How to combine subjects for your chosen course in 2025/2026 JAMB

Are you wondering, how to combine subjects for your chosen course in 2025/2026 JAMB? The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam is one of the most important exams for students in Nigeria who want to attend university. If you’re planning for your future in school, it’s crucial to choose the right subjects for your JAMB exam. But how do you know which subjects to combine for your chosen course? Don’t worry—this article will guide you through how to pick the best subjects for your dream course in the 2025/2026 JAMB.

Table of Contents

What is JAMB?

Before diving into how to combine your subjects, let’s start with the basics. JAMB stands for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. It’s the exam that Nigerian students take to gain admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Every year, thousands of students sit for this exam to secure a place in higher education.

To do well in JAMB, you need to know the right subjects for the course you want to study. Some courses require specific subjects, while others don’t. Therefore, it’s important to understand the rules before selecting your subjects.

Why is Choosing the Right Subjects Important?

Choosing the right subjects for your course is vital because it affects whether you will be admitted into the university of your choice. If you do not choose subjects that align with your course, you may fail to meet the requirements for your preferred course, which can waste your time and money.

For example, if you want to study Engineering, you must take subjects like Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. If you want to study Law, you must take English, Literature, and other related subjects. Therefore, selecting the right combination of subjects helps you meet the course requirements and increases your chances of passing JAMB.

How to Choose Subjects for Your JAMB Exam

1. Know the Course You Want to Study

The first step in choosing the right subjects for your JAMB exam is knowing the course you want to study. Your course choice will determine the subjects you need to combine. Do not rush to select a course without understanding the subjects required for it.

For instance, if you want to study Medicine, you will need to combine Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English. On the other hand, if you want to study Accounting, your subjects may include Mathematics, Economics, and English. Always ensure the subjects you choose match the course you plan to study.

2. Check JAMB’s Recommended Subject Combinations

JAMB provides a list of subjects that are required for different courses. It is important to check JAMB’s official website or other trusted sources to know the recommended subjects for your course. This will help you avoid mistakes and ensure you are on the right track.

Here are a few examples of subject combinations for some popular courses:

Medicine and Surgery: English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Law: English, Literature, Government, CRK/IRS
Engineering: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
Accounting: English, Mathematics, Economics, and sometimes a social science subject
Education: English, Mathematics, one science subject, and one social science subject

3. Consider Your Strengths and Interests

It’s important to consider your strengths and interests when choosing your JAMB subjects. If you excel in Mathematics, it would be wise to select a course that requires it. If you enjoy reading and writing, a course like Law or English could be a great choice. Choose subjects that you enjoy, as you will be more motivated to study them.

4. Check University Requirements

Different universities may have different subject requirements for the same course. While JAMB provides a general guide, some universities may have their own specific rules. Therefore, it’s important to check the requirements of the university where you want to apply. Visit the university’s website or ask for guidance from your school.

Common Subject Combinations for Popular Courses in JAMB

Here are some common subject combinations for popular courses:

1. Science Courses

If you want to study a science-related course like Medicine, Engineering, or Pharmacy, here are some common combinations:

Medicine: English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Engineering: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
Pharmacy: English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Agriculture: English, Biology, Chemistry, and a social science subject like Economics

2. Social Science Courses

If you want to study courses related to the social sciences, like Accounting, Business Administration, or Political Science, your subjects could include:

Accounting: English, Mathematics, Economics, and one other subject (usually a social science)
Business Administration: English, Mathematics, Economics, and one other subject
Political Science: English, Government, Economics, and one other subject (such as Literature)

3. Arts and Humanities Courses

If your interest lies in subjects like Law, English, or History, these are the common combinations:

Law: English, Literature, Government, and one other subject (e.g., CRS)
English: English, Literature, and two other subjects from the arts
History: English, Government, Literature, and CRS or other important subjects

What to Avoid When Choosing Subjects for JAMB

When selecting subjects for your JAMB exam, it’s important to avoid the following mistakes:

Choosing Too Many Similar Subjects: Avoid taking subjects that are too similar. For example, if you take both Geography and Economics, you might struggle to manage the workload.
Not Following Requirements: Always follow the JAMB guidelines and your university’s specific requirements. Choosing the wrong subjects can hurt your chances of admission.
Choosing Subjects You Don’t Like: If you are not interested in a subject, it will be difficult to do well in it. Always select subjects that you find interesting and that match your strengths.
Ignoring the Requirements of Your Dream University: Just because a subject combination is suitable for JAMB does not mean it is accepted by all universities. Be sure to check with your chosen university.

Conclusion

Choosing the right subjects for your JAMB exam in 2025/2026 is crucial for your success. Be sure to select subjects that align with the course you want to study, follow JAMB’s recommendations, and consider your strengths and interests. With the right subject combination, you will be on your way to achieving your dream of gaining admission to university. Good luck with your JAMB preparation!