JAMB Subject Combination for Medical Laboratory Science in 2026

If you’re aiming for Medical Laboratory Science in 2026, let’s slow things down and talk properly 😊
This is not one of those courses you can “manage” with guesswork. One wrong subject in JAMB and… yeah, admission dreams on pause.

So before I drop the final subject combo, let’s first understand why this course is strict, what JAMB is really checking for, and how universities think when screening candidates.

Why Medical Laboratory Science Has a Strict Subject Combination

Medical Laboratory Science sits right between medicine, biology, and chemical sciences.
As a student, you’ll be dealing with:

• Blood analysis

• Microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites)

• Chemical reactions in the body

• Diagnostic testing

Because of this, JAMB and universities want candidates who already have a strong science background, not just vibes and motivation 😌.

That’s why some subjects are non-negotiable (core subjects), while others fall under optional but approved subjects.

How JAMB Subject Selection Works (Quick Reality Check)

For JAMB:

• You must register 4 subjects

• Use of English is compulsory for everyone

• The remaining 3 subjects must match your course

• Some courses allow subject flexibility, but only within approved options

Medical Laboratory Science is not very flexible, but there is still an option you should know about.

Core Subjects for Medical Laboratory Science (These Are Mandatory)

These subjects form the foundation of the course.
If you miss any of them, most universities will not even consider you, no matter your score.

✅ Core Subjects:

1. Use of English (Compulsory for all courses)

2. Biology

3. Chemistry

Why these three?

• Biology → human systems, cells, microbes

• Chemistry → lab tests, reagents, reactions

• English → communication, reports, clinical documentation

These must always be present in your JAMB combination.

The Flexible Slot: Choosing the Final Subject

Here’s where many candidates get confused.

For Medical Laboratory Science, JAMB allows one major science subject to complete your four.

✅ Approved Optional Subjects (Choose ONE):

• Physics

• Mathematics (accepted by some institutions, but less common)

💡 Best Choice?

👉 Physics is the safest and most widely accepted option.

Why?

• Physics connects to laboratory equipment, instrumentation, optics, and measurements.

• Most universities prefer or insist on Physics over Mathematics.

Mathematics may be accepted by a few institutions, but choosing it can limit your options during admission screening.

Final JAMB Subject Combination for Medical Laboratory Science (2026)

🎯 Recommended & Widely Accepted Combination:

• Use of English

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

⚠️ Alternative (Check University Requirements First):

• Use of English

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Mathematics

If you want maximum safety and flexibility, stick with Physics.

Common Mistakes Candidates Make (Please Don’t Be One of Them)

• ❌ Replacing Biology with Agricultural Science

• ❌ Choosing Chemistry + Physics + Maths without Biology

• ❌ Assuming “science is science” (JAMB disagrees)

• ❌ Not checking individual university requirements

Remember: Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board does not correct subject mistakes after registration closes.

Quick Advice (Big Sibling Energy 😄)

If you’re serious about Medical Laboratory Science:

• Treat Biology and Chemistry as your best friends

• Choose Physics, not vibes

• Confirm your preferred university’s brochure before final submission

One smart subject choice now can save you an entire extra year later.