JAMB Subject Combination for Law in 2026

If you’re planning to study Law in a Nigerian university in 2026, let’s slow down for a second.

Choosing the wrong JAMB subject combination is one of the easiest ways to lose an admission — even with a very high UTME score. And every year, it happens to thousands of candidates who assumed “anything art-related” would work.

This guide breaks everything down clearly, step by step, so you don’t make that mistake.

No rushing. No guesswork. Just clarity.

Arewacampus Contents

Why JAMB Subject Combination Matters for Law

Law is a strict course when it comes to subject requirements. Universities don’t negotiate it, and neither does JAMB.

Once you register with the wrong subjects:

Your score may not be considered
You may be disqualified during screening
You could lose admission entirely

That’s why understanding the core subjects and the optional subjects is non-negotiable.

Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board aligns its requirements with what law faculties across Nigeria expect. Deviating from this is a risk you don’t want to take.

Understanding How JAMB Subject Selection Works

For Law, JAMB requires four subjects in total:

One compulsory subject (Use of English)
Three other subjects related to the course

However, here’s where many candidates get confused:
Some subjects are core and compulsory, while others are optional choices, meaning you must pick one or more from a list — not all of them.

Let’s break that down properly.

Core JAMB Subjects for Law (Non-Negotiable)

These subjects are mandatory for anyone applying for Law. There is no alternative.

1. Use of English

This is compulsory for every course in JAMB, including Law. No exceptions.

2. Literature in English

This is the backbone of Law studies.

It tests comprehension, interpretation, and argument
Most universities will not consider Law candidates without it

If you don’t choose Literature in English, Law is automatically off the table.

So at this point, two subjects are already fixed:

Use of English
Literature in English

These are your core subjects.

Optional but Accepted Subjects for Law

Now we move to the flexible part — the remaining subjects.

After English and Literature, JAMB allows candidates to choose from a set of related subjects. You don’t pick all of them; you select the ones that best fit the requirement.

Commonly Accepted Optional Subjects

You are expected to choose two subjects from the list below:

Government
Christian Religious Studies (CRS)
Islamic Religious Studies (IRS)
Economics
History

Different universities may prioritize some over others, but these are the officially accepted options.

Recommended JAMB Subject Combinations for Law in 2026

Based on acceptance rate and university preferences, these combinations are the safest:

Option 1 (Most Popular and Widely Accepted)

Use of English
Literature in English
Government
CRS or IRS

Option 2 (Very Strong Alternative)

Use of English
Literature in English
Government
Economics

Option 3 (Less Common but Accepted)

Use of English
Literature in English
History
CRS or IRS

All of these meet JAMB’s requirements and are accepted by most Nigerian universities.

Subjects You Should NOT Choose for Law

This part is important.

Even if you’re good at them, the following subjects can ruin your chances:

Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Geography
Agricultural Science

They are not relevant to Law and are rejected by most law faculties.

Being strong in science does not compensate for a wrong subject combination.

University Variations You Should Know About

While JAMB sets the general rule, individual universities may:

Prefer Government over Economics
Reject candidates without Government entirely
Accept History only in combination with Government

That’s why it’s smart to:

Check your school’s Law requirements
Use the safest combination if you’re applying to multiple schools

When in doubt, Government + Literature + CRS/IRS is the safest path.

Final Advice Before You Register

Before submitting your JAMB form:

Double-check all four subjects
Confirm your chosen universities’ requirements
Don’t rely on assumptions or hearsay
Avoid “it worked for my friend last year” logic

Law is competitive. Your subject combination should not be the reason you miss out.

Summary: JAMB Subject Combination for Law in 2026

Core Subjects (Must Choose):

Use of English
Literature in English

Optional Subjects (Choose Any Two):

Government
CRS
IRS
Economics
History

Choose wisely. Once registration closes, changes are not allowed.