Choosing the correct JAMB subject combination for 2026/2027 is one of the most important steps every student must take before sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Nigeria. Each year, thousands of candidates lose their admission chances simply because they picked the wrong subject combination during registration.
As of 2026, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has made it clear that candidates must strictly follow the official subject requirements for their chosen course. Universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria will not admit any student who fails to meet this condition even if the candidate scores above 300 in UTME.
This comprehensive guide will cover:
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What JAMB subject combinations mean and why they matter
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How subject combinations affect university admission in Nigeria
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Full JAMB subject combinations for Sciences, Social Sciences, and Arts courses
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Eligibility requirements for UTME and Direct Entry
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Mistakes students make when selecting subjects
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Tips for choosing the right subjects in 2026/2027
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FAQs and practical answers to common concerns
By the end of this guide, you will clearly understand the correct JAMB subject combination for your desired course and how to avoid costly mistakes that could affect your admission this session.
Why JAMB Subject Combinations Are Important in 2026/2027
In Nigeria’s competitive education system, universities receive far more applicants than they can admit. To manage this, JAMB and tertiary institutions enforce strict rules on subject requirements.
If your chosen course requires Physics but you wrote Government instead, your application will be rejected — no matter your UTME score. This is why subject combinations are more important than just the exam itself.
Key reasons why subject combinations matter:
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Admission Eligibility – Without the right subjects, your name will not even appear on the admission list.
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Course Suitability – Subject choices confirm that you have the academic foundation for your preferred course.
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Avoiding Wasted Effort – Writing the wrong subjects means you might need to repeat JAMB the following year.
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Institutional Requirements – Some universities specify additional rules beyond JAMB’s minimum, and subject combinations must align with both.
Benefits of Knowing the Correct JAMB Subject Combination
Knowing the official subject combinations for your course comes with several benefits:
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Peace of mind during registration – You avoid last-minute mistakes.
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Higher admission chances – You meet all eligibility requirements.
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Better preparation – You can focus study efforts on the correct subjects.
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Smooth admission process – Institutions won’t reject your application on technical grounds.
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Career alignment – Choosing the right subjects ensures you study a course that fits your career goals.
Eligibility: Who Can Apply for JAMB 2026/2027?
JAMB subject combinations apply to two main categories of students:
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UTME Candidates – These are students writing JAMB for the first time, usually after completing WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB.
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Direct Entry (DE) Candidates – These are students who already have qualifications like OND, NCE, HND, or A-levels and are applying for 200-level admission.
For both UTME and Direct Entry candidates, subject combinations must match the chosen course.
How JAMB Subject Combination Works
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English Language is compulsory for all courses in UTME. This means every candidate must register English, plus three other relevant subjects.
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The three other subjects must align with the requirements of your chosen course. For example:
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Medicine requires Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
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Law requires Literature in English, Government, and CRS/IRS.
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Accounting requires Mathematics, Economics, and any Social Science subject.
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If you mix subjects wrongly, admission becomes impossible even with a high score.
JAMB Subject Combinations for Sciences 2026/2027
For all Science candidates, English Language is compulsory. You must then choose the three correct science subjects that fit your chosen course. Below is the detailed list.
