Last Updated on 1 month ago by Haruna Ayuba
The correct JAMB subject combination for your course is one of the most important decisions you will make before registering for UTME. Picking the wrong subjects, even if you score 300, will get your admission denied. This page lists the approved JAMB subject combinations for every major course in Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education for the 2026/2027 admission session.
⚠️ Use of English is compulsory for ALL courses. It is never listed separately below — assume it is always the first of your four subjects. You are choosing the remaining three.
- Key Highlights
- How JAMB Subject Combinations Work
- JAMB 2026 Subject Combinations — Science Courses
- JAMB 2026 Subject Combinations — Social Science Courses
- JAMB 2026 Subject Combinations — Arts & Humanities Courses
- JAMB 2026 Subject Combinations — Education Courses
- JAMB 2026 Subject Combinations — Health Science Courses
- JAMB 2026 Subject Combinations — Polytechnic Courses (ND)
- Most Common Mistakes Students Make
- Quick Subject Combination Finder
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What to Do Next
Key Highlights
- Every JAMB candidate must take 4 subjects including the compulsory Use of English
- Wrong subject combination = automatic disqualification, regardless of your score
- Some courses share the same combination — always confirm with the JAMB brochure or your school’s official requirements
- Science courses almost always require Mathematics and at least two science subjects
- Arts and Social Science courses allow more flexibility in combinations
- O’Level subject requirements must match your JAMB combination — check both
- Some schools have slightly different requirements from JAMB’s standard — verify with your chosen school
How JAMB Subject Combinations Work
When registering for JAMB UTME, you select 4 subjects:
- Use of English — Compulsory for everyone, no exceptions
- Subject 2 — Usually a core subject for your field
- Subject 3 — Supporting subject
- Subject 4 — Additional supporting subject
The combination must align with:
- The course you are applying for
- The school’s specific requirements (some schools add stricter conditions)
- Your O’Level results (your WAEC/NECO subjects must cover the JAMB combination)
JAMB 2026 Subject Combinations — Science Courses
Medicine & Surgery, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine
| Course | JAMB Subject Combination |
|---|---|
| Medicine & Surgery (MBBS) | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Dentistry (BDS) | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Veterinary Medicine | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Nursing Science | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Physiotherapy | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Radiography | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Medical Laboratory Science | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Optometry | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Human Anatomy | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Human Physiology | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
Note: Some universities accept Mathematics in place of Physics for Nursing, Medical Lab Science, and Radiography. Confirm with your specific school.
Pharmacy & Biochemistry
| Course | JAMB Subject Combination |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy (B.Pharm) | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics |
| Biochemistry | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics |
| Microbiology | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics |
| Botany | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics |
| Zoology | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics |
| Cell Biology & Genetics | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics |
| Parasitology | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics |
Engineering & Technology
| Course | JAMB Subject Combination |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Electrical/Electronic Engineering | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Mechanical Engineering | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Chemical Engineering | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Computer Engineering | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Petroleum Engineering | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Agricultural Engineering | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology |
| Biomedical Engineering | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology |
| Marine Engineering | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Aerospace Engineering | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Metallurgical & Materials Engineering | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Systems Engineering | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Mining Engineering | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Production/Industrial Engineering | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Structural Engineering | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
Computer Science & IT
| Course | JAMB Subject Combination |
|---|---|
| Computer Science | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology |
| Software Engineering | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Information Technology | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology |
| Cyber Security | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Data Science | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Statistics |
| Computer Information Systems | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology |
Note: UNILAG, OAU, and FUTA require Chemistry as a compulsory fourth subject for Computer Science. Confirm with your school before registering.
