Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, is one of Nigeria’s federal universities with strong programmes in engineering, sciences, management, and technology. Each year, ATBU sets cut-off marks to determine which candidates are eligible for admission screening and final placement into specific courses. This guide outlines the ATBU cut-off mark for the 2026/2027 admission cycle with clear departmental benchmarks and helpful admission insights.
What Is ATBU Cut-Off Mark?
The ATBU cut-off mark refers to:
- The minimum JAMB UTME score a candidate must achieve to qualify for the university’s screening exercise.
- A departmental benchmark that helps ATBU shortlist candidates for admission into competitive courses.
Meeting the cut-off mark gives you eligibility for screening, but final admission depends on course competitiveness, screening performance, and other requirements.
ATBU General Cut-Off Mark for 2026/2027
For the 2026/2027 admission session, the general UTME cut-off mark for ATBU is 160.
This means candidates who score 160 and above in the UTME and select ATBU as their First Choice are eligible to participate in the university’s post-UTME screening exercise.
ATBU Departmental Cut-Off Marks for 2026/2027
ATBU does not apply the same cut-off mark across all courses. Competitive programmes usually require higher UTME scores based on demand and limited admission quotas. Below are the departmental cut-off marks for key courses used for planning and eligibility guidance.
Faculty of Engineering
Course | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
Civil Engineering | 165 |
Mechanical Engineering | 165 |
Electrical/Electronic Engineering | 170 |
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering | 170 |
Computer Engineering | 175 |
Chemical Engineering | 175 |
Faculty of Science
Course | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
Physics | 160 |
Chemistry | 160 |
Mathematics | 160 |
Biology | 160 |
Geology | 160 |
Statistics | 160 |
Faculty of Environmental Design
Course | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
Architecture | 170 |
Urban and Regional Planning | 165 |
Quantity Surveying | 165 |
Estate Management | 160 |
Faculty of Management and Social Sciences
Course | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
Accounting | 165 |
Business Administration | 160 |
Economics | 160 |
Political Science | 160 |
Public Administration | 160 |
Faculty of Environmental Technology
Course | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
Environmental Management | 160 |
Urban and Regional Planning | 165 |
Building Technology | 160 |
Faculty of Education
Course | Cut-Off Mark |
|---|---|
Education and Biology | 160 |
Education and Chemistry | 160 |
Education and Mathematics | 160 |
Education and Physics | 160 |
Educational Management | 160 |
Engineering, Computer-related fields, and Architecture are generally more competitive and therefore have higher cut-off marks than the university’s general minimum.
How ATBU Determines Its Cut-Off Marks
ATBU determines cut-off marks using several key factors:
- Number of applicants for each course
- UTME performance distribution
- Departmental admission quotas
- Institutional admission standards
Competitive programmes with high applicant volume often require higher scores to manage demand.
What Happens After Meeting the Cut-Off Mark
Meeting the ATBU cut-off mark:
- Qualifies you for the screening exercise
- Does not guarantee admission
- Requires correct O-Level subject combinations
- May be affected by programme capacity
Admission Requirements for 2026/2027
To be considered for admission at ATBU:
- Score at least 160 in UTME
- Choose ATBU as First Choice in JAMB
- Have five O-Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics
- Meet departmental cut-off requirements for your chosen course
Important Tips for 2026/2027 Aspirants
- Aim for scores at or above the departmental cut-off marks
- Meet all O-Level subject requirements
- Complete the screening exercise on time
- Avoid borderline scores for competitive programmes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the general cut-off mark for ATBU?
The general UTME cut-off mark is 160.
Does meeting the cut-off guarantee admission?
No. Admission is based on screening performance and departmental competition.
Which courses are most competitive at ATBU?
Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Architecture typically have the highest cut-off requirements.
Does ATBU accept second-choice candidates?
Candidates who choose ATBU as First Choice have stronger consideration during screening.
Can I be admitted with a score below 160?
No. Candidates must score 160 and above to be eligible for screening.
For a full breakdown of JAMB cut-off marks for federal, state, and private universities, see the complete guide here.