Medicine, Health, and Life Sciences
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Medicine and Surgery
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English Language
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Nursing/Nursing Science
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English Language
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Dentistry
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English Language
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Chemistry
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Biology
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Physics
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Anatomy
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English Language
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics or Mathematics
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Physiology
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English Language
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Physiotherapy
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English Language
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Medical Laboratory Science
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English Language
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Radiography
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English Language
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Pharmacy
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English Language
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Veterinary Medicine
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English Language
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics
Pure and Applied Sciences
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Biochemistry
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English Language
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Biological Sciences (General)
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English Language
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics or Mathematics
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Microbiology
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English Language
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics or Mathematics
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Botany
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English Language
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Any other Science subject
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Zoology
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English Language
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics or Mathematics
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Chemistry
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English Language
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Biology or Mathematics
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Industrial Chemistry
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English Language
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Chemistry
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Mathematics
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Physics or Biology
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Physics
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English Language
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Physics
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Mathematics
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Chemistry or Biology
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Mathematics
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Chemistry, Biology, Economics, or Agric Science
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Statistics
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Chemistry, Biology, Agric Science, or Economics
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Geology
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English Language
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Mathematics, Biology, or Geography
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Geography
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English Language
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Geography
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Mathematics
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Physics, Chemistry, or Biology
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Computer Science
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Biology, Chemistry, Agric Science, Economics, or Geography
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Food Science and Technology
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English Language
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Chemistry
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Mathematics or Physics
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Biology or Agric Science
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Agricultural Science (General)
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English Language
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Chemistry
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Biology or Agric Science
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Physics or Mathematics
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Fisheries
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English Language
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Chemistry
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Biology or Agric Science
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Any other Science subject
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Forestry
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English Language
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Chemistry
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Biology or Agric Science
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Physics or Mathematics
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Soil Science
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English Language
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Chemistry
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Biology or Agric Science
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Physics or Mathematics
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Agricultural Economics
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English Language
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Chemistry
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Biology or Agric Science
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Mathematics
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Agricultural Extension
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English Language
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Chemistry
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Biology or Agric Science
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Mathematics or Physics
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Animal Production and Science
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English Language
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Chemistry
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Biology or Agric Science
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Mathematics or Physics
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Crop Production and Science
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English Language
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Chemistry
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Biology or Agric Science
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Mathematics or Physics
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Agronomy
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English Language
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Chemistry
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Biology or Agric Science
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Physics or Mathematics
Engineering and Technology
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Civil Engineering
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Chemistry
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Mechanical Engineering
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Chemistry
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Electrical/Electronic Engineering
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Chemistry
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Computer Engineering
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Chemistry
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Chemical Engineering
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Chemistry
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Petroleum and Gas Engineering
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Chemistry
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Marine Engineering
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Chemistry
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Production and Industrial Engineering
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Chemistry
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Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Chemistry
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Systems Engineering
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Chemistry
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Structural Engineering
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Chemistry
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Building Technology
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Chemistry, Geography, or Economics
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Architecture
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Chemistry, Geography, Art, or Economics
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Quantity Surveying
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Chemistry, Geography, Economics, or Biology
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Surveying and Geo-Informatics
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Chemistry, Geography, Economics, or Biology
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Urban and Regional Planning
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Geography
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Economics, Physics, or Chemistry
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Estate Management
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Economics
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Any other subject
JAMB Subject Combinations for Social Sciences 2026/2027
1. Accountancy
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Use of English
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Mathematics
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Economics
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Any Social Science subject
JAMB Subject Combinations for Arts Courses 2026/2027
Every Arts candidate must register for English Language (compulsory) plus three relevant Arts or Social Science subjects depending on the course. Below is the full breakdown.
Law and Related Courses
1. Law
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English Language (Compulsory)
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Literature in English
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Government or CRS/IRS
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Any other Arts or Social Science subject
2. Islamic/Sharia Law
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English Language
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Literature in English or Arabic
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Islamic Religious Studies
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Any other Arts subject
Humanities
3. English and Literary Studies
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English Language
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Literature in English
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Government or CRS/IRS
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Any other Arts subject
4. Linguistics
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English Language
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Literature in English
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One Arts subject
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Any other Arts or Social Science subject
5. Mass Communication
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English Language
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Literature in English
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Government
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Any other Social Science subject
6. Theatre Arts / Performing Arts / Dramatic Arts
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English Language
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Literature in English
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CRS/IRS or Fine Art
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Any other Arts subject
7. Music
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English Language
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Literature in English
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CRS/IRS or Music
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Any other Arts subject
8. Fine and Applied Arts / Visual Arts
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English Language
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Literature in English
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Fine Art or CRS/IRS
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Any other subject
Religious Studies
9. Christian Religious Studies (CRS)
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English Language
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CRS
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Literature in English
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Any other Arts subject
10. Islamic Studies (IRS)
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English Language
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Islamic Religious Studies
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Literature in English or Arabic
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Any other Arts subject
11. Arabic Studies
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English Language
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Arabic
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Islamic Studies or Literature in English
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Any other Arts subject
History and Cultural Studies
12. History and International Studies
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English Language
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History or Government
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Literature in English
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CRS/IRS or any other Arts subject
13. International Relations
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English Language
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Literature in English
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Government
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Any other Arts or Social Science subject
14. Philosophy
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English Language
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Literature in English
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CRS/IRS
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Any other Arts subject
Education (Arts)
15. Education and English Language
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English Language
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Literature in English
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Any other two Arts subjects
16. Education and Religious Studies
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English Language
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CRS or IRS
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Literature in English
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Any other Arts subject
17. Education and Fine Arts
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English Language
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Fine Art
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Literature in English
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Any other subject
18. Education and History
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English Language
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History or Government
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Literature in English
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Any other Arts subject
JAMB Subject Combinations for Social Science / Commercial Courses 2026/2027
Candidates applying for Social Science or Commercial courses must register English Language (compulsory) plus three other relevant subjects depending on their chosen course.
