Are you a JAMB candidate sweating over your University of Calabar (UNICAL) application, wondering if that 200+ UTME score will land you a spot in Medicine or Law? You’re not alone—thousands of Nigerian students flock to UNICAL each year for its affordable fees, lush Hope Waddell campus, and strong programs in sciences and humanities.

Established in 1975 as Nigeria’s premier federal university in the South-South, UNICAL admits over 10,000 undergraduates annually through a rigorous yet transparent process. As of December 2025, the 2025/2026 admission exercise is in full swing, with merit lists rolling out and supplementary batches on the horizon. This updated guide breaks down the timeline, from Post-UTME to final offers, so you can track your status without the guesswork. Stay ahead—admissions aren’t just dates; they’re your ticket to a brighter future.

The UNICAL Admission Process: A Quick Overview

UNICAL’s admissions follow JAMB’s guidelines but add a local twist with Post-UTME screenings to ensure only the best fit. It starts with your UTME results: a minimum of 150 for most courses (higher for competitive ones like Dentistry at 250+). Eligible candidates register for Post-UTME, undergo screening, and await batch releases on JAMB CAPS and the UNICAL portal. Direct Entry (DE) applicants via IJMB or NCE follow a similar path but with credential uploads. The whole cycle typically spans August to December, aligning with the academic calendar that kicks off in January. Pro tip: Change your institution to UNICAL early if needed—deadlines are strict, and no refunds on fees.

Post-UTME Registration: When and How It Happened

The 2025/2026 Post-UTME form went live in early August, with registration opening on Friday, August 18, 2025, and closing after three weeks on September 8. At ₦2,000 (payable via Remita at any bank), it was accessible for UTME scorers of 150+ who chose UNICAL first or switched via JAMB. DE candidates paid the same for their screening. Unlike past years’ online-only checks, 2025 featured a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format – no more O-Level grading alone. If you missed it, don’t panic; late extensions happen, but always verify on myunical.edu.ng. Over 50,000 applied, flooding the portal—patience was key during peak hours.

Screening Exercise: Dates and What to Expect

UNICAL’s Post-UTME CBT ran from late September to early October 2025, with slots assigned by department to avoid chaos. Candidates printed schedules from the portal, bringing JAMB slips, O’Levels (originals for Medicine—no two sittings), and photo IDs. The test covered English, General Knowledge, and subject-specific questions, lasting 1-2 hours at designated centers in Calabar. Security was tight: no phones or calculators allowed, with disqualifications for false declarations on scores or origins. Results posted online within 48 hours, feeding into aggregate scores (UTME 50%, Post-UTME 30%, O’Levels 20%). If your venue clashed with schedules, reprints started August 21— a lifesaver for many.

Admission List Releases: The Big Reveal

Here’s the moment you’ve been waiting for: UNICAL began releasing merit admissions in mid-September 2025, with the first batch hitting JAMB CAPS on September 12. By October 7, all batches—including DE—were official, uploaded to both CAPS and portal.unical.edu.ng. As of now, December 12, 2025, primary releases are complete, but supplementary admissions for catchment areas and ELDS (Educationally Less Developed States) started November 1 and run through December 31. Check daily: Log in with your JAMB number, accept offers within 24 hours (₦25,000 fee), or risk losing your spot. Over 8,000 spots filled so far – if you’re waitlisted, supplementary lists prioritize O’Level strength.

Supplementary Admissions: Second Chances for Late Bloomers

UNICAL extended the exercise to November 17, 2025, per JAMB directive, opening doors for those who missed merit cutoffs (e.g., 220 for Accounting). Apply via the portal if your aggregate is borderline—focus on less competitive courses like Fisheries (cutoff 160). Deadlines: Upload docs by November 20, screening by December 10. Success rates? About 20% of admits come from supplements, especially for indigenes. Hostel notices and resumption (January 2026) follow approvals—budget ₦30,000–₦50,000 for fees.

How to Check Your Status and Avoid Pitfalls

Navigate to portal.unical.edu.ng, select “Check Admission Status,” and enter your JAMB PIN (₦1,200 from banks). Cross-check on JAMB’s e-facility. Common errors? Unuploaded O’Levels or unaccepted offers—fix via support@unical.edu.ng. Scams abound; official channels only. Track via WhatsApp groups or UNICAL’s Twitter for real-time alerts.

UNICAL’s process, though lengthy, ensures fairness in a competitive landscape. With the 2025/2026 session wrapping admissions by year-end, now’s the time to act. Whether merit or supplementary, persistence pays – many alumni started as waitlisters. Visit unical.edu.ng today, stay updated, and gear up for lectures.