Must I write Use of English even if my course is in science?

Yes. Use of English is compulsory for every UTME candidate, regardless of course.

Can I write more than four subjects to be safe?

No. UTME is four subjects: English plus three. The safety comes from choosing the right three, not from writing extra papers.

My school offers a subject my course doesn't list. Should I still write it?

Only if the brochure for your course and institution allows it as an option. Otherwise you are spending a paper on a subject that does not count for that course.

What if two institutions require different combinations for the same course?

Choose the combination that satisfies the stricter institution, or the institution you most want. If no single combination satisfies both, you have to prioritise one — and that is exactly why the brochure check comes before registration.

Does my O'Level subject list have to match my UTME subjects?

Largely, yes. Admission screening checks both. A UTME subject you did not pass at O'Level, or an O'Level gap in a core course subject, can both cause problems at screening.

JAMB Subject Combination Guide For All Major Courses

Every UTME candidate writes four subjects: Use of English, which is compulsory for everyone, plus three subjects for your course. Get the three wrong, and a high score may still not get you admitted to that course.

This guide gives you the combinations most commonly required for the major courses across Nigerian universities. Always verify your specific institution’s requirements in the official JAMB brochure before final CBT registration.

Science and Medical Courses

Course	Compulsory Subjects (Use of English +)
Medicine and Surgery (MBBS)	Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Nursing Science	Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Pharmacy	Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Medical Laboratory Science	Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Biochemistry / Microbiology	Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Anatomy / Physiology / Physiotherapy	Biology, Chemistry, Physics

The medical science combination is non-negotiable: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Substituting any of these subjects disqualifies candidates at all federal and state universities.

JAMB Subject Combination Guide for All Major Courses process graphic

Engineering and Technology Courses

Course	Compulsory Subjects (Use of English +)
Civil / Mechanical / Electrical / Chemical Engineering	Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
Computer Engineering	Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
Computer Science / IT	Mathematics, Physics, and one of Chemistry, Biology, Economics
Architecture	Mathematics, Physics, and one of Chemistry, Geography, Technical Drawing
Geology	Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (or Geography at select institutions)

Arts, Humanities and Law

Course	Compulsory Subjects (Use of English +)
Law	Literature in English, Government, and one of CRS / IRS / Economics
Mass Communication	Literature in English, and two of Government, Economics, History, CRS/IRS
English and Literary Studies	Literature in English, and two other Arts subjects
Theatre Arts	Literature in English, and two Arts subjects
History and International Studies	History or Government, and two Arts / Social Science subjects

For Law and Mass Communication, Literature in English is strictly mandatory. UTME candidates who substitute Literature with another subject cannot be processed for Faculty of Law admission on JAMB CAPS.

Commercial, Management and Social Sciences

Course	Compulsory Subjects (Use of English +)
Accounting	Mathematics, Economics, and one of Commerce, Government, Financial Accounting
Banking and Finance	Mathematics, Economics, and one of Commerce, Government
Business Administration	Mathematics, Economics, and one Social Science subject
Economics	Mathematics, Economics, and one of Government, Geography, Commerce
Political Science	Government, and two Arts or Social Science subjects
Sociology	Two Social Science subjects and one Arts subject

What to Do if You Registered Wrong Subjects

If your registration slip already contains an invalid subject combination for your chosen course, you have two options before admission lists are processed:

Change your course on JAMB portal: Switch to an alternative course where your registered four subjects are valid.
Verify institution-specific exemptions: Check the official JAMB e-brochure to identify accredited universities that accept your specific combination.

Related Guides & Next Steps

Editorial Authority & Research

Written by Olaitan Ilori

Olaitan Ilori is the founder and lead researcher at CareerMedal. He provides verified, practical guides on Nigerian tertiary admissions (JAMB, CAPS, Post-UTME), NELFUND student finance, NYSC service-year survival, and early-career job placement.

View all guides by Olaitan Ilori →