JAMB Subject Combination for Medicine and Surgery 2026 (Updated Guide)

JAMB Subject Combination for Medicine and Surgery 2026 (Updated Guide)

Let’s be honest for a second. Getting admission to study Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria is not child’s play. It is arguably the most competitive course in the country. Whether you are aiming for UNILAG, UI, OAU, or ABU, the struggle is real.

Every year, I see brilliant students score 280+ yet get denied admission. Why? Sometimes it’s not because they aren’t smart. It’s because they made a silly mistake in their JAMB subject combination for Medicine in 2026. They picked Agricultural Science instead of Physics, or they messed up their O’Level requirements.

Don’t let that be you.

In this guide, I’m going to break down exactly what you need to register for, why these subjects matter, and how to avoid the common mistakes that send students back home to rewrite JAMB the following year.

What is the Subject Combination?

The Quick Answer: To study Medicine and Surgery in any Nigerian University, you must register for English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in your UTME. There are no alternatives. You cannot substitute Physics for Mathematics or Agriculture.

The “Big Four”: Breaking Down Your Subjects

You might be wondering, “Why these specific subjects?” or “Why do I need Physics when I’m dealing with human bodies, not machines?”

Valid questions. But JAMB and the Nigerian University Commission (NUC) have their reasons. Let’s look at them individually.

1. Use of English (Compulsory)

This one is non-negotiable for every single JAMB candidate, whether Art, Commercial, or Science. But for Medicine? Your command of English needs to be sharp. You will be reading massive textbooks and writing complex reports. If you can’t comprehend the question in the Exam Hall, you can’t answer it.

2. Biology (The Foundation)

This is obvious, right? Medicine is basically advanced Biology. You need to understand cell structures, systems (digestive, respiratory, nervous), and genetics.

• Study Tip: Don’t just cram definitions. Understand the process. If you are reading about the Heart, imagine it as a pump in your own chest. How does the blood flow?

3. Chemistry (The Reactions)

You can’t treat a patient without understanding drugs (Pharmacology) and how the body reacts to them (Biochemistry). That’s all Chemistry.

• Focus Areas: Pay attention to Organic Chemistry. It forms the bulk of what you’ll do in your first year of Med school (100 Level).

4. Physics (The “Weird” One)

Here is where most students get it wrong. Many think, “I’m not an engineer, why Physics?” Think of it this way: The eye is a lens (Optics). Blood flowing through veins is fluid dynamics (Pressure). The nerve impulses in your brain? That’s Electricity. Physics is crucial. If you drop it for Math or Agric in JAMB, your Medicine ambition is over for that year.

Don’t Forget Your O’Level Requirements (WAEC/NECO)

Registering the right subjects in JAMB is only half the battle. Your WAEC or NECO result is the other half.

To study Medicine, you need at least five (5) Credit passes in one sitting. Some state universities might accept two sittings, but if you are aiming for the “big names” like the University of Ibadan or UNILAG, one sitting is your safest bet.

You must have Credits (C6 or better) in:

1. Mathematics

2. English Language

3. Biology

4. Physics

5. Chemistry

Wait, what about Mathematics? Notice the difference here? In JAMB, you don’t write Mathematics for Medicine. But in WAEC, you must have a credit in Mathematics. It’s confusing, I know, but that is the standard rule in the Nigerian curriculum.

Common Misconceptions (Stop Believing These!)

I’ve heard some crazy rumors in tutorial centers. Let’s kill them right now so you don’t fall victim.

• Myth: “I can combine a Science subject with Geography because I’m good at it.”

  • Fact: No. JAMB is strict. The brochure is clear. Stick to the four listed above.

• Myth: “Private Universities don’t require Physics.”

  • Fact: They do. They are regulated by the NUC just like Federal schools. The standard for Medicine is uniform across Nigeria.

• Myth: “If I fail Physics in JAMB but smash Biology, I’ll still get admission.”

  • Fact: Medicine is cut-throat. You need a high aggregate. A low score in Physics will drag your total score down, likely below the departmental cut-off mark.

Real-Life Application: Why This Matters

Let’s step out of the exam hall for a minute. Why does the Nigerian curriculum insist on this rigid combination?

Imagine a doctor who doesn’t understand pressure (Physics). How do they measure blood pressure accurately? Or a doctor who skipped Chemistry trying to prescribe a drug cocktail? It’s dangerous.

These subjects aren’t just hurdles to jump over; they are the toolkit you will use to save lives. When you are studying for JAMB 2026, don’t just study to pass. Study because one day, someone’s life will depend on how well you know these things.

The Exam Corner: Likely Questions & Tips

Let’s look at how JAMB sets questions for these subjects. They love to trick students who cram without understanding.

Sample Chemistry Question Strategy:

• Question: Which of the following creates a “pop” sound when a lighted splint is applied?

• The Trap: You might rush to pick Oxygen.

• The Answer: It’s Hydrogen. Oxygen rekindles a glowing splint. Carbon Dioxide turns lime water milky.

• The Lesson: Read the question to the end. JAMB loves to switch “similar” concepts to catch you off guard.

Sample Biology Question Strategy:

• Question: The organelle responsible for respiration in the cell is…?

• The Answer: Mitochondria.

• How to Remember: “Mighty Mitochondria.” It’s the powerhouse. Analogies like this stick in your brain longer than boring definitions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use Further Mathematics instead of Physics for JAMB? A: No. While Further Maths is great for Engineering, Medicine strictly requires Physics.

Q: Does the JAMB subject combination change for 2026? A: It is highly unlikely. The requirement has remained Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English for decades. Always check the official JAMB IBASS Brochure to be 100% sure, but stick to the standard four.

Q: What is the cut-off mark for Medicine in 2026? A: It depends on the school. Generally, you should aim for 280 and above to be safe. For top schools like UNILORIN or UNIBEN, aiming for 300+ gives you a better chance.

Q: Can I study Medicine with a D7 in Mathematics in WAEC? A: No. You need a Credit (C6 minimum). If you have a D7, you might need to rewrite that subject in GCE or NECO.

A Final Word from Your Tutor

Look, preparing for the JAMB subject combination for Medicine in 2026 can feel overwhelming. The syllabus is huge. The pressure from parents is heavy.

But here is the secret: Consistency beats intensity. Don’t read for 15 hours today and zero hours tomorrow. Read for 3 hours every single day. Master the “Big Four” subjects. Use the Point of Need resources if you get stuck on a topic.

You have the information now. The rest is up to you. Go crush that exam!