Every year, thousands of Nigerian students set their sights on studying Medicine and Surgery, and the University of Calabar (UNICAL) remains one of the most sought-after destinations. Before you begin your application journey, it is important to understand exactly what score qualifies you. The UNICAL cut off mark for Medicine and Surgery is the first major hurdle every aspiring medical student must clear, and knowing this figure in advance allows you to prepare with precision and confidence.

This article provides everything you need — from the JAMB score requirement to the Post-UTME aggregate, O’Level requirements, JAMB subject combination, and practical tips to strengthen your admission chances. Whether you are sitting for JAMB for the first time or improving a previous score, understanding the UNICAL cut off mark for Medicine and Surgery puts you several steps ahead of the competition.

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About the University of Calabar (UNICAL)

The University of Calabar, fondly known as UNICAL, is a federal university located in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Established in 1975, it is one of Nigeria’s foremost institutions of higher learning, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programmes across numerous faculties. The university’s College of Medical Sciences is particularly prestigious, housing Medicine and Surgery as one of its flagship programmes.

UNICAL maintains full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) for its medical programme and aligns with the standards set by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). Admission into the medical college is strictly competitive, which is why meeting the approved UNICAL cut off mark for Medicine and Surgery is non-negotiable.

2026/2027 Score Requirements at a Glance

The table below provides a snapshot of the key score thresholds every candidate targeting Medicine and Surgery at UNICAL must know:

Score Type	Minimum Required Score	Recommended Target
JAMB UTME	220 and above	260 – 300+
Post-UTME Aggregate	75% and above	80%+
General UNICAL JAMB Cut-Off	150	N/A
Minimum Age	16 years	N/A

It is important to distinguish between the general UNICAL JAMB cut-off mark of 150 and the departmental cut-off mark for Medicine and Surgery. The departmental cut-off is significantly higher due to the programme’s competitive nature. This departmental score threshold at the JAMB level stands at a minimum of 220, though the admission reality is that most successful candidates score between 250 and 300. Always target the upper range to remain competitive.

Understanding the Two-Stage Cut Off Mark System

Admission into Medicine and Surgery at UNICAL follows a two-stage scoring structure. Each stage carries weight in determining your final admission eligibility.

Stage 1: JAMB UTME Score

This is your score in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted annually by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). For Medicine and Surgery at UNICAL, you need a minimum JAMB score of 220. However, admission figures from recent sessions show that candidates with scores of 250 and above stand a stronger chance of being shortlisted for the Post-UTME. The This admission score threshold at this stage is strictly enforced — no candidate scoring below 220 is considered for the programme.

Stage 2: Post-UTME Aggregate Score

After clearing the JAMB stage, eligible candidates proceed to the Post-UTME screening. UNICAL’s Post-UTME is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) that assesses candidates in subjects relevant to their chosen course. For Medicine and Surgery, the test covers Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English Language.

The aggregate score combines your JAMB score and Post-UTME performance. The approved aggregate cut-off for Medicine and Surgery is 75 points and above. To calculate the aggregate, UNICAL typically weighs JAMB at 50% and Post-UTME at 50%, or in some sessions, applies an internal formula. The resulting combined figure determines your position on the merit list.

How the UNICAL Aggregate Score Is Calculated

Understanding how your aggregate score is computed helps you know exactly where to focus your preparation. Here is the standard calculation approach UNICAL applies:

Component	Weighting	Example Score
JAMB UTME Score	50% of JAMB total	260 / 2 = 130
Post-UTME Score	50 marks	45 out of 50
Aggregate Total	Out of 180	175

The higher your combined aggregate, the more competitive your profile. Aiming for a JAMB score of 270+ and a Post-UTME score above 40 out of 50 positions you firmly within the top bracket of candidates.

UNICAL Departmental Cut Off Marks — Medicine Compared to Other Courses

To appreciate how competitive the UNICAL cut off mark for Medicine and Surgery is, compare it against cut-off marks for other programmes in the university:

Course	JAMB Departmental Cut Off Mark
Medicine and Surgery	220 – 260 (highly competitive)
Law	200 and above
Pharmacy	180 and above
Nursing Science	200 and above
Computer Science	140 and above
Microbiology	150 and above
Engineering (various)	170 – 200

O’Level Requirements for Medicine and Surgery at UNICAL

Beyond meeting the UNICAL cut off mark for Medicine and Surgery, your O’Level results carry significant weight in the admission process. Here is what you must have:

Minimum of five (5) credits in relevant subjects, obtained in not more than two sittings
Compulsory subjects: English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
Results from WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB are all acceptable
A single sitting is strongly preferred by the admissions committee
No D or E grade in any of the five core science subjects

Candidates who have credits from two different sittings are still eligible but may face tougher competition from single-sitting candidates during the merit list ranking. It is advisable to retake any weak subjects before applying.

JAMB Subject Combination for Medicine and Surgery at UNICAL

Choosing the correct JAMB subject combination is a requirement that directly determines whether your application is valid. For Medicine and Surgery at UNICAL, the approved JAMB subjects are:

Position	JAMB Subject
1st (Compulsory)	Use of English Language
2nd	Biology
3rd	Chemistry
4th	Physics

Registering for JAMB with the wrong subjects will automatically disqualify your application regardless of your score. Double-check your subject selection before payment to avoid this costly error.

