Choosing the correct JAMB subject combination is one of the most important parts of UTME registration. Your four UTME subjects must match the requirements of the course you want to study.
Use of English is compulsory, while the other three subjects depend on your chosen course. However, requirements can vary between programmes and institutions, so candidates should verify their exact course and university combination using JAMB's official eligibility tools before registration.
## JAMB Subject Combination for Popular Courses
Here are some of the courses Nigerian students commonly search for:
Medicine and Surgery =
English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Nursing Science =
English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Pharmacy =
English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Medical Laboratory Science =
English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Biochemistry =
English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Microbiology =
English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Computer Science =
English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
Software Engineering =
English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
Engineering courses =
English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
Law =
English, Literature in English, Government/History, one other relevant subject
Accounting =
English, Mathematics, Economics, one other relevant subject
Economics =
English, Mathematics, Economics, one other relevant subject
Business Administration =
English, Mathematics, Economics, one other relevant subject
Mass Communication =
English, Literature in English, Government/Economics, one other relevant subject
Political Science =
English, Government, Economics, one other relevant subject
Sociology =
English, Government/Economics, and two relevant Arts or Social Science subjects
Psychology =
English, Biology, Government, and one relevant subject
Public Administration =
English, Government, Economics, Mathematics
Architecture =
English, Mathematics, Physics, and one relevant subject
Quantity Surveying =
English, Mathematics, Physics, and one relevant subject
Geology =
English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
Agricultural Engineering =
English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
Civil Engineering =
English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
Mechanical Engineering =
English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
Electrical/Electronic Engineering =
English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
The combinations above reflect commonly published JAMB requirements, but candidates should still verify the specific programme because some courses have institution-specific variations.
## JAMB Subject Combination for Science Courses
For many science and health-related courses, the core subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Use of English.
Examples include:
Medicine and Surgery
Nursing Science
Pharmacy
Medical Laboratory Science
Anatomy
Physiology
Biochemistry
Microbiology
For computing and many physical-science programmes, Mathematics and Physics are particularly important.
## JAMB Subject Combination for Engineering
Most major engineering programmes require:
Use of English + Mathematics + Physics + Chemistry
This commonly applies to:
Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical/Electronic Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Petroleum Engineering
Computer Engineering
Marine Engineering
Some programmes can have variations, so check the exact course before registering.
## JAMB Subject Combination for Arts and Social Science Courses
Arts and social science courses generally have more variation.
For example:
Law: English, Literature in English, Government/History, plus another relevant subject.
Economics: English, Mathematics, Economics, plus another relevant subject.
Political Science: English, Government, Economics, plus another relevant subject.
Mass Communication: English, Literature in English, plus relevant Arts or Social Science subjects.
The exact combination should be confirmed for your chosen institution and programme.
## Why Your JAMB Subject Combination Matters
Getting a high UTME score does not automatically solve a subject-combination problem.
If your subjects do not satisfy the requirements for your chosen course, you may not meet the eligibility requirements for that programme.
That's why you should decide on your intended course before finalising your UTME subjects.
## How to Check Your Correct Combination
Before registering for JAMB:
1. Decide on your preferred course.
2. Choose your preferred university.
3. Check the course's UTME subject requirements.
4. Confirm the requirements specifically for that university.
5. Register the correct four subjects.
JAMB's official resources, including its eligibility tools and brochure information, should be used for final verification because course requirements can differ between institutions.
## Is English compulsory in JAMB?
Yes. Use of English is compulsory as a UTME subject for candidates.
## Can I change my JAMB subject combination after registration?
Do not assume that you can simply change your subjects later. It is safer to verify your intended course and institution before completing registration.
## What is the JAMB subject combination for Medicine?
The commonly required combination is English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Always confirm the requirement for your chosen university.
## What is the JAMB subject combination for Computer Science?
A commonly required combination is English, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. Specific university requirements should be checked before registration.
## What is the JAMB subject combination for Law?
A commonly used combination is English, Literature in English, Government or History, and another relevant Arts/Social Science subject. Confirm the exact requirement for your university.
