Choosing the correct JAMB Subject Combination for All Courses is one of the most important steps in securing admission into any Nigerian university, polytechnic, or college of education.

Every year, thousands of candidates lose their admission opportunities; not because they scored low in UTME, but because they selected the wrong combination of subjects or failed to meet the required O'Level or Direct Entry requirements.

Whether you intend to study Engineering, Medicine, Law, Social Sciences, Education, Agriculture, Arts, or Management Sciences, every course has a specific subject combination approved by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Selecting subjects that do not align with your preferred course may lead to disqualification during the admission screening process, even if your UTME score exceeds the required cut off mark.

Direct Entry (DE) applicants also need to understand the qualifications expected by universities. Depending on the institution and course, candidates may need passes in National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), JUPEB, IJMB, or A-Level in relevant subjects. Meeting the Direct Entry requirements is just as important as having the correct UTME subject combination.

Apart from UTME subjects, universities also consider O'Level results obtained from WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB. Most programmes require at least five credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics, while some courses specify additional compulsory science, arts, or commercial subjects.

Knowing these requirements before registering for JAMB can save candidates from costly mistakes and improve their chances of admission.

We've provided s the approved UTME subject combinations for hundreds of university courses offered across Nigeria. It also highlights the common O'Level requirements and Direct Entry qualifications expected for each programme, making it easier for prospective students to prepare for admission.

What Is JAMB Subject Combination?

A JAMB subject combination refers to the four subjects a candidate registers for during the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Every course has a compulsory combination approved by JAMB and accepted by Nigerian universities.

English Language is compulsory for all candidates, while the remaining three subjects depend on the course of study.

For example:

CourseUTME Subjects
Medicine and SurgeryEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
LawEnglish, Literature in English, Government, CRS/IRS or Economics
AccountingEnglish, Mathematics, Economics, Commerce or Government
Computer ScienceEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry

What Is Direct Entry (DE)?

Direct Entry allows qualified candidates to gain admission into 200 Level without writing the regular UTME.

Eligible qualifications include:

  • National Diploma (ND)
  • Higher National Diploma (HND)
  • Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE)
  • IJMB
  • JUPEB
  • Cambridge A-Level
  • GCE Advanced Level
  • Recognized professional qualifications

Universities determine the acceptable qualifications for each course.

JAMB UTME/DE Subject Combination for All Courses (A to D)

CourseUTME Subject CombinationTypical Direct Entry Requirement
AccountingEnglish, Mathematics, Economics, Government/CommerceND, HND, A-Level, NCE in relevant discipline
Actuarial ScienceEnglish, Mathematics, Economics, PhysicsND or A-Level in Mathematics-related field
Agricultural EconomicsEnglish, Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science, MathematicsND/NCE in Agriculture
Agricultural EngineeringEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, ChemistryND/HND in Agricultural or Mechanical Engineering
Agricultural ScienceEnglish, Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science, PhysicsND/NCE in Agriculture
Agricultural Science EducationEnglish, Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science, MathematicsNCE in Agricultural Education
AnatomyEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, PhysicsA-Level or ND in Biological Sciences
Animal ProductionEnglish, Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science, PhysicsND/NCE in Agriculture
Animal ScienceEnglish, Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science, PhysicsND/NCE in Animal Science
ArchitectureEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, ChemistryND/HND in Architecture or Building
Automobile EngineeringEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, ChemistryND/HND in Mechanical or Automobile Engineering
Banking and FinanceEnglish, Mathematics, Economics, Government/CommerceND/NCE in Finance or Business
BiologyEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, Physics/MathematicsA-Level or ND in Biological Sciences
Biomedical EngineeringEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, ChemistryND/HND in Engineering
BiotechnologyEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, PhysicsA-Level or ND in Biological Sciences
BotanyEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, PhysicsND or A-Level in Biological Sciences
BuildingEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, ChemistryND/HND in Building Technology
Building TechnologyEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, ChemistryND in Building Technology
Business EducationEnglish, Mathematics, Economics, Any Social Science SubjectNCE in Business Education
Cell Biology and GeneticsEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, PhysicsA-Level or ND in Biological Sciences
Chemical EngineeringEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, ChemistryND/HND in Chemical Engineering
ChemistryEnglish, Chemistry, Physics, MathematicsA-Level in Chemistry
Civil LawEnglish, Literature in English, Government, CRS/IRS or EconomicsA-Level or Diploma in Law
Communication ArtsEnglish, Literature in English, Government, Any Arts or Social Science SubjectND/NCE in Communication or related field
Computer EducationEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, ChemistryNCE in Computer Education
Computer ScienceEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, ChemistryND/HND in Computer Science
Cooperative and Rural DevelopmentEnglish, Mathematics, Economics, Agricultural ScienceND in Cooperative Studies
Counsellor EducationEnglish, Any Three Arts or Social Science SubjectsNCE in Guidance and Counselling
Creative ArtsEnglish, Literature in English, Fine Arts, Any Arts SubjectND/NCE in Fine Arts
CriminologyEnglish, Government, Economics, Literature/CRSND in Criminology or related discipline
Crop ScienceEnglish, Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science, PhysicsND/NCE in Agriculture
Curriculum StudiesEnglish, Three relevant Arts or Science subjects depending on specialisationNCE in Education
Cyber Security ScienceEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, ChemistryND in Computer Science or IT