Full Admission Requirements for Medicine and Surgery at UNICAL

Meeting the approved UNICAL cut off mark for Medicine and Surgery is one of several requirements. The complete admission checklist includes:

Must be at least 16 years of age at the time of admission
Must choose the University of Calabar as first-choice institution during JAMB registration
Must score the minimum approved JAMB departmental cut-off for Medicine and Surgery
Must present a minimum of five O’Level credits in English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics — not more than two sittings
Must participate in and pass the Post-UTME screening exercise
Must upload all O’Level results on the JAMB CAPS portal before the admission process begins
Direct Entry applicants must hold an ND, HND, NCE, or Bachelor’s degree in a related science field with the appropriate grades

How to Apply for Medicine and Surgery at UNICAL

Once you confirm that your JAMB score meets the required departmental score, follow these steps to complete your application:

Step 1: Register for JAMB UTME at an accredited CBT centre, selecting the correct subjects and UNICAL as your first-choice institution
Step 2: Obtain your JAMB result and confirm it meets the departmental cut-off of 220 and above
Step 3: Visit UNICAL’s official admissions portal and purchase the Post-UTME application form (currently N2,000)
Step 4: Upload your O’Level results, passport photograph, and JAMB registration slip
Step 5: Sit for the Post-UTME CBT examination on the scheduled date, covering Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English
Step 6: Check your admission status on the JAMB CAPS portal and UNICAL’s admissions page after results are released

Tips to Maximise Your Chances of Meeting the Cut Off Mark

Knowing the UNICAL cut off mark for Medicine and Surgery is the starting point, but preparation determines whether you actually reach that score. Here are actionable strategies:

Aim beyond the minimum: Target a JAMB score of 270+ rather than just 220. The higher your score, the safer your position on the merit list
Use JAMB past questions: Practice consistently with past JAMB questions in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English to build speed and accuracy
Prepare for Post-UTME simultaneously: Download UNICAL’s Post-UTME past questions and practice them alongside your JAMB preparation
Sort your O’Level results early: If you need to resit any subject, do so well before the JAMB registration window opens
Upload results on JAMB CAPS promptly: Many candidates miss admission due to delayed CAPS uploads — prioritise this step immediately after receiving your results
Monitor UNICAL’s official portal: Admission processes can shift dates. Follow UNICAL’s social media handles and official website for updates

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Score Do I Need for UNICAL Medicine and Surgery in 2026/2027?

The UNICAL cut off mark for Medicine and Surgery for the 2026/2027 academic session is set at a minimum JAMB score of 220 and above. In practice, most successful candidates score between 250 and 300. The Post-UTME aggregate must reach at least 75 points.

Can I gain admission into Medicine and Surgery at UNICAL with 200 in JAMB?

A score of 200 falls below the departmental cut-off for Medicine and Surgery at UNICAL. You do not qualify for this programme with that score. You may consider other courses within the College of Medical Sciences, such as Nursing Science or Medical Laboratory Science, which have lower cut-off requirements.

Does UNICAL consider two-sitting O’Level results for Medicine and Surgery?

Yes, UNICAL accepts O’Level results from two sittings, provided all five required credits are present and the results are not more than five years old. However, a single-sitting result is more competitive during merit list ranking.

Is Post-UTME compulsory for Medicine and Surgery admission at UNICAL?

Yes. All candidates who meet the JAMB cut-off for Medicine and Surgery must sit for UNICAL’s Post-UTME CBT screening. Your final admission depends on your combined JAMB and Post-UTME aggregate score, not JAMB alone.

What subjects does UNICAL test in the Post-UTME for Medicine and Surgery?

The Post-UTME for Medicine and Surgery at UNICAL covers Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English Language — the same subjects registered for JAMB. Candidates are advised to review their O’Level syllabus topics and JAMB past questions as preparation material.

How competitive is Medicine and Surgery at UNICAL?

Medicine and Surgery is among the most competitive programmes in Nigerian federal universities. At UNICAL, thousands of candidates apply annually but only a limited number of slots are available. This is why the This admission score trends significantly higher than most other departments, and why scoring at the top of the JAMB range is strongly advised.

When does UNICAL release its cut off mark for each session?

UNICAL typically releases its departmental cut-off marks after JAMB announces the general national cut-off for universities, usually between April and June of each year. Candidates are advised to check the UNICAL official website and JAMB portal for real-time updates.

Conclusion

Securing admission into Medicine and Surgery at the University of Calabar is a serious academic pursuit that demands early preparation and strategic effort. The approved UNICAL cut off mark for Medicine and Surgery stands at a minimum JAMB score of 220, with a Post-UTME aggregate of 75 and above — but the competitive reality pushes successful candidates well beyond these minimums.

From meeting the O’Level requirements to choosing the right JAMB subjects, uploading your results on CAPS, and excelling in the Post-UTME, every step matters. Use this guide as your roadmap, aim high in every component of your application, and stay consistent in your preparation. Your path to becoming a medical doctor at UNICAL begins with meeting — and exceeding — the required score

UNICAL Cut Off Mark for Medicine and Surgery 2026/2027