Accounting & Finance
1. Accounting
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English Language (Compulsory)
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Mathematics
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Economics
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Any other Social Science subject (e.g., Government, CRS/IRS, Geography)
2. Banking and Finance
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Economics
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Any other Social Science or Arts subject
3. Insurance
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Economics
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One other relevant subject
Business & Management
4. Business Administration / Management
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Economics
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Any other Social Science or Arts subject
5. Human Resource Management
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English Language
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Economics
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Government
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One other relevant subject
6. Industrial Relations / Labour Studies
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Economics
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One other relevant subject
7. Marketing
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Economics
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One other Social Science subject
8. Cooperative & Rural Development
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Economics
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One other relevant subject
9. Tourism / Hospitality Management
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Economics
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One other Social Science or Arts subject
Economics & Social Science
10. Economics
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Economics
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Any one of Government, Geography, History, Literature in English, French, or CRS/IRS
11. Demography and Social Statistics
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Economics or Geography
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Any other Social Science subject
12. Political Science
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English Language
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Government or History
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Any two other Arts or Social Science subjects
13. Public Administration
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English Language
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Government
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Economics
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Any other relevant subject
14. Sociology
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English Language
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Any three Social Science subjects
15. Social Work
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Economics or Geography
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One other subject
16. International Relations
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English Language
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Economics
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Literature in English
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Geography or Government or History
17. Geography (Social Science Track)
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English Language
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Geography
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Two other Arts or Social Science subjects
18. Library and Information Science
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English Language
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Any three Arts or Social Science subjects
19. Criminology and Security Studies
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English Language
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Economics
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Government
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One other subject (e.g., History, Literature in English, French, IRK, Hausa)
Common Mistakes Students Make in JAMB Subject Selection
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Choosing subjects based on preference, not requirement
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Ignoring compulsory English Language
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Mixing Arts and Science subjects wrongly
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Assuming all universities accept the same combination
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Listening to friends instead of official JAMB brochure
Tips for Choosing the Right JAMB Subject Combination
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Always check the JAMB brochure for the latest updates.
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Confirm with your chosen university’s admission office.
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Select subjects that match your career path.
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Do not guess — a single mistake can cost you admission.
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Start preparing for those exact subjects early.
Summary Table of JAMB Subject Combinations 2026/2027
| Course Category | Example Course | JAMB Subject Combination |
|---|---|---|
| Sciences | Medicine | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Health Sciences | Nursing | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Engineering | Civil Engr. | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Social Sciences | Economics | English, Mathematics, Economics, Govt/Geography |
| Arts | Law | English, Literature, Government, CRS/IRS |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is English compulsory for all JAMB candidates?
Yes. English is compulsory for every UTME candidate.
2. Can I replace Physics with Geography for Medicine?
No. Medicine strictly requires Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
3. What happens if I choose the wrong subject combination?
You will not be considered for admission, even with a high score.
4. Do all universities in Nigeria accept the same combinations?
Mostly yes, but some universities may have slight variations.
5. Can Direct Entry candidates ignore subject combinations?
No. Direct Entry candidates must also meet subject requirements.
6. Is Mathematics compulsory for all courses?
No. It is compulsory for Science, Engineering, and some Social Sciences, but not for Arts.
7. Can I combine WAEC and NECO results to meet subject requirements?
Yes, JAMB allows the use of combined O’level results.
8. What subjects are needed for Law in 2026?
English, Literature, Government/History, CRS/IRS.
9. What is the subject combination for Computer Science?
English, Mathematics, Physics, and one of Biology/Chemistry/Agric Science/Economics/Geography.
10. Can I change my subject combination after registration?
Yes, JAMB allows change of subjects within a limited time before the exam.
Conclusion
Getting the correct JAMB subject combination for 2026/2027 is the first and most important step to securing admission into any Nigerian university. While scoring high in UTME is crucial, it means nothing without the right subjects.
As a student, always double-check your chosen combination before registration. Parents, guardians, and teachers must also guide students correctly to avoid mistakes that waste a whole academic year.
In summary: Choose wisely, prepare early, and follow official JAMB guidelines. That is the surest path to success in the 2026/2027 admission session.