JAMB Subject Combinations for All Courses. Choosing the wrong JAMB subject combination is one of the fastest ways to lose admission in Nigeria — even if you score very high in UTME.
Many candidates focus only on getting a high score in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam, but ignore one critical detail: subject combination.
If your subjects do not match your chosen course, you may be automatically disqualified.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What JAMB subject combination means
- General UTME subject rules
- Correct subject combinations for major courses
- Common mistakes students make
- How to properly confirm your combination before submission
What Is JAMB Subject Combination?
For the UTME exam, every candidate must register four subjects:
- Use of English (compulsory for all candidates)
- Three additional subjects based on your chosen course
Each course has specific subject requirements designed to ensure students have the right academic foundation.
Examples:
- Medicine requires Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- Engineering requires Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry
- Law requires Literature and Arts-related subjects
Choosing the wrong combination can cost you your admission — or delay you for another year.
General UTME Subject Requirements
Regardless of your course:
- Use of English is compulsory
- Science and commercial courses usually require Mathematics
- Arts courses often require Government or Literature
Understanding this rule reduces your chances of making costly errors.
JAMB Subject Combinations by Course Categories (2026)
Below are standard subject combinations based on official JAMB procedures.
Science & Medical Courses
These courses mainly require Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.
- Medicine & Surgery: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Nursing: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Pharmacy: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Biochemistry: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Food Science & Technology: English, Chemistry, Biology + Physics/Math/Agric
- Nutrition & Dietetics: English, Biology, Chemistry + Physics/Math
- Fisheries & Aquaculture: English, Biology, Chemistry + Agric/Physics
- Forestry & Wildlife Management: English, Biology, Chemistry + Agric/Math
Engineering & Technology Courses
Engineering courses demand strong foundations in Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
- Civil Engineering: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
- Mechanical Engineering: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
- Electrical/Electronics Engineering: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
- Agricultural Engineering: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
- Architecture: English, Mathematics, Physics + Geography/Chemistry/Art
Computing & Technology Programs
- Computer Science: English, Mathematics, Physics + Biology/Chemistry/Economics
- Surveying & Geoinformatics: English, Mathematics, Physics + Geography
- Quantity Surveying: English, Mathematics, Physics + Economics/Chemistry
Environmental & Earth Sciences
- Geology: English, Geography, Mathematics + Physics/Chemistry
- Environmental Management: English, Biology, Chemistry + Geography/Physics
- Urban & Regional Planning: English, Mathematics, Geography + Economics
- Estate Management: English, Mathematics + Geography/Economics
Business & Commercial Courses
- Accounting: English, Mathematics, Economics + Government/Geography
- Business Administration: English, Mathematics, Economics + Government
- Economics: English, Mathematics, Economics + Government/History
- Hospitality & Tourism Management: English, Mathematics, Economics + Geography/Biology
- Home Economics: English, Chemistry, Biology + Economics/Agric
Arts & Social Science Courses
- Law: English, Literature + Government/Economics/History
- Mass Communication: English, Literature + Government/Economics
- Political Science: English + Government/History + Economics/Geography
- Sociology: English + any three Arts or Social Science subjects
- Psychology: English + any three Arts or Social Science subjects
Language & Humanities Courses
- English & Literary Studies: English, Literature + Government/History
- Linguistics: English + any three Arts or Social Science subjects
- Theatre Arts: English, Literature + two Arts subjects
- Religious Studies: English, CRS/IRS + two subjects
- Philosophy: English + any three subjects
Common Mistakes Students Make
1. Ignoring University Requirements
Some universities slightly adjust subject requirements. Always confirm from the school’s official website or admission office.
2. Confusing O’Level with UTME Requirements
O’Level subjects are different from UTME subjects. Many students mix them up.
3. Copying Friends’ Subject Choices
Your combination must match your course — not your friend’s choice.
4. Last-Minute Registration Changes
Late changes may not reflect properly in the system. Make corrections early.
How to Confirm the Correct Subject Combination
Before final submission:
- Use the official JAMB Brochure via the IBASS portal
- Check the university’s official brochure
- Contact the admission office
- Speak with a qualified guidance counselor
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change subjects after registration?
Yes, but only before the registration portal closes.
Are subject combinations the same for every university?
Mostly yes, but some institutions may adjust requirements.
What happens if my subjects are wrong?
Your admission may be denied or your course changed.
Final Advice
Choosing the correct JAMB subject combination is one of the most important steps toward gaining admission in Nigeria.
A high score cannot correct a wrong subject combination.
Understand the requirements. Verify them. Submit correctly.
That single decision can determine whether you secure admission in 2026 or wait another year.
