Last Updated: March 2026
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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.
Why Getting Your JAMB Subject Combination Right Matters
Every year, thousands of Nigerian students lose their admission opportunities simply because they registered with the wrong JAMB subject combination. According to JAMB statistics, approximately 15-20% of candidates who score above 250 still miss admission due to subject combination errors. This is a preventable mistake that can delay your academic journey by an entire year.
Here’s what happens when you choose wrong subjects:
- Your application becomes automatically ineligible for screening
- Universities will not consider you regardless of your score
- You cannot change your subjects after registration closes
- You’ll have to wait until the next JAMB examination cycle
- You lose your registration fee (currently ₦6,500)
Medical and Health Sciences
Medical and health science courses are among the most competitive in Nigeria. Getting the correct JAMB subject combination is essential as these courses have strict requirements.
| 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 |
| Radiography | Biology, Chemistry, Physics | English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Optometry | Biology, Chemistry, Physics | English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Public Health | Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Maths | English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry + 1 Science |
| Anatomy | Biology, Chemistry, Physics | English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
Important Note: For Medicine and Surgery, most federal universities require a minimum JAMB score of 250+ and post-UTME scores above 70%. The JAMB subject combination of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics is non-negotiable for this course.
Engineering and Technology
Engineering courses consistently rank among the top choices for Nigerian students. The standard JAMB subject combination for engineering programs includes Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
| 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 Engineering | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry | English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry + 1 Science |
| Aerospace Engineering | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry | English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry + 1 Science |
| Agricultural Engineering | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry | English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry + 1 Science |
| Biomedical Engineering | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry/Biology | English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Mechatronics Engineering | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry | English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry + 1 Science |
Sciences
Pure and applied science courses have varying JAMB subject combination requirements. Pay close attention to the specific subjects required for your chosen course.
| Course | UTME Subjects (+ English) | O’Level Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry/Biology | English, Maths, Physics + 2 Science subjects |
| Biochemistry | Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Maths | English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry + 1 Science |
| Microbiology | Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Maths | English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry + 1 Science |
| Industrial Chemistry | Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics | English, Maths, Chemistry, Physics + 1 Science |
| Physics | Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry | English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry + 1 Science |
| Mathematics | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry | English, Maths, Physics + 2 other subjects |
| Statistics | Mathematics, Economics, Geography/Physics | English, Maths, Economics + 2 other subjects |
| Geology | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology | English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry + 1 Science |
| Botany | Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Maths | English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry + 1 Science |
| Zoology | Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Maths | English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry + 1 Science |
Social Sciences
Social science courses are popular due to their diverse career opportunities. The JAMB subject combination for these courses typically includes a mix of arts and science subjects.
| Course | UTME Subjects (+ English) | O’Level Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | Mathematics, Economics, Government/Geography | English, Maths, Economics + 2 Social Science subjects |
| Accounting | Mathematics, Economics, Commerce/Government | English, Maths, Economics, Commerce/Accounting + 1 |
| Business Administration | Mathematics, Economics, Government/Commerce | English, Maths, Economics + 2 relevant subjects |
| Mass Communication | Government, Economics, Literature/CRK | English, Literature + 3 Social Science/Arts subjects |
| Political Science | Government, Economics, Geography/History | English, Government + 3 Social Science subjects |
| Sociology | Government, Economics, Geography/History | English + 4 Social Science/Arts subjects |
| Psychology | Government, Economics, Biology/Geography | English + 4 Social Science subjects |
| International Relations | Government, Economics, Geography/History | English, Government + 3 Social Science subjects |
| Public Administration | Government, Economics, Geography/History | English, Government + 3 relevant subjects |
| Banking and Finance | Mathematics, Economics, Commerce/Government | English, Maths, Economics + 2 relevant subjects |
Arts and Humanities
Arts courses have flexible JAMB subject combination requirements. However, Literature in English is commonly required for most arts programs.
| Course | UTME Subjects (+ English) | O’Level Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Law | Literature, Government, CRK/History | English, Literature + 3 Arts/Social Science subjects |
| English Language | Literature, Government, CRK/History | English, Literature + 3 Arts subjects |
| History | History, Government, Literature/CRK | English, History + 3 Arts/Social Science subjects |
| Philosophy | Government, CRK/IRS, Literature/History | English + 4 Arts/Social Science subjects |
| Religious Studies | CRK/IRS, Government, Literature/History | English, CRK/IRS + 3 Arts subjects |
| Theatre Arts | Literature, Government, CRK/History | English, Literature + 3 Arts subjects |
| Linguistics | Literature, Government, CRK/History | English, Literature + 3 Arts subjects |
| French | French, Literature, Government/CRK | English, French + 3 Arts subjects |
Agricultural Sciences
Agricultural courses are becoming increasingly popular. Here’s the JAMB subject combination for agriculture-related programs:
| Course | UTME Subjects (+ English) | O’Level Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | Chemistry, Biology, Physics/Maths | English, Chemistry, Biology, Agric Science + 1 |
| Agricultural Economics | Mathematics, Economics, Chemistry/Biology | English, Maths, Economics, Agric Science + 1 |
Animal Science
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is JAMB subject combination and why is it important?JAMB subject combination refers to the specific set of four subjects (including English Language) that candidates must select when registering for UTME based on their intended course of study. It is important because choosing the wrong JAMB subject combination can lead to disqualification from your preferred course, even if you score high marks in the examination. How do I know the correct JAMB subject combination for my course?To know the correct JAMB subject combination for your course, check the official JAMB brochure or visit the JAMB website. You can also refer to comprehensive guides that list subject combinations for all courses. Generally, English Language is compulsory for all courses, while the remaining three subjects depend on your faculty and specific course requirements. Can I change my JAMB subject combination after registration?Yes, you can change your JAMB subject combination after registration through the JAMB correction portal, but this attracts an additional fee. However, changes can only be made within the stipulated correction period announced by JAMB. It is advisable to carefully select your correct subject combination during initial registration to avoid extra costs. What happens if I register with the wrong JAMB subject combination?If you register with the wrong JAMB subject combination, universities may reject your application during the admission screening process, regardless of your UTME score. Some institutions may allow you to change courses to one that matches your subject combination, while others will outrightly deny you admission. This is why verifying your JAMB subject combination before registration is crucial. Is English Language compulsory in all JAMB subject combinations?Yes, English Language is compulsory in all JAMB subject combinations for every course in Nigerian universities. This means candidates must register for English Language plus three other subjects relevant to their chosen course of study. The three additional subjects vary depending on whether you're applying for Science, Arts, Social Science, or other courses. |