How to Calculate JAMB, Post-UTME, and WAEC/NECO Composite Score for Admissions

How to Calculate Your JAMB, Post-UTME, WAEC/NECO Composite Score

Calculating your composite score for Nigerian university admissions can be challenging, but understanding the process ensures clarity and preparation. Universities in Nigeria use a weighted scoring system for admissions, where JAMB, WAEC/NECO O’Level grades, and Post-UTME results are combined based on the following percentages:

  • JAMB UTME: 50%
  • O’Level Results: 20%
  • Post-UTME: 30%

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to calculate your composite score with examples and practical tips.

How to Calculate JAMB, Post-UTME, and WAEC/NECO Composite Score for Admissions


Step 1: Calculate JAMB Score (50%)

The maximum score in JAMB UTME is 400. To allocate 50%, your JAMB score is divided by 8 (since 400 ÷ 50 = 8).

Example 1:

If a candidate scores 250 in JAMB, the calculation is:

JAMB Score=2508=31.25 points\text{JAMB Score} = \frac{250}{8} = 31.25 \text{ points}

Example 2:

For a JAMB score of 180:

JAMB Score=1808=22.5 points\text{JAMB Score} = \frac{180}{8} = 22.5 \text{ points}


Step 2: Calculate O’Level Score (20%)

Your WAEC or NECO results are assessed based on five core subjects (specific to your chosen course). Each grade is assigned a point:

  • A1 = 6 points
  • B2 = 5 points
  • B3 = 4 points
  • C4 = 3 points
  • C5 = 2 points
  • C6 = 1 point

The total points for the five core subjects are summed up and prorated to 20% by multiplying by 2/3.

Example:

A candidate’s O’Level grades are:

  • Mathematics: B3 (4 points)
  • English: C5 (2 points)
  • Chemistry: C4 (3 points)
  • Biology: B2 (5 points)
  • Physics: C6 (1 point)

Total Gross Points:

4+2+3+5+1=15 points4 + 2 + 3 + 5 + 1 = 15 \text{ points}

Prorated to 20%:

15×23=10 points15 \times \frac{2}{3} = 10 \text{ points}


Step 3: Calculate Post-UTME Score (30%)

The Post-UTME is allocated 30%. To calculate this, multiply your Post-UTME score by 0.3.

Example:

A candidate scores 65% in Post-UTME:

65×0.3=19.5 points65 \times 0.3 = 19.5 \text{ points}


Step 4: Combine All Scores

To determine your composite score, sum up the scores from JAMB, O’Level, and Post-UTME.

Example:

A candidate has:

  • JAMB Score: 202/8 = 25.25 points
  • O’Level Score: 10 points
  • Post-UTME Score: 58 × 0.3 = 17.4 points

Composite Score:

25.25+10+17.4=52.6525.25 + 10 + 17.4 = 52.65

This candidate’s composite score is 52.65.


Key Insights and Additional Tips

  1. Choose Core Subjects Carefully: Ensure you know the required five core subjects for your course. Universities prioritize these when calculating O’Level points.
  2. Higher Scores Matter: A 5-point gap in your composite score can make a difference in securing admission. Always aim for high scores in JAMB, O’Level, and Post-UTME.
  3. Cross-Check Results: Confirm your grades and calculate accurately to avoid errors.
  4. Understand University Requirements: Some universities adjust the weight of each component differently.

Another Practical Example

A candidate applying for Medicine has the following scores:

  • JAMB: 280
  • O’Level Grades:
    • Biology: A1 (6 points)
    • Chemistry: B2 (5 points)
    • Physics: B3 (4 points)
    • Mathematics: C4 (3 points)
    • English: B3 (4 points)
  • Post-UTME: 75%

Step-by-Step Calculation:

  1. JAMB Score:

280÷8=35 points280 ÷ 8 = 35 \text{ points}

  1. O’Level Score:

6+5+4+3+4=22 gross points6 + 5 + 4 + 3 + 4 = 22 \text{ gross points}

Prorated to 20%:

22×23=14.67 points22 × \frac{2}{3} = 14.67 \text{ points}

  1. Post-UTME Score:

75×0.3=22.5 points75 × 0.3 = 22.5 \text{ points}

Composite Score:

35+14.67+22.5=72.1735 + 14.67 + 22.5 = 72.17


Key Notes for Candidates

  • High JAMB scores significantly impact your composite score.
  • Maximize your O’Level grades by targeting A1s and B2s in your core subjects.
  • Perform well in Post-UTME to secure an edge over competitors.
  • Always verify the cut-off mark for your course and institution, as they vary yearly.

For more information, visit reputable Nigerian education platforms like:

By following these steps and examples, you’ll be well-prepared to calculate your composite score and meet university admission requirements.