The University of Calabar, popularly known as UNICAL, is one of Nigeria’s most prominent institutions and a top destination for thousands of applicants every year. Known for its academic excellence, diverse faculties, and vibrant campus culture, UNICAL attracts students from every part of the country and beyond.

But before stepping into the school’s admission process, one crucial factor stands at the center of everything: the UNICAL cut off mark for the 2026/2027 academic session.

Cut-off marks help determine if a candidate is eligible for the Post UTME screening and eventually qualify for admission. Understanding these marks helps you prepare properly, choose the right course, and set realistic expectations.

This detailed guide covers:

• UNICAL JAMB cut-off mark for 2026/2027

• Departmental cut-off marks

• Courses with the highest competition

• Courses with lower cut-off marks

• How UNICAL calculates its screening points

• General admission requirements

• Expert tips to secure UNICAL admission

• FAQs

Let’s dive into the full details.

UNICAL JAMB Cut Off Mark for 2026/2027

The expected University of Calabar JAMB cut off mark for 2026/2027 is:

160 for all courses

UNICAL normally adopts a general JAMB cut-off mark of 150–160, depending on the admission year. However, for the 2026/2027 academic session, the projected minimum score is 160 based on recent trends.

This means:

• Candidates who score 160 and above are eligible to register for the UNICAL Post UTME.

• Those who score below 160 are NOT qualified for screening.

• Some courses will still require higher scores during departmental selection.

Even though 160 qualifies you for the Post UTME, competitive courses require much higher screening scores.

UNICAL Departmental Cut Off Marks 2026/2027

Departmental cut-off marks determine whether a candidate will receive admission into their chosen course. These marks vary across departments and are influenced by:

• Number of applicants

• Performance of candidates

• Carrying capacity of each department

• Overall competitiveness of the course

Below is the expected cut-off mark breakdown for 2026/2027 based on UNICAL’s admission patterns.

FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

These are among the hardest courses to enter in UNICAL, especially Medicine, which requires excellent Post UTME performance.

FACULTY OF PHARMACY

This faculty is highly competitive and demands higher screening points.

FACULTY OF LAW

Applicants should aim for very high scores to secure admission.

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Engineering courses attract many applicants yearly, especially E&E and Mechanical Engineering.

FACULTY OF NATURAL & APPLIED SCIENCE

Computer Science and Microbiology remain the most competitive.

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

Mass Communication and Economics are usually the toughest to enter.

FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCES

Accounting draws a large number of candidates each year.

FACULTY OF EDUCATION

Education courses are less competitive and easier to enter.

FACULTY OF ARTS & HUMANITIES

Arts courses vary in competition but usually require moderate scores.

FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE

These courses are among the easiest to enter in UNICAL.

Highly Competitive Courses in UNICAL (2026/2027)

If you are applying for any of the following courses, you must aim for very high scores:

• Medicine and Surgery

• Law

• Pharmacy

• Nursing Science

• Mechanical Engineering

• Electrical Engineering

• Computer Science

• Mass Communication

• Accounting

• Economics

• Public Administration

These courses attract thousands of applicants yearly.

Less Competitive Courses in UNICAL

These courses often accept candidates with screening scores near the general cut-off:

• Philosophy

• Religious Studies

• Education Courses

• Plant Science

• Agricultural Science

• Fisheries

• Statistics

• Library and Information Science

These are good alternatives for candidates with lower scores.

How UNICAL Calculates Screening Score

UNICAL uses both JAMB score and Post UTME score to determine admission.

1. JAMB Score (40%)

Your JAMB score is converted to part of your final screening point.

2. Post UTME Score (60%)

Your Post UTME score carries more weight.

Formula Example:

If a candidate scores:

• JAMB: 240

• Post UTME: 70

His cumulative score is approximately:

• JAMB contributes 40% → 240 ÷ 8 = 30

• Post UTME contributes 60% → 70 × 0.6 = 42

Total = 72 points

Departments pick candidates from highest to lowest until the quota is filled.

UNICAL Admission Requirements for 2026/2027

To be considered for admission, you must meet the following criteria:

1. JAMB Requirements

• Score 160 or above

• Choose UNICAL as first choice

• Use the correct subject combination

2. O’Level Requirements

A minimum of five (5) credit passes including:

• English Language

• Mathematics

• Relevant subjects depending on your course

UNICAL accepts two sittings for most courses.

3. Post UTME Screening

Every candidate must:

• Register online

• Sit for the physical Post UTME exam (most years)

• Present correct personal details

4. Age Requirement

Candidates must be at least 16 years old.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Admission into UNICAL

Many students lose admission due to mistakes that could have been avoided. Here are practical and proven ways to boost your chances:

1. Aim for a High JAMB Score

For competitive courses:

• 250+ for Medicine, Law, Pharmacy

• 240+ for Engineering, Accounting, Mass Comm

• 230+ for Computer Science and Economics

2. Perform Well in Post UTME

Post UTME carries 60% weight—your performance here can change everything.

3. Use the Correct Subject Combination

Even if you score 300, wrong subjects = no admission.

4. Upload Your O’Level Results Early

Failure to upload to CAPS is a common reason for denial.

5. Consider Less Competitive Courses

If your scores are not strong enough, switch to a course with lower demand.

6. Monitor Your CAPS Frequently

UNICAL updates admission status gradually.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the official UNICAL cut off mark for 2026/2027?

160 is the expected minimum JAMB score.

2. Does UNICAL accept 150 for admission?

Unlikely. The most common minimum is 160.

3. What is the cut off mark for Medicine in UNICAL?

Expected score is 250–270.

4. What is the cut off mark for Law in UNICAL?

Between 230–250.

5. Does UNICAL accept two sittings?

Yes, for most programs except some medical courses.

6. Does UNICAL accept awaiting results?

Yes, but they must be uploaded before admission closure.

Read Also: UNIBEN Cut Off Mark 2026/2027: Full & Updated Admission Guide

The University of Calabar cut off mark for 2026/2027 remains a crucial part of the admission process. While the general cut-off mark is expected to be 160, departmental cut-off marks vary widely depending on the course and level of competition.