JAMB Subject Combination for Chemistry in 2026

Choosing Chemistry as a course in 2026? Nice one — that’s a solid, science-rooted choice 👩🏽‍🔬👨🏽‍🔬
But before you start dreaming of lab coats and titration, let’s slow down and talk about the most important gatekeeper to studying Chemistry in any Nigerian higher institution: your JAMB subject combination.

A lot of candidates rush this part, click random subjects, and boom — instant disqualification. We’re not doing that here.

So let’s break it down properly, step by step.

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Why Subject Combination Matters for Chemistry

Chemistry is a core physical science, and universities take it seriously.
They don’t just want to see a high UTME score — they want to be sure you already have the right academic foundation to survive the course.

This is why Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board specifies core subjects for Chemistry and then allows optional subjects you can choose from, depending on:

• the university

• your strengths

• future specialization plans

Core JAMB Subjects for Chemistry (Non-Negotiable)

Let’s start with what must be there.
No shortcuts. No swapping.

✅ Core Subjects (Fixed)

These subjects are compulsory for anyone applying for Chemistry:

1. Use of English (compulsory for all courses)

2. Chemistry

3. Mathematics

4. Physics

👉 These four form the standard and safest JAMB combination for Chemistry in 2026.

If you remove any one of Chemistry, Mathematics, or Physics, most universities will not consider you, no matter your score.

Why These Core Subjects Are Required (Quick Reality Check)

• Chemistry – Obviously the heart of the course. No Chemistry = no Chemistry degree.

• Mathematics – You’ll deal with calculations, kinetics, thermodynamics, and data analysis.

• Physics – Physical chemistry leans heavily on physics concepts like energy, motion, and atomic structure.

• Use of English – For comprehension, lab reports, exams, and academic writing.

In short: this combo proves you’re science-ready, not just science-curious.

Optional Subjects for Chemistry (When Choices Exist)

Now here’s where some candidates get confused.

JAMB requires 4 subjects total, but in some cases, universities allow alternatives or flexibility, especially if:

• you’re applying through Direct Entry

• the institution blends Chemistry with other sciences

• it’s a specialized or education-based programme

🔄 Possible Optional / Alternative Subjects

Depending on the institution, one subject may be flexible, and JAMB allows you to choose what best fits your strength.

Optional subjects may include:

• Biology

• Further Mathematics

• Geography (rare, but accepted in a few science-education tracks)

⚠️ Important:

• Biology does NOT replace Chemistry

• Biology is usually an addition, not a core replacement

• Physics and Mathematics are still expected in most cases

Best & Safest Combination for Chemistry (Recommended)

If you don’t want stories later, this is the gold-standard combo 👇

Use of English
Chemistry
Mathematics
Physics

This combination:

• Works for almost all universities

• Keeps you eligible for related science courses

• Protects you if you later switch to Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science

Common Mistakes Chemistry Candidates Make ❌

Let’s save you from regret:

• Replacing Physics with Biology ❌

• Choosing Chemistry + Biology + English + CRS ❌

• Assuming “any science subject” will work ❌

• Not checking if their university allows flexibility ❌

One wrong subject = automatic disqualification, even with 280+.

Painful, but true.

Final Advice (Real Talk)

If Chemistry is your target course in 2026:

• Stick with the core science combo

• Only consider optional subjects after confirming from the JAMB brochure

• When in doubt, don’t experiment

Chemistry is already hard — your subject combination shouldn’t make it harder 😌