ATBU Cut Off Mark for Admission 2025/2026 Academic Session

If you're planning to study at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU). Your JAMB score alone doesn't guarantee admission, you need to meet specific cut off requirements to even be eligible for the Post UTME screening exercise.

A cut off mark is the minimum score you must achieve in JAMB UTME to be eligible for admission into a university or a specific programme. Think of it as the first hurdle you need to cross.

For ATBU, there are two types of cut off marks you should know:

1. General JAMB Cut off Mark – The minimum score to participate in Post UTME screening

2. Departmental Cut off Mark – The minimum aggregate score needed for admission into specific courses

Meeting the general cut off mark only makes you eligible to register for Post UTME. Your final admission depends on your departmental cut off mark, which combines your JAMB score and Post UTME performance.

ATBU General JAMB Cut Off Mark for 2025/2026

For the 2025/2026 academic session, ATBU's general JAMB cut-off mark is 160.

This means:

You can register for ATBU Post UTME screening if you scored 160 and above in JAMB UTME. You're not eligible for ATBU admission this session if you scored below 160.

Scoring 160 doesn't guarantee admission. It only qualifies you to participate in the screening process. Different courses have different competitive requirements.

ATBU Departmental Cut Off Marks

While the general cut off is 160, each department has its own competitive threshold based on:

• Number of applicants for that course

• Available admission slots in the department

• Performance of candidates in Post UTME

• Course popularity and competitiveness

ATBU typically does not publicly release official departmental cut off marks. However, based on admission patterns and the competitiveness of various programmes, we can give you realistic expectations.

ATBU Cut Off Marks by Course

Here's a breakdown of what you should realistically aim for to be competitive:

Highly Competitive Courses (Aim for 200+)

These courses have the highest demand and limited spaces:

For Medicine & Surgery, even with 200+, you're competing with candidates who scored 250+. The higher your score, the better your chances.

Competitive Courses (Aim for 180-200)

These engineering and science courses are popular but slightly less competitive:

Moderately Competitive Courses (Aim for 165-180)

Good options if your JAMB score is in the 160s-170s range:

Less Competitive Courses (160-170 Range)

These courses have lower competition and higher acceptance rates:

If you scored between 160-175, consider choosing from the less competitive courses to significantly improve your admission chances.

How ATBU Calculates Your Aggregate Score

Your final admission score at ATBU is a combination of your JAMB UTME score and Post UTME score. Here's the formula:

ATBU Aggregate Score = (JAMB Score ÷ 8) + (Post UTME Score ÷ 2)

Calculation Example:

Let's say you scored:

• JAMB UTME: 240 out of 400

• Post UTME: 70 out of 100

Your aggregate would be:

• JAMB component: 240 ÷ 8 = 30

• Post-UTME component: 70 ÷ 2 = 35

• Total Aggregate = 30 + 35 = 65

This aggregate score of 65 is what ATBU uses to rank you against other candidates in your chosen department.

Even if your JAMB score isn't very high, a strong Post UTME performance can significantly boost your aggregate score.

Requirements Beyond Cut Off Marks

Meeting the cut off mark is just the beginning. You also need:

1. O'Level Requirements

• 5 credit passes in relevant subjects

• Must include English Language and Mathematics

• Maximum of 2 sittings (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB)

• Awaiting results are NOT accepted at ATBU

2. Correct JAMB Subject Combination

You must have written the right subjects for your course. For example:

• Engineering: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics + English

• Medicine: Physics, Chemistry, Biology + English

• Computer Science: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry/Biology + English

3. First Choice Institution

ATBU must have been your first choice during JAMB registration. Change of institution is possible but can be complicated.

4. Post UTME Participation

You must register for and participate in ATBU's Post UTME screening exercise (₦2,000 registration fee).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the 160 cut off the same for all courses?
A: No. While 160 is the general minimum to register for Post UTME, each course has its own competitive threshold based on demand and performance.

Q: Can I get admission with exactly 160?
A: It's very difficult. With 160, you're only eligible for screening. Your final admission depends on your aggregate score after Post UTME, and you'll be competing with candidates who scored much higher.

Q: Does ATBU accept second choice candidates?
A: ATBU primarily admits first choice candidates. While they may occasionally consider second choice, your chances are extremely low. It's better to make ATBU your first choice if you're serious about studying there.

Q: What if I scored high in JAMB but poorly in Post UTME?
A: Your aggregate score will suffer. ATBU uses both scores, so you need to perform well in both to be competitive.

Q: Can the cut off mark increase after it's announced?
A: The general JAMB cut off mark (160) is fixed. However, departmental cut off marks can effectively be higher based on competition and candidate performance.

Q: What's the cut off mark for Direct Entry candidates?
A: Direct Entry candidates must also meet the general 160 JAMB equivalent, plus have the required qualifications (A'Level, ND, NCE, etc.) and participate in DE screening.

Q: How can I improve my chances with a low JAMB score?
A: (1) Choose a less competitive course, (2) Excel in Post UTME to boost your aggregate, (3) Ensure your O'level results are perfect with all required subjects.