JAMB UTME/DE Subject Combination for All Courses (D to H)

CourseJAMB UTME Subject CombinationTypical Direct Entry (DE) Requirement
Demography and Social StatisticsEnglish, Mathematics, Economics, Geography/GovernmentND, HND or A-Level in Statistics, Demography, Economics or related discipline
DentistryEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, PhysicsA-Level passes in Biology, Chemistry and Physics or ND/HND in related Medical Sciences
Dentistry and Dental TechnologyEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, PhysicsA-Level, ND or HND in Dental Technology or related field
EconomicsEnglish, Mathematics, Economics, Government/CommerceND, HND, NCE or A-Level in Economics or related discipline
Early Childhood EducationEnglish, Any three Arts or Social Science subjectsNCE in Early Childhood Education or related Education programme
Education and AccountingEnglish, Mathematics, Economics, Government/CommerceNCE or ND in Accounting or Business Education
Education and BiologyEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, Any other Science subjectNCE in Biology Education or related Science Education
Education and ChemistryEnglish, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics/BiologyNCE in Chemistry Education
Education and EconomicsEnglish, Mathematics, Economics, GovernmentNCE in Economics Education
Education and English LanguageEnglish, Literature in English, Government, CRS/IRSNCE in English Education
Education FoundationEnglish, Any three Arts or Social Science subjectsNCE in Education
Education and FrenchEnglish, French, Literature in English, GovernmentNCE in French Education
Education and GeographyEnglish, Geography, Any two Social Science or Science subjectsNCE in Geography Education
Education and HistoryEnglish, History/Government, Literature, CRSNCE in History Education
Education and Integrated ScienceEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, Physics/MathematicsNCE in Integrated Science
Education and Islamic StudiesEnglish, Islamic Studies, Arabic/Government, LiteratureNCE in Islamic Studies
Education and MathematicsEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry/EconomicsNCE in Mathematics Education
Education and MusicEnglish, Music, Literature in English, CRS/GovernmentNCE in Music Education
Education and PhysicsEnglish, Physics, Mathematics, ChemistryNCE in Physics Education
Education and Political ScienceEnglish, Government, Economics, LiteratureNCE in Political Science Education
Education and Social StudiesEnglish, Government, Economics, CRSNCE in Social Studies
Education and YorubaEnglish, Yoruba, Literature in English, CRSNCE in Yoruba Education
Education & Introductory TechnologyEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, ChemistryNCE in Technical Education
Educational AdministrationEnglish, Any three Arts or Social Science subjectsNCE in Educational Administration or related Education programme
Educational ManagementEnglish, Any three Arts or Social Science subjectsNCE in Educational Management
Educational Management and PlanningEnglish, Any three Arts or Social Science subjectsNCE or ND in Education
Electrical EngineeringEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, ChemistryND/HND in Electrical Engineering
English LanguageEnglish, Literature in English, Government, CRS/IRSA-Level or NCE in English Language
EntrepreneurshipEnglish, Mathematics, Economics, Government/CommerceND/HND in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship or related programme
Environmental EducationEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, GeographyNCE in Environmental Education
Environmental ScienceEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, ChemistryND/HND in Environmental Science
Environmental StudiesEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, ChemistryND/HND in Environmental Studies
Estate ManagementEnglish, Mathematics, Economics, PhysicsND/HND in Estate Management
Family, Nutrition and Consumer SciencesEnglish, Chemistry, Biology, Agricultural Science/Home EconomicsND or NCE in Home Economics or Nutrition
Fine and Applied ArtsEnglish, Fine Arts, Literature in English, Any Arts or Social Science subjectND/HND in Fine Arts
Fine ArtsEnglish, Fine Arts, Literature in English, Any Arts subjectND/HND in Fine Arts
Fisheries and AquacultureEnglish, Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science, PhysicsND/NCE in Fisheries
Food Science and TechnologyEnglish, Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science, Mathematics/PhysicsND/HND in Food Technology
Forestry and Wildlife ManagementEnglish, Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science, PhysicsND in Forestry or Wildlife Management
Gas EngineeringEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, ChemistryND/HND in Engineering
GeographyEnglish, Geography, Mathematics, Any Science or Social Science subjectA-Level or ND in Geography
GeologyEnglish, Chemistry, Physics, MathematicsND or A-Level in Geology or Earth Sciences
GeophysicsEnglish, Physics, Chemistry, MathematicsND/HND or A-Level in Physical Sciences
Health and Safety EducationEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, PhysicsNCE in Health Education
Health EducationEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, Any other Science subjectNCE in Health Education
History and International StudiesEnglish, Government, History, Literature in EnglishA-Level or ND in History or International Studies
Home Economics and EducationEnglish, Chemistry, Biology, Home Economics/Agricultural ScienceNCE in Home Economics
Hospitality and Tourism ManagementEnglish, Economics, Geography, GovernmentND/HND in Hospitality Management
Hotel Management and TechnologyEnglish, Economics, Geography, GovernmentND/HND in Hotel Management
Human KineticsEnglish, Biology, Any two Science or Social Science subjectsNCE in Physical and Health Education
Human Kinetics and Health EducationEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, Any Science or Social Science subjectNCE in Physical and Health Education
Human Nutrition and DieteticsEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, PhysicsND/HND in Nutrition, Dietetics or related Health Sciences
Human Resource ManagementEnglish, Mathematics, Economics, GovernmentND/HND in Human Resource Management or Business Administration

