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JAMB Subject Combinations for All Courses (2026 Complete Guide)

Complete guide to JAMB subject combinations for all courses. Avoid disqualification by choosing the correct UTME subjects for your desired program.

TL;DR

English Language is compulsory for ALL courses. Medicine requires English, Chemistry, Biology, Physics. Engineering requires English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry. Law requires English, Literature, Government/History, plus one more. Wrong subject combination = automatic disqualification regardless of your score. Always verify with your target institution.

Critical Warning

Choosing the correct JAMB subject combination is one of the most critical steps in your journey to tertiary education. The wrong subject combination will automatically disqualify you from admission, regardless of how high you score in the UTME.

Understanding JAMB Subject Requirements

  • Total Subjects: 4
  • Compulsory Subject: English Language (for all courses)
  • Other Subjects: 3 subjects relevant to your course
  • Total Score: 400 marks

Medicine and Health Sciences

All medical and health science courses require the same combination:

English, Chemistry, Biology, Physics

Courses Using This Combination

Medicine and Surgery
Pharmacy
Nursing/Nursing Science
Medical Laboratory Science
Physiotherapy
Radiography
Dentistry
Veterinary Medicine
Anatomy
Physiology

See: How to Get Admission for Medicine

Engineering and Technology

All engineering courses require:

English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry

Courses Using This Combination

Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical/Electronics Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Petroleum Engineering
Computer Engineering
Agricultural Engineering
Marine Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Metallurgical Engineering
Systems Engineering

See: Best Engineering Courses

Sciences

  • Computer Science: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology
  • Biochemistry: English, Chemistry, Physics, Biology
  • Microbiology: English, Chemistry, Physics, Biology
  • Biology: English, Chemistry, Physics, Biology
  • Chemistry: English, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics
  • Physics: English, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry or Biology
  • Mathematics: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
  • Statistics: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Economics
  • Geology: English, Chemistry, Physics, Biology or Geography
  • Industrial Chemistry: English, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics
  • Environmental Science: English, Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Geography

Law and Arts

Literature is Mandatory for Law

Literature in English is compulsory for Law. Many students miss admission because they did not include Literature.
  • Law: English, Literature, Government/History, CRS/IRS/Economics
  • English Language/Literature: English, Literature, Government/History, CRS/IRS
  • Mass Communication: English, Literature, Government/History, CRS/IRS/Economics
  • Linguistics: English, Literature, Government/History, CRS/IRS
  • Theatre Arts: English, Literature, Government/History, CRS/IRS
  • History and International Studies: English, History/Government, Literature, CRS/IRS/Economics
  • Philosophy: English, Literature, Government/History, CRS/IRS
  • French: English, Literature, French, CRS/IRS/Government
  • Fine and Applied Arts: English, Literature, Fine Arts, CRS/IRS/Government

See: Complete Guide to Studying Law

Social Sciences

  • Economics: English, Economics, Mathematics, Government/History/Commerce
  • Political Science: English, Government/History, Economics, CRS/IRS/Literature
  • Sociology: English, Government/History, Economics, CRS/IRS
  • Psychology: English, Biology, Government/History, CRS/IRS
  • Geography: English, Geography, Mathematics, Chemistry/Physics/Biology
  • International Relations: English, Government/History, Economics, Literature/CRS/IRS
  • Public Administration: English, Government/History, Economics, CRS/IRS

Management Sciences

Most management courses require: English, Mathematics, Economics, Government/Commerce

Courses Using This Combination

Business Administration
Accounting
Banking and Finance
Marketing
Insurance
Entrepreneurship
Human Resource Management
Industrial Relations

Agriculture

Most agriculture courses require: English, Chemistry, Biology/Agriculture, Physics/Mathematics

Courses Using This Combination

Agricultural Science
Agronomy
Animal Science
Crop Science
Soil Science
Food Science and Technology

Education Courses

Education courses follow the subject combination of their teaching specialization:

  • Education/English: English, Literature, Government/History, CRS/IRS
  • Education/Mathematics: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
  • Education/Biology: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
  • Education/Economics: English, Economics, Mathematics, Government
  • Education/History: English, History/Government, Literature, CRS/IRS

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid These Errors

Choosing Subjects Based on Strength Alone

Select subjects required for your course, not just subjects you find easy.

Assuming All Science Courses Need the Same Subjects

Different science courses have different requirements.

Not Verifying with Target Institution

Some universities have specific requirements beyond JAMB guidelines.

Relying on Outdated Information

Always check current requirements as they may change.

Pro Tip

Always verify your subject combination using the official JAMB brochure at www.jamb.gov.ng. Consult your school's guidance counselor and contact your target university's admissions office if in doubt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Further Mathematics instead of Mathematics?

No, Mathematics is required where specified. Further Mathematics is an additional subject, not a replacement.

Can I change my subject combination after registration?

No, you cannot change subjects after registration. Choose carefully before registering.

What happens if I choose the wrong subject combination?

You will be automatically disqualified from admission to that course, regardless of your score.

Are subject combinations the same for all universities?

Generally yes, but some universities may have additional requirements. Always verify with your target institution.

Is Literature compulsory for Law?

Yes, Literature in English is compulsory for Law in addition to English Language.

Frequently Asked Questions

JAMB 2026 UTME registration typically opens January-February 2026 with a deadline of late February. The UTME exam is conducted in April-May 2026 (computer-based, multiple sittings). Visit jamb.gov.ng for the official portal and exact dates. Registration costs ₦7,200 (UTME) including the JAMB e-PIN.

Written & Reviewed by

School Registry NG Editorial Team

The School Registry NG Editorial Board is a team of education researchers, former school administrators, and data analysts who verify, curate, and publish authoritative guides on Nigerian education. Our team draws from government records, WAEC/JAMB official data, and on-the-ground parent surveys to ensure every article is accurate, actionable, and up to date.

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Updated February 2026Official JAMB BrochureAll Courses CoveredVerified Data

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