How to Check Your JAMB UTME Result: Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding Your JAMB Result: Beyond the Score
Once you have used the buttons above to check your result, you might be wondering: “Is my score good enough?” or “What do I do next?”. It is important to understand that the figure you see (e.g., 240, 180, 290) is just the first step in a multi-stage admission process.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the JAMB result portal, the difference between result notification and the original slip, and how to prepare for the next phase of your academic journey.

1. The “Notification of Result” vs. “Original Result Slip”
   One of the most common mistakes candidates make is confusing the text message notification with the official document.

The Notification (SMS/Online Preview): When you check your result using the “Check Result Now” tool or via SMS code 55019, you receive a breakdown of your scores (e.g., English: 60, Physics: 50, Chemistry: 55, Biology: 60 – Total: 225). This is for your information only. Universities do not accept this for physical screening.

The Original Result Slip: This is a paid document that you must print from the portal. It carries your passport photograph, your specific center details, and official watermarks. If you are going for Post-UTME or admission clearance, this is the document required. If you have not printed yours yet, use the “Print Original Result (PDF)” button above.

2. Interpreting the Grading System
   The JAMB UTME is scored over a total of 400 marks. Here is how the subjects are weighted:

Use of English: This is mandatory for all candidates and carries the highest weight. It tests comprehension, lexis, and structure.

Three Electives: These depend on your chosen course (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Biology for Medicine; or Govt, Lit, CRK for Law).

What is a “Good” Score? There is no single “pass” mark in JAMB. The “Cut-off Mark” varies by institution:

Federal Universities: Typically require 200+ (Competitive courses like Medicine often require 280+).

State Universities: Often accept 180+.

Polytechnics & Colleges: May accept scores from 140 to 160.

However, meeting the cut-off mark does not guarantee admission. This leads us to the concept of the Aggregate Score.

3. The Aggregate Score Calculation
   Admission into top Nigerian institutions is not based on JAMB alone. Schools use a weighted formula called the Aggregate Score. This usually involves:

50% JAMB Score: Your UTME score divided by 8.

50% Post-UTME/O’Level: Your screening score or WAEC/NECO grades.

For example, a candidate with a JAMB score of 280 might lose admission to a candidate with 250 if the second candidate has better O’Level results (A1s and B2s) or performs better in the school’s internal screening. This is why we highly recommend using the “Calculate Admission Score” tool provided above to see your realistic chances.

4. Troubleshooting: “Result Withheld” or “Absent”
   It can be terrifying to check your result and see a message like “Withheld” or “CANDIDATE ABSENT” even when you sat for the exam. Before you panic, understand the categories:

Result Withheld (Pending Investigation): This means JAMB is reviewing the CCTV footage from your center. It often happens if there were technical glitches or suspected malpractice in your hall. In many cases, these results are released after a few days.

Under Investigation: Similar to “Withheld,” but implies a specific query on your biometric data.

Absent: If you were present but marked absent, it is usually a biometric failure during check-in. You will need to lodge a complaint at a JAMB office.

5. The Role of JAMB CAPS
   After checking your result, your next digital destination is JAMB CAPS (Central Admission Processing System). This is the marketplace where admission offers are made.

Upload O’Level: You must upload your WAEC/NECO results to CAPS, or your admission will remain “Not Admitted” regardless of your high score.

Accept/Reject: When a school offers you admission, you must log in to CAPS to “Accept” it. If you do not accept within a timeframe, the offer may be withdrawn.

6. Beware of Scammers: “Score Upgrade”
   We must issue a strong warning: It is impossible to “upgrade” your JAMB score. Social media is full of fraudsters claiming they can change a score of 150 to 250 via the “back end.” This is a lie. The JAMB database is secure. Anyone paying for a “score upgrade” is simply losing money and risking being banned from writing JAMB for years.

Conclusion: Take Action Now
The release of the 2026 UTME results is just the starting pistol. Speed matters.

Check your score immediately using the tools provided.

Print your official slip for your records.

Calculate your aggregate to know if you need to apply for a “Change of Course/Institution” before the window closes.

Use the navigation buttons at the top of this page to access the specific tools you need. Good luck with your admission journey!