JAMB UTME/DE Subject Combination for All Courses (I to M)

CourseJAMB UTME Subject CombinationTypical Direct Entry (DE) Requirement
Industrial ChemistryEnglish, Chemistry, Physics, MathematicsA-Level passes in Chemistry and Mathematics or ND/HND in Industrial Chemistry, Chemistry, or related Science programme
Industrial Mathematics and StatisticsEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry/EconomicsND/HND or A-Level in Mathematics, Statistics, or related discipline
Industrial Relations and Personnel ManagementEnglish, Mathematics, Economics, GovernmentND/HND in Industrial Relations, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field
Information TechnologyEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, ChemistryND/HND in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related programme
Insurance and Risk ManagementEnglish, Mathematics, Economics, Government/CommerceND/HND in Insurance, Actuarial Science, Banking and Finance, or Business Administration
International Law and JurisprudenceEnglish, Literature in English, Government, CRS/IRSA-Level or Diploma in Law or related discipline
International Studies and DiplomacyEnglish, Government, Literature in English, EconomicsND/HND or A-Level in International Relations, Political Science, or related field
Land Surveying and GeoinformaticsEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, ChemistryND/HND in Surveying, Geoinformatics, or related Engineering programme
Library ScienceEnglish, Literature in English, Any two Arts or Social Science subjectsNCE, ND, or HND in Library and Information Science
LinguisticsEnglish, Literature in English, CRS/IRS, Any Nigerian Language, French, or GovernmentA-Level, ND, or NCE in Linguistics, Languages, or related Arts programme
Local Government AdministrationEnglish, Government, Economics, MathematicsND/HND in Public Administration, Local Government Studies, or related discipline
Management Information SystemEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, EconomicsND/HND in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field
Marine EngineeringEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, ChemistryND/HND in Marine, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering
MarketingEnglish, Mathematics, Economics, Government/CommerceND/HND in Marketing, Business Administration, or related programme
Mass CommunicationEnglish, Literature in English, Government, Economics/CRSND/HND or A-Level in Mass Communication, Journalism, or related discipline
MathematicsEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry/EconomicsA-Level or ND in Mathematics or related Science programme
Mechanical and Production EngineeringEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, ChemistryND/HND in Mechanical Engineering or related Engineering discipline
Mechanical EngineeringEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, ChemistryND/HND in Mechanical Engineering
Media and Communication StudiesEnglish, Literature in English, Government, EconomicsND/HND in Mass Communication, Journalism, or related discipline
Mechatronics EngineeringEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, ChemistryND/HND in Mechatronics, Mechanical, Electrical, or related Engineering programme
Medical BiochemistryEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, PhysicsA-Level or ND/HND in Biochemistry, Medical Laboratory Science, or related Health Science
Medical Laboratory ScienceEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, PhysicsA-Level or ND/HND in Medical Laboratory Technology or related Health Science
Medicine and SurgeryEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, PhysicsA-Level passes in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or a relevant ND/HND accepted by the institution
Metallurgical EngineeringEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, ChemistryND/HND in Metallurgical, Mechanical, or Materials Engineering
MicrobiologyEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, PhysicsA-Level or ND/HND in Microbiology, Biological Sciences, or related programme

