JAMB subject combinations for popular courses in Nigeria

Choosing the wrong subject combination is one of the costliest mistakes a JAMB candidate can make. You can score 300 and still be ineligible for your chosen course if your subjects don't match its requirements. This guide explains how subject combinations work and lists the usual combinations for some of the most popular courses.

Important: Requirements can differ between institutions and are updated from time to time. The table below shows common combinations as a starting point. Always confirm the exact requirements for your course and your institution in JAMB's official brochure before you register.

How UTME subject combinations work

Every UTME candidate writes four subjects:

1. Use of English: compulsory for everyone.
2. Three other subjects: determined by the course you choose.

For each course, JAMB's brochure lists:

• the UTME subjects required,
• the O'level requirements (the five credits you need in WAEC, NECO or NABTEB), and
• any special requirements for particular institutions.

Your UTME subjects and your O'level credits must both satisfy the requirements. A common problem is a candidate who writes Physics in JAMB but has no credit in Physics in WAEC or NECO.

Common combinations for popular courses

Why combinations differ between institutions

JAMB's brochure lists general requirements, but individual institutions can add their own. For example:

• One university may accept Geography as the third subject for Computer Science while another insists on Chemistry.
• Some universities require Mathematics for Law, even though Law is an arts course.
• Some courses require a specific O'level subject that does not appear in the UTME combination.

This is why you must check the requirements for your specific institution, not just the course in general.

O'level requirements: the other half of the picture

Alongside the UTME subjects, almost every degree course requires five O'level credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in no more than two sittings. The other three credits must be in subjects relevant to the course.

For example, a typical Medicine applicant needs credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. A typical Law applicant needs credits in English, Literature in English, Mathematics and two other Arts or Social Science subjects.

If you are in SS2 or SS3, check now that you are registered for every subject your intended course needs in WAEC and NECO.

How to confirm your combination

1. Open JAMB's official brochure on the JAMB website or e-facility portal for the current year.
2. Search for your course, then find your chosen institution under that course.
3. Note the UTME subjects, O'level requirements and any special conditions.
4. Repeat for your second-choice institution, because your combination must work for both if you want to keep both options open.
5. If anything is unclear, check the institution's admissions page or ask the admissions office directly.

Choosing between courses with different combinations

If you are torn between two courses, compare their combinations early. For example, Medicine (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) and Pharmacy share the same combination, so a candidate can switch between them later. Medicine and Computer Science do not, so switching later may not be possible.

Choosing a combination that keeps more doors open can be wise if you are undecided. But make sure it still fits your first-choice course exactly.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Choosing subjects you like instead of subjects your course requires.
• Assuming all universities have the same requirements.
• Ignoring O'level requirements until after the UTME.
• Relying on friends' advice or old information. Requirements change; the official brochure is the authority.
• Letting a CBT centre operator choose for you. You are responsible for your combination, so confirm it on your registration slip before you leave.

Prepare for your combination

Once your combination is confirmed, focus your preparation on those four subjects. Levia covers all the major UTME subjects, each in five levels from Foundations to Mastery, with a plain explanation after every question. You can try Level 1 of any subject free, without an account, to see where you stand.