Every year, thousands of students in Nigeria take the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, hoping to gain admission into higher education institutions. However, not all courses have the same level of competition.
For candidates preparing for the upcoming Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), it is important to understand which courses are the most competitive and how to secure admission without unnecessary stress.
It’s important to note that JAMB sets a minimum cut-off mark for each institution for admission. While individual schools can raise the score required for specific courses, they cannot lower it below JAMB’s standard.
How High Score is Given to Each Course:
Each institution in Nigeria has a quota for the number of students they can admit to each department. Medicine and Surgery typically have the lowest capacity for acceptance due to the course curriculum, available resources, and teaching practices.
As a result, when there are more applicants for highly competitive courses, institutions may adjust their cut-off scores to better screen candidates, either increasing or decreasing them as needed.
10 Most Competitive Courses in 2025 UTME:
Here are the ten most competitive UTME Courses in 2025:
1. Medicine and Surgery:
Medicine and Surgery have always been the most competitive courses in Nigeria because many students dream of becoming doctors. Because of the quest for the course, there are limited slots in many tertiary institutions, if not all; hence, it comes with strict quotas. Studies have shown that one of the reasons many candidates apply for medicine and surgery is that it offers high job opportunities and a great social status.
Jamb Score Require for Medicine:
Students applying for medicine and surgery are expected to score 280 and above in their UTME and have five credits in their WASSCE or GCE in subjects such as English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
2. Law
Law is another highly competitive course in Nigeria. Many students aspire to become lawyers in the country because of the respect, career opportunities and social status that come with it.
Jamb Score Require for Law:
To secure a slot to read law in Nigeria, students are expected to score 260 and above in their UTME. Besides, such a student must have at least five credits in his or her O’level examinations in subjects such as English Language, English Literature, Government, and any other social science subjects.
3. Pharmacy
Pharmacy is a highly respected course in Nigeria because of the job opportunities, and financial rewards. Graduates of the course can work in any healthcare organisation and it has job security.
Jamb Score Require for Pharmacy:
To secure admission, students are expected to score 270 and above in their UTME; and must have at least five credits in subjects such as English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry.
4. Nursing
Nursing Science is one of the fastest-growing professions in Nigeria. Nursing as a career has global job opportunities, and financial rewards cum stability.
Jamb Score Require for Nursing:
Students applying for nursing science are expected to score 260 and above in their UTME. Besides, they must have five credits in subjects such as English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.
5. Accounting:
Accounting remains one of the most sought-after courses in Nigeria because of its job opportunities, career flexibility, and professional certifications such as ICAN.
Jamb Score Require for Accounting:
Students are expected to score 250 and above in their UTME to be considered for admission. In addition, they must have five credits in subjects such as English Language, Mathematics, Economics, Financial Accounting, and any other subjects.
6. Computer Science:
With the surge in technology boom, Computer Science has become one of the most in-demand courses in Nigeria. Computer Science has benefits in job opportunities and global relevance in the face of the tech boom across the world.
Jamb Score Require for Computer Science:
To qualify for admission, students are expected to score 250 and above in their UTME, besides, they must have five credits in subjects such as English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Studies, and any other subjects.
7. Economics:
Economics is one of the most competitive courses in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions because of its relevance to society, and the job opportunities that come with studying the course.
Graduates can easily secure jobs in banks, media houses, insurance firms and many other multinational organisations.
Jamb Score Require for Economics:
Students applying for Economics are expected to score 250 and above in UTME to dream of gaining admission. Moreover, they must have at least five credits in subjects such as English Language, Mathematics, Economics, Government, Commerce and/or any other subject.
8. Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum Engineering is a highly sought-after course in Nigeria, given the country’s significant oil and gas industry. This course focuses on the exploration, extraction, and production of oil and gas resources.
JAMB Score Required for Petroleum Engineering:
Students are expected to score 260 and above in their UTME to be considered for admission. They must have five credits in subjects such as English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and any other subjects.
9. Information Technology (IT)
Information Technology (IT) is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field that focuses on the use of computers and telecommunications to store, retrieve, and transmit information. IT professionals are in high demand across various industries, including finance, healthcare, and telecommunications.
JAMB Score Required for Information Technology:
Students should aim to achieve a score of 240 or higher on their UTME for admission consideration. Additionally, they are required to have five credits in subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and any other relevant subjects.
10. Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering is a crucial field that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings. It offers numerous career opportunities in both the public and private sectors.
JAMB Score Required for Civil Engineering:
To be considered for admission, students must achieve a score of 250 or higher in their UTME and have five credits in subjects, including English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and an additional subject.
How To Score High in Jamb to Gain Admission
Preparing for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam is essential not only for gaining admission but also for securing a competitive course.
Here are some steps to help you score high and achieve your academic goals
1. Register for JAMB
The first step to scoring high in JAMB is to ensure you are properly registered. Keep track of registration dates, fill out the application form accurately, and make sure to complete all necessary steps. This sets the foundation for your preparation and ensures you can sit for the exam.
2. Complete at Least 90% of JAMB Curriculum
Thoroughly cover the JAMB curriculum for all your chosen subjects. Aim to complete at least 90% of the curriculum to ensure you have a solid understanding of the topics that will be tested.
3. Practise with Past Questions
One of the most effective ways to prepare for JAMB is to practice with past questions. This familiarizes you with the exam format, question types, and time management. Regular practice helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to focus on areas that need improvement.
4. Aim to Score Higher, Like 300+ Score
Set a high target score for yourself, such as 300+ out of 400. This ambitious goal motivates you to work harder and ensures you are well-prepared. Achieving a high score increases your chances of gaining admission into your desired university and course.
5. Join P2P WhatsApp Groups for Latest Updates
Stay informed about the latest JAMB updates, tips, and study materials by joining peer-to-peer (P2P) WhatsApp groups. Click here to join the group