JAMB UTME/DE Subject Combination for All Courses (N to R)

CourseJAMB UTME Subject CombinationTypical Direct Entry (DE) Requirement
Nursing ScienceEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, PhysicsA-Level passes in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or ND/HND in Nursing or related Health Science (subject to university requirements)
Peace and Conflict ResolutionEnglish, Government, Economics, Literature in EnglishND, HND, NCE, or A-Level in Peace Studies, Political Science, or related discipline
Peace Studies and Conflict ResolutionEnglish, Government, Economics, Literature in EnglishND, HND, NCE, or A-Level in Peace Studies, International Relations, or related field
Petroleum and Petrochemical SciencesEnglish, Chemistry, Physics, MathematicsND/HND or A-Level in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related Science discipline
Petroleum EngineeringEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, ChemistryND/HND in Petroleum, Mechanical, Chemical, or related Engineering programme
PharmacyEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, PhysicsA-Level passes in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or ND/HND in Pharmacy Technician or related Health Science accepted by the institution
PhilosophyEnglish, Government, CRS/IRS, Literature in EnglishA-Level, ND, or NCE in Philosophy, Religious Studies, or related Arts discipline
Physical and Health EducationEnglish, Biology, Any two Science or Social Science subjectsNCE in Physical and Health Education or related Education programme
PhysicsEnglish, Physics, Mathematics, ChemistryA-Level or ND/HND in Physics or related Physical Sciences
PhysiologyEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, PhysicsA-Level or ND/HND in Biological Sciences or related Health Science
PhysiotherapyEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, PhysicsA-Level or ND/HND in Physiotherapy, Anatomy, or related Medical Science (where accepted)
Plant ScienceEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Agricultural ScienceND/HND or A-Level in Plant Science, Botany, or Agricultural Science
Political ScienceEnglish, Government, Economics, Literature in EnglishND, HND, NCE, or A-Level in Political Science or related Social Science discipline
Private LawEnglish, Literature in English, Government, CRS/IRSA-Level, Diploma in Law, or related qualification accepted by the institution
Project ManagementEnglish, Mathematics, Economics, PhysicsND/HND in Project Management, Business Administration, or related field
PsychologyEnglish, Biology, Government, Any Social Science or Science subjectND, HND, NCE, or A-Level in Psychology, Social Work, or related discipline
Psychology EducationEnglish, Biology, Any two Arts, Science, or Social Science subjects relevant to EducationNCE in Psychology Education or related Education programme
Public AdministrationEnglish, Government, Economics, MathematicsND/HND in Public Administration, Local Government Administration, or related discipline
Public and Community HealthEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, PhysicsND/HND in Community Health, Public Health, or related Health Science
Public and International LawEnglish, Literature in English, Government, CRS/IRSA-Level or Diploma in Law or related Legal Studies
Public Health TechnologyEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, PhysicsND/HND in Public Health Technology, Environmental Health, or related Health Science
Quantity SurveyingEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, ChemistryND/HND in Quantity Surveying, Building Technology, or Civil Engineering
RadiographyEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, PhysicsA-Level or ND/HND in Radiography or Medical Imaging Sciences
RadiologyEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, PhysicsRadiology is generally studied as a postgraduate medical specialty. Where listed as an undergraduate programme by an institution, the usual UTME combination is English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. DE requirements vary by institution.
Religious StudiesEnglish, CRS/IRS, Literature in English, GovernmentA-Level, NCE, or ND in Religious Studies or related discipline

