See How JAMB Score Is Calculated in 2025 with Examples

If you’ve ever wondered, “What is a JAMB score?” then you’re in the right place! The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) score plays a critical role in securing university admission in Nigeria. Your JAMB score determines how well you performed in the exam, influencing your eligibility for higher education programs. Understanding how it works, from the marking scheme to the grading system can make a significant difference in your academic journey. This guide will explain everything you need to know about the JAMB score, its calculation, grading system, and more.

What is a JAMB Score?

The JAMB score is the result you obtain after taking the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, a standardized test in Nigeria. It is used to determine your eligibility for university admission into various degree programs. The score is crucial because it directly affects your chances of being admitted to a tertiary institution.

After the exam, JAMB releases scores for all candidates based on their performance across multiple subjects. A higher score typically increases your chances of gaining admission, especially in competitive courses and universities.

What is JAMB Marking Scheme?

The JAMB marking scheme is a structured system that assigns points to each correct answer in the exam. The scheme is designed to ensure that candidates are evaluated fairly based on the number of correct answers they provide during the exam.

Here’s a breakdown of how the marking scheme works:

• Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): For the JAMB exam, most subjects consist of multiple-choice questions. Each question has four options, and you are expected to select the correct one. You earn 1 point for every correct answer and 0 for every wrong answer.
• No Negative Marking: There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so you should always attempt every question.
• Subject Weights: JAMB exams are usually conducted for four subjects, and each subject is equally weighted. The total score from these four subjects contributes to your final result.

It’s important to remember that the marking scheme may slightly differ depending on the subject. However, the key takeaway is that each correct response increases your score by one point.

What is JAMB Grading System?

The JAMB grading system is a scale that converts your raw score into grades, which are then used to determine how well you performed. The JAMB grading system for the 2025/2026 session is based on a set number of points, ranging from 0 to 400.

The total score from your four subjects is added together to form your JAMB score. However, the grading system helps categorize how well you performed based on the score you achieved.

Here’s an overview of how the grading system is usually broken down:

• 180 and above: This score is generally considered a good performance and qualifies you for admission into most public and private universities.
• 200–220: A score in this range is competitive for many top universities and highly sought-after programs.
• 250–300: This range represents excellent performance and increases your chances of being admitted into highly competitive courses like Medicine, Engineering, and Law.
• 350 and above: Scoring in this range is exceptional, and you’ll likely stand out among other candidates.

The exact grading can differ by institution and course, but this system gives a general idea of what your score means in terms of university admission chances.

How is the JAMB Exam Marked?

The marking process for the JAMB exam is straightforward. After you finish the exam, the answers are submitted electronically, and the results are processed by the board. Here’s a summary of how the exam is marked:

• Computerized Evaluation: JAMB uses a computerized system to grade the multiple-choice questions. This system checks the answer sheets, evaluates your responses, and assigns scores accordingly.
• No Human Error: Since the process is automated, there’s a reduced risk of human error during the marking.
• Timely Results: After the exam, the results are typically released within a few weeks. This fast turnaround is made possible by the use of technology in grading.

JAMB uses this efficient, tech-driven approach to ensure fairness and transparency in the examination process.

How Is The JAMB Score Calculated?

JAMB scores are calculated by adding up the points you earn from each of your four subjects. Each subject has a maximum score of 100, and since you’re tested in four subjects, your total score can range from 0 to 400.

Here’s how it works:

1. Maximum Score Per Subject: Each subject is scored out of 100.
2. Total Score: The total score is the sum of your performance in each subject, and the final score can range from 0 to 400.
3. Example Calculation: If you scored 85 in Mathematics, 90 in English, 80 in Physics, and 75 in Chemistry, your total score would be:85 (Math) + 90 (English) + 80 (Physics) + 75 (Chemistry) = 330

Your final JAMB score in this case would be 330 out of a possible 400.

This score is crucial in determining whether or not you meet the requirements for university admission, and it’s used by universities to assess candidates for various programs.

JAMB Pass Mark

The JAMB pass mark is the minimum score that a candidate needs to achieve in order to be considered for admission. For the 2025/2026 academic year, the pass mark is generally set at 140 for most universities in Nigeria, though some universities or specific programs may set a higher pass mark.

A score of 140 allows you to participate in the post-UTME screening, but it does not guarantee automatic admission. Higher scores, particularly those in the range of 200 or more, significantly improve your chances of securing a spot in your desired program or university.

In competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering, the pass mark may be much higher. For such programs, a score of 250 or above is often required.

JAMB Marking Scheme & Grading System 2025/2026

For the 2025/2026 academic year, JAMB continues to use the same general marking scheme and grading system. However, there are some adjustments to accommodate the growing demand for higher education in Nigeria. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect:

• Marking Scheme: No major changes are expected. Each correct answer gets you one point, and there’s no penalty for wrong answers.
• Grading System: The grading system remains the same, with scores ranging from 0 to 400. A score of 180 and above is generally considered sufficient for admission to most institutions, but top universities may require higher scores.

However, always be sure to check the latest updates from JAMB for any last-minute changes before taking the exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Understanding how the JAMB score works, along with the grading system and marking scheme, is essential for any Nigerian student aspiring to attend a university. The score you achieve determines your eligibility for university admission, so it’s crucial to perform well in the exam. By grasping the details of how the exam is marked, how your score is calculated, and the importance of the grading system, you can better prepare yourself for success in the JAMB exam.

Prepare diligently, aim for a high score, and remember that your JAMB results are just one part of the journey toward achieving your academic goals.