BSUM Cut Off Mark: Everything You Need to Know

Benue State University, Makurdi (BSUM) is among the best state universities in Nigeria. Thousands apply for admission each year, but only students who have achieved the cut off mark have any hope. The BSUM cut off mark is the lowest mark needed to qualify for admission.

This cut off mark is key in identifying the people who proceed to the next level, that is, post-UTME screening and potential consideration for admission. You lessen your chances for admission if you score below this point. Yet, those scoring or even getting above it are likely to obtain admission in the university.

In this guide, everything you need to know about BSUM’s cut off mark is covered, including its importance, the latest approved scores, admission steps, and what to do if you don’t meet the mark.

What Is a Cut Off Mark?

Cut off mark refers to the minimum mark that a student must achieve in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam to be admitted into a university. A general cut off mark is every year declared by JAMB, although universities have the option of setting their own, so long as they are at and above national standard.

Importance of a Cut Off Mark

• Eliminates unqualified candidates – Universities get a thousand applications but can only accommodate a fraction of them. Cut off mark helps to screen applicants.
• Maintains quality education – By setting a good minimum score, the university ensures that it only admits students who have a quality academic record.
• Determines post-UTME worthiness – Candidates scoring up to the set mark are the ones who qualify for the next level of admission.

BSUM’s JAMB Cut Off Mark for the Current Session

For the 2025/2026 academic session, BSUM’s cut off mark as endorsed by JAMB is 150. This means that candidates with a score of at least 150 in their JAMB UTME are eligible to apply for the post-UTME screening.

However, some of the competitive courses require scores higher than this. This brings us to the departmental cut off marks.

BSUM Cut Off Marks for All Courses

Below are the cut off marks for various courses at BSUM:

Course	Cut Off Mark (JAMB)
Faculty of Arts
English Language	150
French	150
History	150
Linguistics	150
Philosophy	150
Religious Studies	150
Theatre Arts	150
Faculty of Education
Business Education	150
Education & Biology	150
Education & Chemistry	150
Education & Computer Science	150
Education & English Language	150
Education & Integrated Science	150
Education & Mathematics	150
Education & Physics	150
Educational Management	150
Educational Technology	150
Guidance & Counseling	150
Home Economics and Education	150
Physical & Health Education	150
Pre-Primary & Primary Education	150
Vocational & Technical Education	150
Faculty of Science
Biochemistry	150
Biological Sciences	150
Chemistry	150
Computer Science	150
Environmental Management & Toxicology	150
Industrial Chemistry	150
Library & Information Science	150
Mathematics	150
Microbiology	150
Physics	150
Plant Science & Biotechnology	150
Statistics	150
Zoology	150
Faculty of Social Sciences
Economics	150
Geography	150
Mass Communication	180
Political Science	150
Psychology	150
Sociology	150
Faculty of Management Sciences
Accounting	150
Business Management	150
Faculty of Law
Law	220
Faculty of Environmental Sciences
Geography	150
Urban & Regional Planning	150
College of Health Sciences
Anatomy	180
Physiology	180
Medical Laboratory Science	200
Nursing Science	200
Radiography & Radiation Science	200
Medicine & Surgery (MBBS)	220
Faculty of Communication & Media Studies
Advertising	180
Broadcasting	180
Development Communication Studies	180
Journalism and Media Studies	180
Public Relations	180
Strategic Communications	180

Note:

• The general cut off mark for most courses at BSU is 150.​
• Courses in the Faculty of Communication & Media Studies, as well as Mass Communication, require a higher cut off mark of 180.​
• Courses like Anatomy and Physiology have a cut off mark of 180.​
• Professional courses such as Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing Science, and Radiography & Radiation Science require a cut off mark of 200.​
• Highly competitive courses like Medicine & Surgery (MBBS) and Law have the highest cut off mark of 220.

Admission Process & Requirements

Gaining admission into BSUM requires meeting certain conditions beyond the cut off mark. Here’s a breakdown:

1. JAMB UTME

• Candidates must score at least 150 (or higher for specific courses).
• The university must be selected as the first choice during JAMB registration.

2. Post-UTME Screening

• Only students who meet the JAMB cut off can apply.
• Registration is done online via the BSUM admission portal.
• Candidates pay a screening fee (usually between ₦2,000 and ₦5,000).

3. O’Level Requirements

• At least five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including Mathematics and English Language.
• The O’Level result must be from WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB.

4. Direct Entry Admission

• For candidates with ND, HND, NCE, or A-Level certificates.
• They must apply through JAMB Direct Entry and meet departmental requirements.

5. Key Documents for Admission

• JAMB result slip
• O’Level result(s)
• Birth certificate
• Local government identification
• Post-UTME screening result

Post-UTME Screening & Aggregate Score Calculation

BSUM Post-UTME Process

• Candidates register online and pay the required fee.
• The screening may involve a computer-based test (CBT) or result verification.
• Students must provide original documents during verification.

How BSUM Calculates Aggregate Score

The admission score is usually determined using:

(JAMB Score ÷ 8) + (Post-UTME Score ÷ 2)

For example:

• If a student scores 200 in JAMB and 60 in post-UTME:
  • JAMB points = 200 ÷ 8 = 25
  • Post-UTME points = 60 ÷ 2 = 30
  • Total aggregate score = 25 + 30 = 55

Students with the highest aggregate scores get admission first, especially for competitive courses.

How BSUM Determines Its Cut Off Mark

The university considers several factors before setting its cut off marks:

1. JAMB Benchmark – JAMB sets a general cut off for all universities.
2. Course Popularity – Competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Nursing have higher cut off marks.
3. Departmental Quotas – Some faculties have limited slots, so they increase the minimum score.
4. Overall Student Performance – If students perform well in JAMB, the cut off mark may be raised.

What To Do If You Don’t Meet the Cut Off Mark

Not meeting the cut off mark doesn’t mean the end of the road. Here are some options:

1. Change of Course – Apply for a course with a lower cut off mark.
2. Pre-degree or Remedial Programs – Enroll in BSUM’s pre-degree program and reapply next year.
3. Transfer Admission – Consider starting at another university and transferring to BSUM later.
4. Retake JAMB – Register for the next JAMB exam and aim for a higher score.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Meeting the BSUM cut off mark is the first step toward securing admission. If you score 150 or higher, you can apply for the post-UTME screening. Competitive courses require higher scores, so aim as high as possible.

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