JAMB UTME/DE Subject Combination for All Courses (S to Z)

CourseJAMB UTME Subject CombinationTypical Direct Entry (DE) Requirement
Science EducationEnglish, Relevant teaching subject(s) depending on specialisation (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics)NCE in Science Education or relevant teaching subject
Secretarial Administration and EducationEnglish, Mathematics, Economics, Government/CommerceNCE or ND in Secretarial Administration or Business Education
Secretarial EducationEnglish, Mathematics, Economics, Government/CommerceNCE in Secretarial Education or related Business Education programme
Sharia/Islamic LawEnglish, Islamic Studies, Literature in English, Government/ArabicA-Level or Diploma in Islamic Law or related discipline
Social WorkEnglish, Government, Economics, CRS/IRSND, HND, NCE, or A-Level in Social Work, Sociology, or related Social Science
Sociology and AnthropologyEnglish, Government, Economics, CRS/IRSND, HND, NCE, or A-Level in Sociology, Anthropology, or related Social Science
Soil ScienceEnglish, Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science, PhysicsND/HND or A-Level in Agricultural Science or Soil Science
Software EngineeringEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, ChemistryND/HND in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Information Technology
Special EducationEnglish, Any three Arts, Science, or Social Science subjects relevant to the chosen specializationNCE in Special Education
StatisticsEnglish, Mathematics, Physics, Economics/ChemistryA-Level or ND in Statistics, Mathematics, or related programme
TaxationEnglish, Mathematics, Economics, Government/CommerceND/HND in Taxation, Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration
Theatre ArtsEnglish, Literature in English, Government, Any Arts subjectA-Level, ND, or NCE in Theatre Arts or Performing Arts
Tourism StudiesEnglish, Geography, Economics, GovernmentND/HND in Tourism, Hospitality, or related discipline
Transport ManagementEnglish, Mathematics, Economics, GeographyND/HND in Transport Management, Logistics, or related programme
Urban and Regional PlanningEnglish, Mathematics, Geography, PhysicsND/HND in Urban and Regional Planning, Architecture, or related field
Vocational and Technical EducationEnglish, Mathematics, Physics/Chemistry, Any relevant vocational subjectNCE in Technical Education
Vocational EducationEnglish, Any three subjects relevant to the area of specialisationNCE in Vocational Education
ZoologyEnglish, Biology, Chemistry, PhysicsA-Level or ND/HND in Zoology, Biological Sciences, or related discipline

How to Select the Correct JAMB Subject Combination

Choosing the right UTME subjects is an important step in the admission process. The following can help you avoid errors that may affect your eligibility.

1. Decide on Your Preferred Course

Start by choosing the programme you intend to study. Your course determines which UTME subjects you are expected to register for.

2. Confirm the Approved UTME Subjects

Before completing your registration, check the latest JAMB brochure or your preferred university's admission requirements to ensure you have selected the correct subject combination. Avoid relying on outdated information.

3. Review Your O'Level Qualifications

Confirm that you have the required five credit passes in the relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics where necessary. Some universities may also specify the maximum number of sittings they accept.

4. Verify Direct Entry Eligibility

Candidates applying through Direct Entry should ensure their ND, HND, NCE, IJMB, JUPEB, or A-Level qualification satisfies the admission requirements of their chosen course and institution.

5. Check Your Preferred University's Admission Policy

While JAMB provides the standard UTME subject combinations, individual universities may have additional requirements. Always review your chosen institution's admission guidelines before submitting your application.