JAMB Subject Combinations for All Courses (Full & Updated List)

Let me be very honest with you.

Every year, thousands of JAMB candidates score well, sometimes very well, and still don’t get admission. Not because they failed. Not because they didn’t try hard enough. But because they made one silent, painful mistake during registration;

They chose the wrong JAMB subject combinations.

It’s one of those mistakes you don’t notice immediately. You write JAMB, you celebrate your score, you buy Post-UTME forms… and then boom, “You are not eligible for this course.”

That’s heartbreaking.

This mega guide on JAMB Subject Combinations for All Courses was created to make sure that doesn’t happen to you.

In this article, you’ll learn:

What JAMB subject combinations really means (in simple terms)
Why one wrong subject can ruin your admission chances
The correct JAMB subject combination for all major courses
Faculty-by-faculty breakdowns (Science, Arts, Business, Medical, etc.)
Common mistakes students keep repeating every year
Practical tips to double-check your choices before submission

If you’re serious about gaining admission, read this guide slowly. Bookmark it. Share it. Come back to it before you submit your JAMB form.

What Is JAMB Subject Combinations?

JAMB subject combinations simply refers to the four subjects you register for and write in the UTME.

Here’s the golden rule you must never forget:

Use of English is compulsory for all courses. No exceptions.

That means you don’t “choose” English, it’s automatically included.

The real decision is about the other three subjects, and those three must match:

Your chosen course
JAMB’s official requirements
The requirements of the universities, polytechnics, or colleges you’re applying to

Think of your subject combinations like a key.

If the key doesn’t fit the course, the admission door will not open, no matter how high your JAMB score is.

Why Choosing the Right Subject Combinations Is Extremely Important

Some students treat subject combination like a minor detail.

It is not.

Here’s why it matters more than many people realize:

1. JAMB Uses It to Filter Candidates Automatically

Before any school even looks at your score, JAMB already knows whether you’re eligible or not eligible based on your subjects.

2. Schools Use It During Screening

During Post-UTME or admission screening, schools cross-check:

Your UTME subjects
Your O’Level subjects
Your intended course

One mismatch, and you’re screened out quietly.

3. High Score + Wrong Subjects = Zero Admission

You can score 280 and still lose admission to someone with 210 who chose the correct subjects.

Painful, but true.

General Rules for JAMB Subject Combinations (Read This Carefully)

Before we dive into individual courses, you need to understand these general rules:

English Language is compulsory for all courses
Science courses usually require: Mathematics, At least two core science subjects
Business courses almost always require: Mathematics, Economics
Arts courses usually require: Literature, Government, History, CRS/IRS, or related subjects
Some courses are flexible, others are very strict

Now let’s break everything down properly.

JAMB Subject Combinations for Medical and Health-Related Courses

Medical and health courses are among the strictest when it comes to subject combinations. There’s little to no flexibility here.

Medicine and Surgery (MBBS)

Use of English
Biology
Chemistry
Physics

This combination is non-negotiable. No Mathematics replacement. No Economics. Nothing else.

Nursing

Use of English
Biology
Chemistry
Physics

Yes, Nursing uses the same combination as Medicine in most universities.

Pharmacy

Use of English
Biology
Chemistry
Physics

Medical Laboratory Science

Use of English
Biology
Chemistry
Physics

Physiology / Anatomy

Use of English
Biology
Chemistry
Physics or Mathematics

Public Health

Use of English
Biology
Chemistry
Physics or Mathematics

Note:

If you’re aiming for any medical course and you did not offer Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, you should strongly consider a change of course.

JAMB Subject Combinations for Engineering Courses

Engineering courses are also strict, especially about Mathematics and Physics.

Common Engineering Combinations

For almost all engineering courses:

Use of English
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry

This applies to:

Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical/Electronics Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Petroleum Engineering
Computer Engineering

No Mathematics = no Engineering.

No Physics = no Engineering.

JAMB Subject Combinations for Science Courses

Computer Science

Use of English
Mathematics
Physics
Biology or Chemistry

Some schools allow Economics instead of Biology/Chemistry, but Physics and Mathematics are usually compulsory.

Biochemistry

Use of English
Biology
Chemistry
Physics or Mathematics

Microbiology

Use of English
Biology
Chemistry
Physics or Mathematics

Physics

Use of English
Physics
Mathematics
Chemistry or Biology

Chemistry

Use of English
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics or Biology

Mathematics

Use of English
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry or Economics

JAMB Subject Combinations for Business & Management Courses

These courses are more flexible but still follow a pattern.

Accounting

Use of English
Mathematics
Economics
One other social science or commercial subject

Business Administration

Use of English
Mathematics
Economics
Government or Commerce

Banking and Finance

Use of English
Mathematics
Economics
One other relevant subject

Marketing

Use of English
Mathematics
Economics
Government or Commerce

My honest advice:

If you’re going into business, Economics is almost mandatory. Skipping it is risky.

JAMB Subject Combinations for Arts Courses

Arts courses allow more flexibility, but you still need to be smart.

Law

Use of English
Literature in English
Any two other Arts or Social Science subjects

Literature is extremely important for Law.

English Language

Use of English
Literature in English
Two other Arts subjects

History and International Studies

Use of English
History or Government
Two other Arts subjects

Religious Studies (CRS/IRS)

Use of English
CRS or IRS
Two other Arts subjects

JAMB Subject Combinations for Social Science Courses

Political Science

Use of English
Government or History
Two other Social Science or Arts subjects

Economics

Use of English
Mathematics
Economics
Government or Geography

Sociology

Use of English
Government
Economics
One other relevant subject

Psychology

Use of English
Biology
Government
One other relevant subject

JAMB Subject Combinations for Agricultural Courses

Agriculture

Use of English
Chemistry
Biology or Agricultural Science
Mathematics or Physics

Agricultural Economics

Use of English
Chemistry
Biology or Agricultural Science
Mathematics

Common JAMB Subject Combinations Mistakes Students Make

Let’s talk about mistakes, because avoiding them is just as important.

1. Copying Friends

Your friend’s course is not your course. Simple.

2. Assuming WAEC Subjects Automatically Work

WAEC and JAMB are related, but not identical in requirements.

3. Ignoring School-Specific Rules

Some universities are stricter than others.

4. Not Checking the JAMB Brochure

The brochure exists for a reason. Use it.

How to Confirm Your JAMB Subject Combinations Before Submitting

Before you click “submit,” do this:

Check the JAMB brochure
Check at least two universities offering your course
Confirm from a reliable education platform
Ask questions if unsure, don’t guess

Ten minutes of checking can save one full year.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let One Mistake Ruin Your Admission

Your JAMB subject combinations is not just a formality.

It is a decision that can determine whether you gain admission or not, regardless of how intelligent or hardworking you are.

If you’ve read this far, you’re already ahead of many candidates.

Take your time. Choose wisely. And when in doubt, always verify.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with someone preparing for JAMB. You might be saving them from a costly mistake.