Collins NwonuYou have just completed your JAMB UTME and you are constantly refreshing your email and the JAMB portal and you are in a state of panic because of one major question, “Will my score be enough to get me into Nasarawa State University (NSUK)?”
If that is sounding familiar, you’re not the only one. There are thousands of students on the tip of their toes each year waiting to find out whether they will be offered their dream course or not. And at the heart of all this speculation is only one thing, the cut off mark.
In this article, I’ll break down the factors that influence Nasarawa State University cut off mark, share practical strategies to beat the mark and secure your admission, and answer the questions students rarely ask but need to know. Let’s begin.
Nasarawa State University General Cut Off Mark for 2025/2026
Everybody who is seeking admission always wants to know the first gate to cross, the general JAMB cut off mark. For the 2025/2026 academic session, the general cut off mark set by Nasarawa State University is expected to align with the national cut-off announced by JAMB.
JAMB has always insured that there was a minimum of 140-160 in its universities, although most of the schools requesting applicants take high school certificates can adjust the criteria. The general cut off mark at Nasarawa State University is traditionally pegged at 160, which means that any candidate who scores 160 or above in JAMB UTME qualifies to take a place in Nasarawa State University Post-UTME screening.
But here is something most students do not know, a score of 160 qualifies you to write Post-UTME; however it does not mean you will be admitted. It can be considered as the ticket to be the part of the game but the actual part starts at the marks at the level of departments.
Departmental Cut Off Marks at Nasarawa State University
Here’s a realistic breakdown of how NSUK’s departmental cut off marks are usually structured for 2025/2026:
1. Faculty of Law
Law – 220 and above
Law is one of the most competitive courses in NSUK. Only candidates with very high JAMB and strong Post-UTME performance can secure a place.
2. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Medicine & Surgery – 250 and above
Nursing Science – 220 and above
Public Health – 200 and above
Anatomy/Physiology – 180 and above
3. Faculty of Engineering
Civil Engineering – 200 and above
Electrical/Electronic Engineering – 200 and above
Mechanical Engineering – 200 and above
4. Faculty of Social Sciences
Mass Communication – 200 and above
Political Science – 180 and above
Economics – 200 and above
Sociology – 180 and above
Psychology – 180 and above
5. Faculty of Arts
English & Literary Studies – 180 and above
History & International Studies – 180 and above
Arabic/Islamic Studies – 160 and above
Theatre Arts – 180 and above
6. Faculty of Education
Education & Biology – 160 and above
Education & Chemistry – 160 and above
Education & English – 160 and above
7. Faculty of Natural & Applied Sciences
Biochemistry – 180 and above
Microbiology – 180 and above
Computer Science – 200 and above
Mathematics/Physics/Chemistry – 160 and above
8. Faculty of Agriculture
Agric Economics & Extension – 160 and above
Animal Science – 160 and above
Crop Science – 160 and above
Fisheries & Forestry – 160 and above
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Factors That Influence Nasarawa State University Cut Off Mark
1. Performance of Candidates in JAMB
If candidates generally perform very well in JAMB for a particular year, the cut off mark for most universities, including NSUK, tends to rise. Why? Because more students are competing with higher scores, so the university has to raise the bar to select only the best.
On the other side, if JAMB records show that many candidates scored poorly, the university might reduce the cut off mark slightly to accommodate enough qualified students.
2. Number of Applicants for a Course
Some courses are naturally “hot cake.” For example, Medicine, Law, and Nursing usually attract thousands of applicants. When more students apply for a course than the department can admit, the cut off mark for that course will definitely go higher.
Meanwhile, courses that are less competitive (like some Education or Agricultural programs) may keep their cut off mark at the general minimum because there are fewer applicants.
3. University’s Carrying Capacity
Nasarawa State University can only admit the number of students approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC). If the university’s carrying capacity is 5,000 but 30,000 students apply, the cut off mark has to rise in order to select the very best.
