level Points: 26
Calculation:
- JAMB Component: (290 ÷ 400) × 50 = 36.25%
- Post UTME Component: (72 ÷ 100) × 40 = 28.8%
- O’Level Component: (26 ÷ 30) × 10 = 8.67%
- Total Aggregate: 36.25 + 28.8 + 8.67 = 73.72%
This formula places greater emphasis on Post UTME performance while reducing the impact of O’Level results.
Step 7: Compare Your Aggregate with Departmental cut off-Off Marks
Once you’ve calculated your aggregate score, compare it against published departmental cut off-off marks. Universities typically release these figures after the Post UTME exercise on their official websites or admission portals.
General cut off-Off Ranges by Course Category:
Highly Competitive Courses (Medicine, Pharmacy, Law): 75-85% Engineering Courses: 65-75% Sciences (Biochemistry, Microbiology): 60-70% Social Sciences: 55-65% Arts and Humanities: 50-60%
These ranges vary significantly between institutions and academic sessions. Federal universities generally maintain higher standards than state universities, while private institutions may have more flexible requirements.
Step 8: Understanding Your Admission Chances
If your aggregate meets or exceeds the departmental cut off-off mark, your admission prospects become significantly stronger. However, meeting the cut off-off doesn’t guarantee admission, as universities typically admit candidates in order of merit until available spaces are filled.
Scoring 5-10 percentage points above the cut off-off mark substantially improves your chances. Conversely, falling below the cut-off may require considering alternative courses or institutions, though some universities occasionally adjust requirements based on application volumes.
Common Calculation Mistakes to Avoid
Many students make errors that lead to incorrect aggregate scores. The most frequent mistake involves using the wrong formula for their chosen university. Always verify which calculation method your institution employs before computing your aggregate.
Another common error occurs when dividing by incorrect denominators. Remember: divide JAMB by 8 (not 400) for the 50:50 method, unless using percentage-based calculations. Additionally, ensure you’re adding O’Level points correctly and using only the five relevant subjects specified by your course requirements.
Never rely on outdated information. Universities occasionally modify their calculation formulas or weighting systems, so always confirm current methods from official sources. Furthermore, don’t assume previous years’ cut off-off marks will remain unchanged, as these figures fluctuate annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get admission if my aggregate is below the cut off-off mark?
A: Admission becomes unlikely if your aggregate falls below the departmental cut off-off. However, you might consider changing to a course with lower requirements or exploring opportunities at other institutions with more accessible standards.
Q: Do all Nigerian universities use the same calculation formula?
A: No, universities employ different methods and weightings. while many federal institutions use similar formulas, each university determines its own aggregate computation system based on institutional policies.
Q: How can I find my university’s specific calculation method?
A: Visit your university’s official website, check the Post UTME information brochure, or contact the admissions office directly. Educational websites and forums also compile this information from various institutions.
Q: Does JAMB score matter more than Post UTME performance?
A: Both components typically carry equal weight in the 50:50 method. However, some universities assign different percentages, making it essential to verify your institution’s specific weighting system before drawing conclusions.
Q: Can I combine WAEC and NECO results for O’Level calculations?
A: Yes, most universities accept combinations of WAEC and NECO results, allowing you to select your best grades across both examinations for the five relevant subjects required by your course.
Conclusion
Learning how to calculate Post UTME cut off marks empowers you to make informed decisions throughout your university admission journey. By understanding calculation methods, gathering accurate scores, and applying the correct formulas, you can confidently assess your admission prospects. Remember that while aggregate scores play a crucial role, preparing thoroughly for Post UTME and maintaining strong O’Level results all contribute to successfully securing university admission in Nigeria.