Complete List Of All Approved Jamb Subjects & Subject Combination For Science & Arts Courses: (Updated Guide, 2025/2026)
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) plays a pivotal role in the Nigerian education system, as it determines the standardized subjects students must take to gain admission into tertiary institutions. For the 2025/2026 academic session, JAMB has released its list of approved subjects for Arts and Science candidates. Whether you're an aspiring art scholar or a budding scientist, understanding these subjects and how they align with your chosen course of study is essential.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the complete list of approved JAMB subjects for Arts and Science students and provide insights into how these subjects influence your admission prospects.
What Is JAMB and Why Are Subjects Important?
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) conducts the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), a prerequisite for students seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Nigeria. The subjects you choose for the UTME are directly linked to the requirements of your desired course and institution.
JAMB-approved subjects ensure a uniform standard across all candidates and align with the curriculum of Nigerian secondary schools. This system helps universities and other tertiary institutions assess applicants’ preparedness for higher education.
Complete List of All JAMB Subjects
The 2025/2026 JAMB syllabus includes 23 core subjects. These subjects cater to diverse academic interests and are grouped broadly into two categories: Arts and Sciences.
General JAMB Subject List
Below is the full list of all JAMB-approved subjects for the 2025/2026 session:
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Agriculture
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Arabic
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Art
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Christian Religious Studies (CRS)
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Commerce
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Economics
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French
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Geography
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Government
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Hausa
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History
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Igbo
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Islamic Religious Studies (IRS)
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Literature in English
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Mathematics
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Music
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Physics
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Principles of Accounts
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Use of English (Compulsory for all candidates)
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Yoruba
JAMB Subjects for Science Students
Science students typically aim for courses such as Medicine, Engineering, Pharmacy, and Pure Sciences. To meet the requirements for science courses, students must select subjects from the following list:
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Use of English (Compulsory)
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Mathematics
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Agriculture
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Geography
Recommended Subject Combinations for Science Courses
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Medicine and Surgery
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Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
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Engineering
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Use of English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics
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Pharmacy
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Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
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Computer Science
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Use of English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
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Agriculture
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Use of English, Agriculture, Chemistry, Biology
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Geology
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Use of English, Geography, Physics, Chemistry
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JAMB Subjects for Art Students
Art students often pursue courses such as Law, Theatre Arts, Mass Communication, and International Relations. The subject list for Arts is tailored to align with these fields:
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Use of English (Compulsory)
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Literature in English
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Government
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History
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Economics
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Christian Religious Studies (CRS)
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Islamic Religious Studies (IRS)
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French
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Art
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Music
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Igbo
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Hausa
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Yoruba
Recommended Subject Combinations for Arts Courses
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Law
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Use of English, Literature in English, Government, Economics
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Mass Communication
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Use of English, Literature in English, Economics, Government
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Theatre Arts
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Use of English, Literature in English, CRS/IRS, Government
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International Relations
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Use of English, History, Government, Economics
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Linguistics
Use of English, Literature in English, CRS/IRS, any Nigerian language (Igbo, Hausa, or Yoruba)
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Fine and Applied Arts
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Use of English, Fine Arts, Government, any other Arts subject
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Key Points to Note
1. Use of English is Compulsory for All Candidates
Regardless of your course of study, Use of English is mandatory in the UTME. It assesses your comprehension, grammar, and overall proficiency in English, which is vital for academic success in tertiary institutions.
2. Course-Specific Subject Combinations
Each course requires a specific combination of subjects. Failing to choose the correct combination could jeopardize your chances of admission, even if your JAMB score is high.
3. Cross-Disciplinary Subjects
Some subjects, such as Economics and Mathematics, appear in both Science and Arts combinations, depending on the course requirements.
4. Language Flexibility
For language courses, JAMB offers flexibility with options like Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa. Select a language that aligns with your cultural background or interest.
5. Vocational Subjects
Music, Art, and Agriculture cater to students interested in vocational studies, allowing them to transition seamlessly into professional fields.
How to Choose the Right JAMB Subjects
1. Know Your Desired Course of Study
Before selecting your JAMB subjects, decide on the course you want to study. Research the requirements for that course in your preferred institution to ensure your subject combination aligns with their criteria.
2. Consult JAMB’s Brochure
The JAMB brochure provides detailed information about each course, including subject requirements. Download it from the official JAMB website or obtain a hard copy at a CBT center.
3. Seek Guidance from Teachers and Counselors
If you're unsure about your subject combination, consult your school counselor or a teacher. Their experience can help clarify your options.
4. Focus on Your Strengths
Choose subjects you excel in. While it's essential to meet the course requirements, selecting subjects you're good at will improve your chances of performing well in the UTME.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Combine Arts and Science Subjects?
Yes, you can combine Arts and Science subjects if your desired course permits it. For example, courses like Geography and Regional Planning may require a mix of Science and Arts subjects.
2. What Happens If I Choose the Wrong Subject Combination?
Choosing the wrong subject combination can disqualify you from admission, even if your UTME score is high. Always cross-check your combination with the course requirements in the JAMB brochure.
3. Can I Change My JAMB Subjects After Registration?
Yes, JAMB allows candidates to make corrections to their subject combination after registration, but this is time-sensitive and may attract a fee.
4. Are All Subjects Equal in Weight?
Yes, all subjects are scored equally in JAMB, with each subject having a total of 100 marks.
Conclusion
Selecting the right JAMB subjects for the 2025/2026 academic session is a crucial step toward gaining admission into your dream course and institution. Whether you're a Science or Arts student, understanding the approved subject list and their combinations is essential for success.
Remember, preparation is key! Study diligently, focus on your strengths, and ensure your subject combination aligns with your chosen course. By adhering to these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to achieving your academic goals.
Best of luck in your UTME and future endeavors!