If you’re one of the candidates who sat for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in 2025 and 2026, you might be wondering if you can combine these results to secure admission into your preferred institution and course. This post will provide a comprehensive answer to this question, along with valuable information on how to check your JAMB admission status, understand cut-off marks, and navigate the JAMB admission policy.
What is JAMB and UTME?
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is a Nigerian government agency responsible for conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This computer-based test is a prerequisite for gaining admission into universities, polytechnics, colleges, and other higher education institutions in Nigeria.
The UTME is typically conducted between February and June each year. Candidates register online, providing personal and academic details, choosing preferred institutions and courses, and selecting an examination center and date. The UTME comprises four subjects relevant to the candidate’s chosen course, with each subject featuring 50 questions to be completed in 120 minutes. The total score for the UTME is 400, and results are typically available online or via SMS within 24 hours after the exam.
Can You Combine Two JAMB Results for Admission?
The short answer is NO. You cannot combine two JAMB results for admission into any institution or course in Nigeria. JAMB permits candidates to use only one UTME result for admission in a given academic session. Therefore, if you took the UTME in both 2025 and 2026, you can only use one of those results for admission in the 2025/2026 academic year. The other result becomes invalid for that session.
This policy ensures fairness in the admission process and maintains the quality and standard of education in Nigeria. Moreover, JAMB strongly advises against registering for the UTME more than once, as this could lead to disqualification or cancellation of your results.
How to Check Your JAMB Admission Status
To check your JAMB admission status, follow these steps:
- Visit the JAMB e-facility portal: Go to JAMB e-facility portal and log in with your registration number or email address.
- Check your result: Navigate to the “Result Notification” tab and click on “Check My Result.” Your UTME score, subject combination, and chosen institution and course will be displayed.
- Check admission status on CAPS: To know if you’ve been admitted, log in to the JAMB Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) portal at JAMB CAPS portal. Here, you can accept or reject your admission offer and monitor the progress of your admission process. Simply click on “Check Admission Status” after logging in. If you’ve been offered admission, click “Accept” to secure it and print your admission letter. If not, keep checking regularly, as admission offers are released in batches.
JAMB Cut-off Marks and Admission Policy
The JAMB cut-off mark is the minimum score required to be eligible for admission into a particular institution or course. This mark varies by institution, course, and candidate category (UTME, Direct Entry, or Special Consideration). Institutions determine their cut-off marks based on available spaces, candidate performance, and JAMB’s admission policy.
JAMB’s admission policy is a set of guidelines regulating the admission process across Nigerian tertiary institutions. Formulated by JAMB in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders, this policy is reviewed annually. For the 2025/2026 admission exercise, key points include:
- Minimum cut-off marks: 160 for universities, 120 for polytechnics and colleges of education.
- Alternative pathways: Candidates scoring below the cut-off can apply for the JAMB Innovative Enterprise Institutions (IEIs) programme or the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) programme for direct entry admission.
- Acceptance deadline: Candidates must accept or reject admission offers within 72 hours on the CAPS portal.
- Post-UTME charges: Institutions must not charge more than N2,000 for post-UTME screening.
- First choice rule: Institutions must prioritize candidates who chose them as their first choice unless approved by JAMB.
- Malpractice policy: Candidates involved in malpractice, impersonation, or multiple registrations are disqualified.
Conclusion
In summary, you cannot combine two JAMB results for admission in the 2025/2026 academic session. It’s crucial to understand the admission process, check your status regularly, and stay informed about cut-off marks and JAMB policies. By following these guidelines, you’ll enhance your chances of securing admission to your desired institution and course. Best of luck in your admission journey!
FAQs
Can I use two JAMB results to apply for admission into a university?
No, you cannot use two JAMB results to apply for admission. JAMB allows only one UTME result per admission cycle, so you must choose the best result from either 2025 or 2026 to use for your application.
What happens if I register for JAMB more than once?
Registering for JAMB more than once can lead to disqualification or the cancellation of your results. JAMB strictly prohibits multiple registrations for the same exam year to ensure a fair admission process.
How do I choose which JAMB result to use for my admission?
You should choose the JAMB result with the higher score or the one that best meets the cut-off marks and requirements of your desired institution and course.
Is there any exception to the rule against combining JAMB results?
No, there are no exceptions. The rule applies to all candidates, regardless of their circumstances. JAMB’s policy is clear that only one UTME result can be used per admission session.
Can I combine JAMB and Direct Entry (DE) results?
JAMB results and Direct Entry (DE) qualifications are treated separately. If you are applying through Direct Entry, you do not need a UTME result, but you must meet the DE requirements, which often include A-Level results, IJMB, or other equivalent qualifications.
What should I do if I scored below the cut-off mark for my chosen institution?
If your score is below the cut-off mark, consider applying to another institution with a lower cut-off or exploring alternative programmes like the JAMB Innovative Enterprise Institutions (IEIs) or the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) programme.
How do I check if I have been admitted to my chosen institution?
You can check your admission status by logging into the JAMB CAPS portal. Follow the steps mentioned earlier in this post to monitor your admission process and accept or reject any offer you receive.
Can I change my institution or course after seeing my JAMB result?
Yes, JAMB allows candidates to change their institution or course after the UTME results are released. You can do this by applying for a change of course or institution through the JAMB e-facility portal.
What if I miss the deadline to accept my admission on CAPS?
If you miss the deadline to accept your admission offer on CAPS (usually 72 hours), you will forfeit the offer. It is important to regularly check the CAPS portal and respond promptly to any admission offers.
How do I prepare for post-UTME screening?
To prepare for post-UTME screening, study past questions for your chosen institution, review your UTME subjects, and stay informed about the institution’s specific screening format and requirements. Remember that institutions cannot charge more than N2,000 for the post-UTME process.