Every JAMB candidate knows one thing — choosing the right JAMB subject combination determines whether you’ll gain admission or not.
Yet, every year, thousands of students pick wrong subjects and get disqualified even before the admission list comes out.
In this updated 2025 JAMB subject combination guide, you’ll learn everything: what subject combinations mean, how to choose correctly, and the approved JAMB subject combinations for all courses — from Medicine to Law, Engineering, Nursing, and beyond.
What Is a JAMB Subject Combination and Why It Matters
A JAMB subject combination is the set of four subjects a student must register for during the UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination). These subjects determine your eligibility for a particular university course.
The Role of JAMB and UTME in Admission
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is responsible for organizing the UTME — Nigeria’s national entrance exam for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
JAMB uses these subjects to check if your academic foundation matches your chosen course. For instance, Engineering students are expected to have a solid background in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
How Many Subjects Are Required in JAMB
Every candidate must choose four subjects:
- Use of English (compulsory for all candidates)
- Three other subjects relevant to your course of study
For example:
- A Medicine aspirant might take English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- A Law student would choose English, Literature, Government, and CRS.
English as a Compulsory Subject
English Language is compulsory for all courses — whether you’re applying for Engineering, Nursing, Law, or Fine Arts. It’s the first subject on your UTME slip.
How to Choose the Correct JAMB Subject Combination
Selecting the correct UTME subjects is more than guesswork. Here’s a simple step-by-step approach.
Step-by-Step Guide to Selecting the Right Subjects
- Identify Your Desired Course: Know what you want to study — e.g., Accounting, Nursing, or Architecture.
- Consult the Official JAMB Brochure: Visit jamb.gov.ng to see the subjects approved for each course.
- Match with O’Level (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB): Ensure your JAMB subjects correspond to your O’Level credits.
- Confirm Institutional Requirements: Some universities have specific preferences. For example, UNILAG may prefer Government over Economics for Political Science.
- Double-check Before Registration: Mistakes at this stage can cost you a whole academic year.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing subjects based on a friend’s advice instead of official requirements
- Ignoring O’Level deficiencies (e.g., lacking Physics but choosing Engineering)
- Confusing related courses — e.g., “Mass Communication” vs “English & Literary Studies”
What to Do If You Picked the Wrong Subjects
If you’ve already registered with a wrong combination, don’t panic.
You can either:
- Change your course to one that matches your subjects; or
- Apply for change of subjects before UTME registration closes.
JAMB Subject Combination by Faculty (2025 Full List)
Below is the complete 2025 JAMB subject combination list, organized by faculties and disciplines.
Faculty of Medicine, Health & Life Sciences
| Course | JAMB Subject Combination |
|---|---|
| Medicine and Surgery | English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Nursing | English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Pharmacy | English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Medical Laboratory Science | English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Anatomy / Physiology | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
Tip: All health sciences courses demand strong science combinations. Substituting Agricultural Science for Biology is not acceptable.
Faculty of Engineering & Technology
| Course | JAMB Subject Combination |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | English, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
| Electrical/Electronic Engineering | English, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
| Computer Engineering | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Mechanical Engineering | English, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
| Chemical Engineering | English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics |
Faculty of Natural & Physical Sciences
| Course | JAMB Subject Combination |
|---|---|
| Computer Science | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Biochemistry | English, Chemistry, Biology, Physics |
| Microbiology | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Physics | English, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry |
| Mathematics | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
Faculty of Law
| Course | JAMB Subject Combination |
|---|---|
| Law | English, Literature in English, CRS/IRS, Government or Economics |
Note: Most universities prefer CRS/IRS and Government, but some may accept Economics.
Faculty of Arts & Humanities
| Course | JAMB Subject Combination |
|---|---|
| English & Literary Studies | English, Literature, CRS, Government |
| Theatre Arts | English, Literature, Government, CRS |
| Linguistics | English, Literature, CRS, Government or Economics |
| History & International Studies | English, History, CRS, Government |
Faculty of Social & Management Sciences
| Course | JAMB Subject Combination |
|---|---|
| Accounting | English, Mathematics, Economics, Government |
| Business Administration | English, Mathematics, Economics, Commerce |
| Economics | English, Mathematics, Economics, Government |
| Political Science | English, Government, Economics, CRS |
| Mass Communication | English, Literature, Government, CRS |
Faculty of Education
| Course | JAMB Subject Combination |
|---|---|
| Education & Biology | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Education & English | English, Literature, CRS, Government |
| Education & Mathematics | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
Understanding O’Level and JAMB Alignment
To qualify for university admission, your JAMB subject combination must match your O’Level credits.
Why O’Level Requirements Must Match
For example:
- A candidate applying for Nursing must have credit passes in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, and Mathematics in WAEC or NECO.
- Choosing different JAMB subjects (like Agriculture instead of Biology) can make you ineligible.
Accepted O’Level Exams
You can use any of:
- WAEC (West African Examination Council)
- NECO (National Examination Council)
- NABTEB (National Business and Technical Examinations Board)
Pro Tip
Always cross-check with the official JAMB brochure before final submission.
JAMB Subject Combination FAQs (2025 Edition)
1. What is the compulsory subject for all JAMB candidates?
Use of English is compulsory for every JAMB course, regardless of faculty or discipline.
2. Can I replace Biology with Agricultural Science?
No. Most science-based courses require Biology, not Agricultural Science. Check the official JAMB brochure for exceptions.
3. What are the JAMB subjects for Computer Science?
English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry are the approved subjects for Computer Science in 2025.
4. What are the JAMB subjects for Law?
English, Literature in English, CRS or IRS, and Government or Economics.
5. Can I combine WAEC and NECO results for JAMB admission?
Yes. Many universities accept a combination of two sittings (e.g., WAEC + NECO) as long as you have all required credits.
6. What happens if I choose the wrong JAMB subject combination?
You may be ineligible for admission into your chosen course, but you can change your course through JAMB’s portal before admission starts.
Expert Tips for Success in JAMB 2025
Choosing the right subjects is only the first step — passing them is what secures your admission.
How to Prepare Early for UTME
Start studying JAMB-recommended textbooks and practice at least one past question paper daily.
Practice with Mock Exams
Register for JAMB Mock Tests to get familiar with the CBT interface and timing.
Double-Check Your Registration
Before submitting, confirm your:
- Chosen course
- Subject combination
- Exam center and email address
Conclusion – Choose Smart, Gain Admission
Selecting the correct JAMB subject combination is the foundation of every successful admission journey.
Whether you aim for Medicine, Law, or Engineering, accuracy here determines your eligibility and future.
Always confirm with the official JAMB brochure, align with your O’Level results, and double-check before submission.
Your dream course depends on this single step — so choose smart and secure your admission in 2025.