This is why sometimes you hear people say: “I scored 200 but I still didn’t get admission.” It’s not always about passing the general cut off, it’s about competition and limited space.
4. Government and University Policies
From time to time, the Federal Government or JAMB sets new admission guidelines. For instance, JAMB usually announces a national minimum cut off mark for all universities. While schools are not allowed to go below this mark, they can decide to set theirs higher.
In addition, NSUK’s internal Senate meeting can influence departmental cut offs. So, even if you meet the general mark, your department might still demand more.
5. Catchment Area and Merit Considerations
Like many public universities in Nigeria, NSUK also considers “catchment areas.” This means candidates from certain states close to Nasarawa may have a slightly lower departmental cut off mark compared to students applying from far away.
Merit, however, remains the top priority. High scorers are always considered first, regardless of where they come from.
How to Beat the Cut Off Mark and Secure Admission at NSUK
1. Aim Higher Than the General Cut Off
If the general cut off mark is 160, don’t aim for 160. Aim for 200 and above. The higher your score, the safer you are, especially for competitive courses. Remember: admission is survival of the fittest.
2. Prepare Well for Post-UTME
Many students relax after passing JAMB, forgetting that the Post-UTME screening can make or break their admission chances. NSUK considers your screening performance seriously, so revise past questions, practice timed tests, and treat it as a second JAMB.
3. Don’t Ignore Your O’Level Results
Your WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB results are also part of the admission process. A candidate who has a lower JAMB score but excellent O’Level grades (with no missing credits) can still beat someone with a JAMB score that is higher but O’Level that is weaker.
4. Consider Less Competitive Courses
If you find it hard to meet the departmental cut offs for Law, Medicine, or Nursing, that are high, you should think of applying for programs that are related but less competitive. For example, instead of Nursing, you could apply for Public Health, then switch later if possible.
5. Stay Updated and Flexible
One of the biggest mistakes students make is depending on what people are saying. Always check the official NSUK portal and JAMB CAPS for the updates that are most correct. Admission policies can change overnight, and you would not want to miss out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Nasarawa State University accept second choice in JAMB?
No, NSUK usually prefers candidates who select them as first choice. Always make NSUK your first choice if you are serious about admission.
2. Can I change my course if I don’t meet the cut off mark?
Yes, through JAMB’s Change of Course option. But you must pick a course with a lower cut off mark and enough available space.
3. Is there a special cut off mark for indigenes of Nasarawa State?
Yes, indigenes may benefit from the catchment policy. This doesn’t mean automatic admission, but they may have slightly lower departmental cut offs compared to non-indigenes.
4. Does NSUK give admission easily for direct entry candidates?
Direct Entry admission is competitive but sometimes less crowded than UTME admission. Candidates with strong A-level, Diploma, or NCE results have a fair chance.
5. How does catchment area affect cut off mark in NSUK?
If you’re from a catchment state, you may have an advantage in departmental cut off marks. However, merit-based candidates (high scorers) are always prioritized.
6. What is the cut off mark for part-time programs?
Part-time and sandwich programs usually have more flexible requirements compared to full-time undergraduate programs. The cut off is often lower, but applicants still need solid O’Level results.
7. Does NSUK consider candidates with lower JAMB scores but strong O’Level results?
Yes, sometimes. A candidate with 180 in JAMB but 5 distinctions in relevant O’Level subjects can be considered, especially in less competitive departments.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, there is nothing to panic about the Nasarawa State University cut off mark 2025/2026 session, except knowing, and getting smart, together with studying for your exams.
Provided that you have a positive attitude and that you prepare well and have an effective admissions strategy, you can not only just meet the cut off but more than that and you will secure admission at NSUK.
So as you wait for your results or are getting ready for the new admission cycle, the big question is whether you are determined to set your mark above the cut off mark and secure your place in Nasarawa State University.
Peter Ogbemudia![UNILAG JAMB Cutoff Mark for All Courses 2025/2026 [Updated List]](https://skolarify.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG-20250706-WA0030-720x600.jpg)
Collins Nwonu