Mathematics & Physical Sciences
| Course | JAMB Subject Combination |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology |
| Statistics | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Economics |
| Physics | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Chemistry | English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology or Physics |
| Geology/Geophysics | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Meteorology | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Applied Mathematics | English, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics |
| Physics with Electronics | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
| Course | JAMB Subject Combination |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics |
| Agronomy | English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry |
| Animal Science | English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry |
| Crop Science | English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry |
| Fisheries & Aquaculture | English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry |
| Forestry & Wildlife | English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry |
| Food Science & Technology | English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics |
| Soil Science | English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry |
| Home Economics & Food Science | English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Home Economics |
| Environmental Management | English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics |
Architecture, Building & Environment
| Course | JAMB Subject Combination |
|---|---|
| Architecture | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Fine Art |
| Estate Management | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Geography |
| Quantity Surveying | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Urban & Regional Planning | English, Mathematics, Physics, Geography or Economics |
| Building Technology | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Surveying & Geoinformatics | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Geography |
| Environmental Science | English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics |
JAMB 2026 Subject Combinations — Social Science Courses
Economics, Business & Finance
| Course | JAMB Subject Combination |
|---|---|
| Economics | English, Mathematics, Economics, Government or Geography |
| Accounting | English, Mathematics, Economics, Government or Commerce |
| Business Administration | English, Mathematics, Economics, Government or Commerce |
| Finance | English, Mathematics, Economics, Commerce or Government |
| Banking & Finance | English, Mathematics, Economics, Commerce or Government |
| Marketing | English, Mathematics, Economics, Commerce or Government |
| Insurance | English, Mathematics, Economics, Commerce or Government |
| Actuarial Science | English, Mathematics, Economics, Statistics or Physics |
| Public Administration | English, Mathematics, Economics, Government |
| Cooperative Economics | English, Mathematics, Economics, Commerce or Government |
Social Sciences
| Course | JAMB Subject Combination |
|---|---|
| Sociology | English, Mathematics, Economics, Government or CRS/IRS |
| Political Science | English, Mathematics, Economics, Government |
| Mass Communication | English, Mathematics, Economics, Government or Literature |
| Journalism | English, Mathematics, Economics, Government or Literature |
| Psychology | English, Mathematics, Economics, Government or Biology |
| Geography | English, Mathematics, Geography, Economics or Physics |
| Demography | English, Mathematics, Economics, Geography or Biology |
| Social Work | English, Mathematics, Economics, Government |
| International Relations | English, Mathematics, Economics, Government |
JAMB 2026 Subject Combinations — Arts & Humanities Courses
Law
| Course | JAMB Subject Combination |
|---|---|
| Law (LL.B) | English, Literature, Government, CRS/IRS or Economics |
Important: Most top law schools (UNILAG, UI, OAU, UNN) require Literature in English as a compulsory subject — not just English Language. Register with Literature or you may be screened out.
Languages & Literature
| Course | JAMB Subject Combination |
|---|---|
| English Language & Literature | English, Literature, One Nigerian Language, History or CRS |
| French | English, French, Literature or History, CRS or Government |
| Linguistics | English, Literature, One Nigerian Language, CRS or History |
| Igbo | English, Igbo, Literature or History, CRS |
| Yoruba | English, Yoruba, Literature or History, CRS |
| Hausa | English, Hausa, Literature or History, CRS or IRS |
| Arabic | English, Arabic, IRS, Literature or History |
History, Philosophy & Religious Studies
| Course | JAMB Subject Combination |
|---|---|
| History & International Studies | English, History, Government, CRS/IRS or Literature |
| Philosophy | English, Literature, CRS/IRS, Government or History |
| Christian Religious Studies (CRS) | English, CRS, Literature, Government or History |
| Islamic Studies | English, IRS, Arabic, Government or History |
| Religious Management & Cultural Studies | English, CRS or IRS, Literature, Government or History |
| Theatre Arts / Performing Arts | English, Literature, Government, CRS or History |
Fine Art, Music & Creative Arts
| Course | JAMB Subject Combination |
|---|---|
| Fine & Applied Arts | English, Fine Art, Mathematics or Literature, CRS or History |
| Industrial Design | English, Fine Art, Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry |
| Music | English, Music, Literature or CRS, Government or History |
| Fashion Design & Clothing | English, Fine Art, Home Economics, CRS or Literature |
| Creative Arts | English, Literature, Fine Art, CRS or History |
JAMB 2026 Subject Combinations — Education Courses
Education courses combine the core subject of specialisation with education subjects.
