Updated on 6 November 2026 · How we verify
Quick answer: Every UTME candidate sits four subjects: Use of English plus three chosen for the course. Science courses need Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Mathematics; Engineering needs Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry; Law needs Literature in English, Government/CRS/IRS and one more Arts/Social Science subject; Management courses need Mathematics, Economics and one other. Confirm your exact course in the JAMB brochure (IBASS) before registering.
Last updated: November 2026 · Academic session: 2026/2027 · UTME year: 2026
Subject combinations by course
| Course | UTME subjects |
|---|---|
| Medicine & Surgery, Dentistry, Nursing (BNSc), Pharmacy, MLS, Physiotherapy | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Engineering (all branches), Architecture, Building, Surveying | English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Computer Science | English, Mathematics, Physics + one of Biology/Chemistry/Agric/Economics/Geography |
| Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biology, Botany, Zoology | English, Biology, Chemistry + Physics/Mathematics |
| Agriculture | English, Chemistry, Biology/Agric + Mathematics/Physics |
| Accounting, Banking & Finance, Business Admin., Economics, Marketing | English, Mathematics, Economics + one of Commerce/Government/Accounting/Geography |
| Law | English, Literature in English, Government or CRS/IRS + one Arts/Social Science |
| Mass Communication | English, Literature in English + two of Government, Economics, CRS/IRS, History |
| Political Science, International Relations, Sociology | English, Government + two Social Science/Arts subjects |
| Psychology | English, Biology + two of Government, Economics, Mathematics, CRS |
| English & Literary Studies, Linguistics | English, Literature in English + two Arts/Social Science |
| Education courses | English + the teaching subject(s) + one or two others |
| Nursing (ND/HND at colleges of nursing sciences) | Use of English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics |
| ND programmes (polytechnics) | English + three subjects relevant to the ND (see polytechnic brochure section) |
Rules that trip candidates
- Use of English is compulsory for everyone and includes the reading text.
- Literature in English is not a substitute for Use of English.
- Some universities accept alternatives (e.g. Agricultural Science for Biology) — the brochure lists them per institution.
- Your O’Level must also carry the required subjects at credit level; UTME subjects alone are not enough.
Check requirements for your target school
- FUTO Admission Requirements 2026/2027
- NDA Admission Requirements 2026/2027
- UNICAL Admission Requirements 2026/2027
- UNILAG Admission Requirements 2026/2027
- UNIPORT Admission Requirements 2026/2027
- UNIUYO Admission Requirements 2026/2027
- DELSU Admission Requirements 2026/2027
- OOU Admission Requirements 2026/2027
- BU Admission Requirements 2026/2027
- BUK Admission Requirements 2026/2027
- FUOYE Admission Requirements 2026/2027
- UNIBEN Admission Requirements 2026/2027
- UI Admission Requirements 2026/2027
- UNILORIN Admission Requirements 2026/2027
Related JAMB guides
- JAMB Brochure 2027: How to Check Course Requirements on IBASS Before You Register
- JAMB Registration 2027: Expected Dates, Fee, Requirements & Step-by-Step Guide
- JAMB Syllabus 2027 for All Subjects: Topics to Read & How to Use It
- JAMB Cut-Off Marks 2026/2027: Universities, Polytechnics, Nursing Colleges & Colleges of Education
Frequently asked questions
What are the four JAMB subjects for Medicine?
Use of English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Can I write JAMB without Mathematics?
Yes for Arts and Law courses; most Science, Engineering, Management and Social Science courses require it.
Which JAMB subjects are needed for Nursing?
Use of English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Can I change my JAMB subjects after registration?
No. Subjects cannot be changed; only institution and course can.
Spotted a change JAMB has announced that is not reflected here? Drop a comment — this guide is reviewed after every JAMB announcement.