Choosing the correct JAMB subject combination is one of the most critical steps in your admission journey. If you register with the wrong subjects, your application may be rejected outright — regardless of how high your JAMB score is. This guide lists the official JAMB subject combinations for all popular courses in Nigerian universities.
Last Updated: February 2025 | Author: Mrs. Chidinma Eze
Source: JAMB Brochure (IBASS — Integrated Brochure and Syllabus System)
How JAMB Subject Combination Works
For every course, JAMB requires you to sit for four UTME subjects:
- Use of English — compulsory for ALL courses (this is automatic; you do not choose it)
- Three other subjects — specific to your chosen course
You must also have the correct O’Level (WAEC/NECO) subject credits as specified for your course.
Medical and Health Sciences
| Course | UTME Subjects (+ English) | O’Level Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine and Surgery | Biology, Chemistry, Physics | English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Pharmacy | Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Maths | English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Nursing Science | Biology, Chemistry, Physics | English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Dentistry | Biology, Chemistry, Physics | English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Medical Laboratory Science | Biology, Chemistry, Physics | English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Physiotherapy | Biology, Chemistry, Physics | English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
Engineering and Technology
| Course | UTME Subjects (+ English) | O’Level Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry | English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry + 1 Science |
| Electrical/Electronic Engineering | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry | English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry + 1 Science |
| Civil Engineering | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry | English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry + 1 Science |
| Chemical Engineering | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry | English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry + 1 Science |
| Petroleum Engineering | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry | English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry + 1 Science |
| Computer Science | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry/Biology/Economics | English, Maths, Physics + 2 Science subjects |
Law
| Course | UTME Subjects (+ English) | O’Level Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Law | Literature in English, Government/History, any other Arts/Social Science | English, Lit. in English + 3 relevant subjects |
Management and Business Sciences
| Course | UTME Subjects (+ English) | O’Level Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting | Mathematics, Economics, Commerce/Accounting/Government | English, Maths, Economics + 2 relevant |
| Business Administration | Mathematics, Economics, Commerce/Accounting/Government | English, Maths, Economics + 2 relevant |
| Banking and Finance | Mathematics, Economics, Commerce/Accounting/Government | English, Maths, Economics + 2 relevant |
| Marketing | Mathematics, Economics, Commerce/Government | English, Maths, Economics + 2 relevant |
| Public Administration | Government, Economics, Mathematics/Commerce | English, Govt, Economics + 2 relevant |
Social Sciences
| Course | UTME Subjects (+ English) | O’Level Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | Mathematics, Economics, Government/Geography/Commerce | English, Maths, Economics + 2 relevant |
| Mass Communication | Literature in English, Government, any of CRS/IRS/Economics | English, Lit. in English + 3 relevant |
| Political Science | Government, any 2 of Economics/History/Literature/Geography | English, Government + 3 relevant |
| International Relations | Government, any 2 of Economics/History/Literature/Geography | English, Government + 3 relevant |
| Sociology | Government, any 2 of Economics/Geography/History/CRS | English + 4 relevant Social Science subjects |
Sciences
| Course | UTME Subjects (+ English) | O’Level Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Biochemistry | Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Mathematics | English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Microbiology | Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Mathematics | English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Physics | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry | English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry + 1 |
| Chemistry | Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics/Biology | English, Maths, Chemistry + 2 Science |
| Mathematics | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry/Economics/Biology | English, Maths, Physics + 2 relevant |
Arts and Humanities
| Course | UTME Subjects (+ English) | O’Level Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| English and Literary Studies | Literature in English, any 2 of Government/History/CRS/IRS | English, Lit. in English + 3 Arts subjects |
| History | History, Government, any other Arts/Social Science | English, History + 3 relevant |
| Philosophy | Government, any 2 of History/Literature/CRS/IRS | English + 4 relevant Arts subjects |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Registering with wrong subjects: If JAMB requires Biology for Medicine but you registered with Agricultural Science, your application may be rejected
- Confusing JAMB subjects with O’Level subjects: JAMB requires 3 subjects for the exam. O’Level requires 5 credits. These are different requirements
- Not checking university-specific requirements: Some universities have stricter requirements than the JAMB minimum. Always verify with your chosen university
- Using two sittings when one sitting is required: Medicine typically requires all 5 O’Level credits at ONE sitting
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my JAMB subjects after registration?
No. Once JAMB registration is complete, you cannot change your UTME subjects. You would need to re-register in the next JAMB cycle.
What if my university requires a subject not on the JAMB list?
Always check both JAMB requirements AND your chosen university’s specific requirements before registering. Some universities have additional subject preferences.
Is Mathematics compulsory for all courses?
Mathematics is NOT a compulsory JAMB UTME subject for all courses. However, many courses require Mathematics as an O’Level credit. For UTME, only Engineering, Computer Science, and some Management courses require Mathematics.