If you want to study Medicine and Surgery in Nigerian universities, choosing the correct JAMB UTME subject combination for Medicine and Surgery is one of the most important steps in your admission journey. Medicine and Surgery are extremely competitive, and even a high score won’t help if you pick the wrong subjects during UTME registration. This article explains exactly what subjects you need, why they matter, and other requirements you must meet.
What Is JAMB Subject Combination?
The JAMB subject combination refers to the four subjects you must select and write in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to be eligible for admission into your desired course. For Medicine and Surgery, this combination is fixed and must be correctly selected to avoid losing admission eligibility.
Correct JAMB Subject Combination for Medicine and Surgery
To study Medicine and Surgery (MBBS/MB.ChB) in any Nigerian university for the 2026/2027 academic session, you must register and write these UTME subjects:
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English Language — compulsory for all courses
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics
Selecting and writing these four subjects in your UTME is mandatory. If you choose a different subject like Mathematics or Economics instead of any of the above, you will be ineligible to study Medicine and Surgery, regardless of your score.
Why These Subjects Matter
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English Language: Needed for communication, comprehension, and interpretation skills — essential for medical training and future doctor-patient interactions.
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Biology: Forms the core foundation in human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and life sciences studied throughout medical school.
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Chemistry: Crucial for understanding organic chemistry, biochemistry, metabolic pathways, and pharmacology.
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Physics: Required for medical technologies, biomechanics, optics, and understanding radiation in diagnostic imaging.
These subjects together ensure that candidates have the necessary scientific grounding for rigorous medical education.
O’Level (SSCE) Requirements
In addition to the UTME subject combination, you must also meet O’Level requirements:
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At least five (5) credit passes in WAEC, NECO, or equivalent
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Must include:
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics
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While the UTME subject combination does not require Mathematics as one of the four UTME subjects, you must have a credit in Mathematics at O’Level for most medical schools.
Top institutions often prefer all five credits in a single sitting, so plan your exam strategy accordingly.
JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Medicine and Surgery
Direct Entry Requirements (Alternative Access)
If you are applying via Direct Entry (DE) instead of UTME, you must have advanced qualifications beyond O’Level, such as:
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A-Level passes in Biology, Chemistry, and one of Physics or Zoology
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IJMB or JUPEB with strong passes in relevant science subjects
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A relevant ND or HND with credit passes in core science courses
Direct Entry allows entry into the 200 level but still requires you to satisfy the O-Level and subject prerequisites.
How to Avoid Subject Combination Mistakes
Many applicants lose admission opportunities not because of low scores, but simply because they registered incorrect subject combinations. To avoid this:
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Confirm your subject choices before submitting your UTME registration.
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Ensure you select English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics — no substitutions.
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Remember that selecting subjects not listed above disqualifies you for Medicine and Surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the correct JAMB subject combination for Medicine and Surgery?
The approved subjects are English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Q2. Can I include Mathematics instead of Biology?
No. Mathematics is not part of the UTME subject combination for Medicine and Surgery, and replacing Biology will make you ineligible.
Q3. Do I need Mathematics at O’Level?
Yes. You must have a credit in Mathematics at O’Level for most universities’ admission requirements.
Q4. Is it possible to switch to Medicine later after admission in another course?
This depends on the university’s policy and requires meeting admission criteria for Medicine, including subject combination and scores. Always check with your school.
Q5. What happens if I choose the wrong subjects in JAMB?
Incorrect subject choices automatically disqualify you from studying Medicine and Surgery, even if your UTME score is high.
Conclusion
Selecting the correct JAMB subject combination for Medicine and Surgery is essential for eligibility into medical programs in Nigeria. You must register and write English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in the UTME and also meet strong O’Level requirements. Candidates who choose the wrong subjects risk automatic disqualification regardless of their scores. Double-check your UTME subject choices before final submission and prepare strategically to strengthen your admission chances.
If you have questions to ask about JAMB subject combinations for Medicine and Surgery, please drop them in the comment section. Our team will respond to you immediately.