Every year, thousands of candidates lose their chance of admission not because they scored low in JAMB, but because they selected the wrong subject combination. This is one of the most overlooked mistakes students make during registration, and it often leads to automatic disqualification during admission screening.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) provides official subject combinations for every course in Nigeria, and candidates must strictly follow them. In this detailed guide, we will cover:
- Correct JAMB subject combinations for all courses in 2025
- Differences for Science, Arts, and Social Science courses
- Tips on how to avoid mistakes during registration
- Frequently asked questions about UTME subject selection
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Why Subject Combination Matters in JAMB
Many universities in Nigeria reject candidates who choose the wrong subjects, even if they scored above 300 marks. For example:
- A student applying for Medicine but omits Biology cannot gain admission.
- A Law candidate without Literature-in-English is automatically disqualified.
Choosing the right subjects is the foundation of admission success.
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Reference: JAMB Official Brochure
JAMB Subject Combinations for All Courses 2025
Below are the official subject combinations based on course categories.
JAMB Subject Combination for Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences
- Medicine & Surgery – Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
- Nursing Science – Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
- Pharmacy – Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
- Dentistry – Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
- Medical Laboratory Science – Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
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 Reference: World Health Organization – Health Education
 JAMB Subject Combination for Engineering & Technology
- Civil Engineering – Use of English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry.
- Mechanical Engineering – Use of English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry.
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering – Use of English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry.
- Chemical Engineering – Use of English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry.
- Computer Engineering – Use of English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry.
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Reference: MIT Engineering Admissions
JAMB Subject Combination for Social Sciences
- Economics – Use of English, Mathematics, Economics, Government/Geography.
- Political Science – Use of English, Government, Economics, Literature-in-English.
- Sociology – Use of English, Government, Economics, CRK/IRK.
- Mass Communication – Use of English, Literature-in-English, Government, CRS/IRS.
- Psychology – Use of English, Biology, Economics, Government.
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External Reference: Study.com – Social Science Majors
JAMB Subject Combination for Arts & Humanities
- Law – Use of English, Literature-in-English, Government, CRS/IRS.
- English & Literary Studies – Use of English, Literature-in-English, Government, CRS/IRS.
- History & International Studies – Use of English, History/Government, CRS/IRS, Literature.
- Philosophy – Use of English, Government, Literature, CRS/IRS.
- Theatre Arts – Use of English, Literature-in-English, CRS/IRS, Government.
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 Reference: Harvard Arts & Humanities Programs
JAMB Subject Combination for Agriculture
- Agricultural Science – Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Agriculture/Physics.
- Fisheries & Aquaculture – Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
- Forestry – Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Agriculture.
- Animal Science – Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Agriculture/Physics.
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Reference: FAO – Agricultural Education
JAMB Subject Combination for Environmental & Management Sciences
- Architecture – Use of English, Physics, Mathematics, Geography.
- Estate Management – Use of English, Mathematics, Economics, Geography.
- Urban & Regional Planning – Use of English, Mathematics, Geography, Economics.
- Business Administration – Use of English, Mathematics, Economics, Government.
- Public Administration – Use of English, Government, Economics, CRS/IRS.
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 Reference: Stanford Business Programs
Tips to Avoid Mistakes in JAMB Subject Selection
- Always cross-check with the official JAMB brochure.
- Consult your intended university’s admission requirements.
- Never assume — subjects vary by course and institution.
- Ask for guidance from teachers or admission consultants.
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Final Thoughts
Selecting the right JAMB subject combination for 2025 is one of the most important steps in securing admission. Many candidates make mistakes here and end up losing admission opportunities. By carefully following this guide, you can choose the correct subjects, boost your admission chances, and avoid disqualification.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on JAMB
Subject Combination for All Courses 2025
1. What is a JAMB subject combination?
A JAMB subject combination refers to the set of four subjects (including English, which is compulsory) that candidates must register for in the UTME based on their chosen course of study. Selecting the wrong combination can automatically disqualify you from gaining admission.
2. How many subjects are compulsory for JAMB?
Every candidate must register for four subjects. English Language is compulsory for all, while the other three depend on your intended course of study.
3. What happens if I choose the wrong JAMB subject combination?
If you choose the wrong subject combination, most universities will not consider you for admission, even if you score very high. That is why it’s important to follow the official JAMB brochure before making your choice.
4. Is Mathematics compulsory for all JAMB candidates?
No, Mathematics is not compulsory for all courses. It is mandatory for science, engineering, and some management courses like Accounting and Economics. However, it is not required for law, political science, or other arts-related programs.
5. Which subject combination is required for Medicine and Surgery?
The JAMB subject combination for Medicine and Surgery is:
- English Language
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
6. What is the JAMB subject combination for Law?
To study Law, you need:
- English Language
- Literature-in-English
- Government or CRS/IRS
- Any other Arts or Social Science subject
7. Can I use Commerce instead of Economics in JAMB?
Yes, in some courses, Commerce can substitute for Economics, but it depends on the university. Always check the latest JAMB brochure to be certain.
8. Which subject combination is best for Mass Communication?
For Mass Communication, the JAMB subject combination is:
- English Language
- Literature-in-English
- Government
- Any other Social Science subject (Economics or CRS/IRS is acceptable).
9. Can I combine Art and Science subjects in JAMB?
Generally, no. JAMB subject combinations must align with your course. For example, you cannot combine Physics, Chemistry, Literature, and CRS. Stick to either Science + English or Arts/Social Sciences + English depending on your program.
10. What is the JAMB subject combination for Engineering courses?
For Engineering programs, the required subjects are:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
11. How do I confirm the correct subject combination for my course?
You should always cross-check with the JAMB brochure (available on the official JAMB portal) or visit your university’s admission page. Choosing wrongly can cost you admission for the year.
12. What is the JAMB subject combination for Business Administration?
Business Administration requires:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Any other Social Science subject (Commerce or Government).
13. Is Literature compulsory for Political Science?
No, Literature is not compulsory for Political Science. The required JAMB subjects are:
- English Language
- Government
- Economics
- Any other Social Science subject.
14. What is the JAMB subject combination for Nursing?
The correct subject combination for Nursing Science is:
- English Language
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
15. Can I study Computer Science without Physics in JAMB?
No, Physics is compulsory for Computer Science alongside:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Chemistry