If you’re eyeing Forensic Science in 2026, you’re already on a smart path. This is one of those courses that sounds cool and is actually serious academically. Think crime labs, evidence analysis, DNA, chemistry, and problem-solving — not just what you see in movies.
Now here’s the thing many candidates get wrong 👇
Forensic Science is very strict about subjects.
You can’t freestyle this one.
Before we list the subjects (don’t worry, we will 😌), let’s slow down and understand why JAMB demands certain combinations for this course.
Why Forensic Science Has Strict JAMB Requirements
Forensic Science sits at the intersection of:
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Biology (DNA, blood, body fluids)
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Chemistry (toxicology, drug analysis, lab reactions)
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Physics (ballistics, motion, forensic tools)
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Logical reasoning & communication
Because of this, most Nigerian universities treat it as a pure science course, not an art or commercial one.
Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board aligns subject combinations with what you’ll actually face in your first year — labs, calculations, and experiments. So yes, your science background matters a lot.
Core Subjects for Forensic Science (Non-Negotiable)
These are the core subjects. No debate. No “maybe”.
Every candidate for Forensic Science must have these:
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Use of English (compulsory for all JAMB candidates)
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Biology
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Chemistry
If you’re missing any of these, Forensic Science is already off the table in most universities.
Why These Core Subjects Matter (Quick Breakdown)
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Use of English → You’ll write reports, defend findings, and communicate evidence clearly.
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Biology → DNA profiling, blood analysis, tissues, and genetics.
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Chemistry → Drugs, poisons, toxic substances, lab reactions.
So far, we have 3 subjects.
JAMB requires 4.
This is where many candidates get confused — because the 4th subject is flexible, but not random.
Optional Subjects (You Must Choose ONE)
After the core subjects above, JAMB allows you to choose ONE from the options below, depending on the university:
Accepted Optional Subjects for Forensic Science
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Physics ✅ (most preferred)
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Mathematics
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Agricultural Science (accepted by a few institutions)
👉 Best and safest option: Physics
👉 Second-best: Mathematics
If you have Physics, you’re covered in almost all schools offering Forensic Science.
✅ Final JAMB Subject Combination for Forensic Science 2026
Here’s the clean, correct combination 👇
Required (Core) Subjects:
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Use of English
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Biology
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Chemistry
Choose ONE of the following as the 4th subject:
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Physics (highly recommended)
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Mathematics
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Agricultural Science (less common)
That’s it. Simple, but strict.
Common Mistakes Candidates Make (Avoid These 🚫)
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Using Economics or Government ❌
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Replacing Chemistry with Physics only ❌
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Assuming Forensic Science is an art-related course ❌
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Not checking if their chosen university actually offers the course ❌
One wrong subject = automatic disqualification, even with a high score.
Final Advice (Real Talk)
If you’re serious about Forensic Science in 2026:
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Take Biology + Chemistry + Physics if possible
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Don’t gamble with “easy subjects”
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Always confirm with the JAMB brochure and your target university
Forensic Science is competitive, but if you get the subject combo right early, you’re already ahead of many candidates.