| Course | JAMB Subject Combination |
|---|---|
| Education & Biology | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics |
| Education & Chemistry | English, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics or Physics |
| Education & Physics | English, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry |
| Education & Mathematics | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology |
| Education & Computer Science | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Education & Economics | English, Mathematics, Economics, Government |
| Education & English | English, Literature, Government, CRS or History |
| Education & Political Science | English, Government, Economics, CRS or History |
| Education & History | English, History, Government, Literature or CRS |
| Education & French | English, French, Literature or History, CRS |
| Early Childhood Education | English, Mathematics, Biology, CRS or Government |
| Educational Administration | English, Mathematics, Economics, Government |
| Guidance & Counselling | English, Mathematics, Economics, Government or Biology |
| Physical & Health Education | English, Biology, Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry |
| Library & Information Science | English, Mathematics, Economics, Government or Literature |
JAMB 2026 Subject Combinations — Health Science Courses
| Course | JAMB Subject Combination |
|---|---|
| Public Health | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics |
| Health Education | English, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics |
| Nutrition & Dietetics | English, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics |
| Community Health | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics |
| Environmental Health | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics |
| Occupational Therapy | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics |
| Speech & Language Therapy | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics |
JAMB 2026 Subject Combinations — Polytechnic Courses (ND)
| Course | JAMB Subject Combination |
|---|---|
| Accountancy (ND) | English, Mathematics, Economics, Commerce or Government |
| Business Administration (ND) | English, Mathematics, Economics, Commerce or Government |
| Computer Science (ND) | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology |
| Electrical Engineering Technology (ND) | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Mechanical Engineering Technology (ND) | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Civil Engineering Technology (ND) | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Mass Communication (ND) | English, Mathematics, Economics, Government or Literature |
| Banking & Finance (ND) | English, Mathematics, Economics, Commerce |
| Hospitality Management (ND) | English, Mathematics, Economics, Biology or Commerce |
| Public Administration (ND) | English, Mathematics, Economics, Government |
| Science Laboratory Technology (ND) | English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics |
| Food Technology (ND) | English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry |
| Estate Management (ND) | English, Mathematics, Economics, Geography |
Most Common Mistakes Students Make
Mistake 1: Skipping Biology for Medicine
Many students think Chemistry + Physics is enough. Medicine, Dentistry, and Nursing all require Biology. No exceptions.
Mistake 2: Not Including Literature for Law
Scoring 280 with Government and Economics won’t help you get into UNILAG Law. Literature in English is compulsory for Law at most top schools.
Mistake 3: Picking the Wrong Science for Engineering
Engineering requires Mathematics + Physics + Chemistry. Some students include Biology instead of Chemistry. That combination does not qualify.
Mistake 4: Forgetting to Check School-Specific Rules
JAMB gives a general guideline. Your chosen school may add one more requirement. Always check the school’s Post-UTME screening requirements before you finalise registration.
Mistake 5: O’Level Subjects Not Matching JAMB Subjects
If you register Chemistry in JAMB but do not have Chemistry in your WAEC/NECO result, your admission will be cancelled at the O’Level verification stage.
Quick Subject Combination Finder
Use this as a fast reference when you’re unsure:
| If You Want To Study… | You Must Include… |
|---|---|
| Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Biochemistry | Biology + Chemistry + Physics or Maths |
| Engineering (all types) | Mathematics + Physics + Chemistry |
| Law | Literature in English + Government |
| Computer Science | Mathematics + Physics + Chemistry or Biology |
| Economics, Accounting, Business | Mathematics + Economics |
| Education (Science) | The two main subjects of your specialisation |
| Education (Arts) | Literature or the language + Government |
| Agriculture | Biology + Chemistry + Mathematics |
| Architecture | Mathematics + Physics + Fine Art or Chemistry |
| Mass Communication | Economics + Government or Literature |
| Fine Art | Fine Art + one of Literature, History, or Mathematics |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Use of English compulsory for all courses in JAMB?
Yes. Use of English is compulsory for every candidate regardless of course or institution. It counts as one of your four subjects.
Can I use Government instead of Economics for Business courses?
Yes, for most schools. However, schools like OAU and UNILAG prefer Economics for Business-related courses. Check your specific school.
What subjects do I need for Computer Science in JAMB?
For most schools: English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. Some schools accept Biology in place of Chemistry. Schools like UNILAG and OAU specifically require Chemistry.
Can I change my subject combination after JAMB registration?
Yes, but only during the JAMB subject combination change window, which is usually open for a limited period after registration. Log in to your JAMB profile to make changes before the window closes.
What if I registered the wrong subject combination?
Apply for a correction immediately through the JAMB portal. If the window has closed, visit a JAMB CBT centre for assistance. Do not proceed to the exam with the wrong combination.
Is Mathematics compulsory for Law?
Not directly. However, Literature in English is the critical subject for Law. Mathematics is not typically listed but many schools require it as an O’Level credit — check the O’Level requirements separately.
Can I study Medicine without Physics in JAMB?
No. Medicine & Surgery requires Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as your three supporting subjects alongside English. All three are mandatory.
What to Do Next
- Confirm your combination using the tables above
- Check your school’s specific Post-UTME requirements on their official website
- Verify your O’Level subjects match your JAMB subjects before exam day
- Check the JAMB cut-off marks for your course — See JAMB 2026 Cut-Off Marks for All Schools →
- Register early — JAMB registration deadlines fill up fast
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