With the release of the JAMB cutoff marks for the 2024 academic session, it is essential for students to understand how to calculate their JAMB departmental cut-off marks.
This article aims to provide a clear explanation of the different methods used by Nigerian educational institutions to calculate these marks.
Whether you’re wondering about your chances of getting admission in 2024 or how to calculate your average score, this article will address your queries.
What is the Meaning of Cut-Off Mark?
A cut-off mark is the minimum score a student must achieve to stand a chance of being admitted into any Nigerian educational institution.
Each university, polytechnic, college, and other institutions have their JAMB cut-off marks and post-UTME cut-off marks for schools and departments.
While most federal universities set their JAMB cut-off mark at 200, it does not guarantee admission even if you score 200 or above.
Thus, understanding how to calculate the JAMB departmental cut-off marks becomes crucial to determine your admission prospects.
Methods to Calculate Departmental Cut-Off Marks:
There are three commonly used methods to calculate departmental cut-off marks in Nigerian educational institutions. Let’s explore each of them in detail.
- First Method: In this method, institutions have different departmental cut-off marks for each course, which may change each academic session. Let’s consider an example of a student aspiring to study law at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) with a departmental cut-off of 77. Assuming the student scored 68 in the Post-UTME and 260 in JAMB, follow these steps to calculate the departmental cut-off mark:
- Divide the Post-UTME score by 2: 68/2 = 34
- Divide the JAMB score by 8: 260/8 = 32.5
- Add the two results: 32.5 + 34 = 66.5
In this case, the student’s calculated departmental cut-off mark is 66.5, indicating that they do not meet the requirements for studying law at UNIPORT.
- Second Method: The second method considers both the Post-UTME and JAMB scores, as well as the O-level grades, to calculate the departmental cut-off mark. This method is often used by demanding institutions like the University of Lagos. Follow these steps:
- Divide the JAMB score by 8.
- The total marks obtainable in the Post-UTME is 20.19.
- Calculate your O-level result based on the grading system, where A1 = 6 points, B2 = 5 points, B3 = 4 points, C4 = 3 points, C5 = 2 points, and C6 = 1 point.
For example, let’s say a student chose Banking/Finance at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) with a cut-off mark of 70.
If the student scored 260 in JAMB, 12 in Post-UTME, and obtained 3A’s, 1B3, and 1C5 in their O-level results, the calculation would be as follows:
- JAMB score: 260/8 = 32.5
- O-level result: 3A’s x 6 + 1B3 x 4 + 1C5 x 2 = 18 + 4 + 2 = 24
Total score: 32.5 + 24 + 12 = 68.5
By this method, the student’s calculated departmental cut-off mark is 68.5.
- Third Method: The third method, often preferred by Nigerian students, does not involve writing a Post-UTME. Instead, it focuses on JAMB and O-level results. Institutions like the University of Abuja and FUOYE employ this method. The higher your JAMB score, the better your chances of admission. Departmental cut-off marks are not applicable here.
FAQs
What is the JAMB Cut-off Mark and How is it Calculated?
The JAMB cut-off mark is the minimum score required by a candidate to be eligible for admission into a higher institution in Nigeria. To calculate it, simply check the official score released by JAMB after the UTME. The general cut-off for universities is usually between 150 and 200, but it may vary depending on the institution and course.
How Do Institutions Calculate the Departmental Cut-off Mark?
The departmental cut-off mark is determined by the specific institution based on the performance of candidates applying to a particular department. It is usually calculated by considering a combination of your JAMB score and Post-UTME score (if applicable), sometimes using a ratio like 50:50 or 60:40 between JAMB and Post-UTME results. For example, if an institution uses 50:50, you would divide your JAMB score by 8 and your Post-UTME score by 2, then add both together.
Can I Calculate My Admission Chances Based on My JAMB and Departmental Cut-off Mark?
Yes, you can estimate your admission chances by comparing your total aggregate score (from JAMB and Post-UTME) to the departmental cut-off mark of your chosen course. If your aggregate score meets or exceeds the departmental cut-off, you stand a good chance of being admitted. However, institutions may also consider other factors such as O’Level results, quotas, and competition for the course.
Conclusion
Understanding how to calculate JAMB departmental cut-off marks is crucial for Nigerian students aspiring to secure admission into educational institutions.
The three methods explained in this article provide insights into the calculations used by institutions.
By knowing your departmental cut-off mark, you can assess your chances of admission and make informed decisions about your educational future.
