If Aeronautical Engineering is on your mind for 2026, you’re probably already imagining aircraft designs, jet engines, and working around serious aviation tech. But before any of that becomes real, JAMB wants something very specific from you: the right subject combination.
This is one of those courses where you don’t want to “try your luck.” Aeronautical Engineering is technical, competitive, and strict. A wrong subject choice can quietly cancel your admission chances, even if your JAMB score is high.
Let’s slow it down and break everything properly.
What Aeronautical Engineering Really Demands from You
Aeronautical Engineering deals with the design, construction, testing, and maintenance of aircraft and aerospace systems. That alone should tell you one thing: this course is heavily built on calculations, physical laws, and problem-solving.
Because of that, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board aligns the subject requirements with subjects that prove you can survive that academic pressure.
So before listing subjects, here’s the logic JAMB uses:
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Can you handle advanced calculations?
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Do you understand motion, force, energy, and mechanics?
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Do you have a solid science background to support engineering concepts?
Your subject combination must answer “yes” to all three.
Core Subjects for Aeronautical Engineering (Non-Negotiable)
These subjects are compulsory. There is no flexibility here.
Core Subjects:
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Use of English
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Mathematics
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Physics
Why these are mandatory:
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Use of English: You’ll deal with technical manuals, reports, simulations, and international aviation standards. Communication matters.
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Mathematics: Engineering math goes far beyond basics. Calculus, vectors, and equations are the backbone of the course.
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Physics: Aeronautical Engineering lives inside physics. Motion, forces, energy, pressure, and mechanics are everyday tools.
If any of these three is missing, Aeronautical Engineering is automatically off the table.
The Fourth Subject: Where Choice Comes In
This is where many candidates get confused.
JAMB requires four subjects total, but for Aeronautical Engineering, the fourth subject is not always fixed across all institutions. After the three core subjects, JAMB and universities usually allow you to choose one subject from an approved list, depending on what the school prefers.
Accepted Optional Subjects (Choose One):
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Chemistry
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Further Mathematics
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Geography
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Technical Drawing
Let’s break this down properly.
Chemistry (Most Preferred Option)
Chemistry supports:
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Materials science
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Fuel systems
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Thermodynamics
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Engineering reactions and properties
Many universities strongly prefer Chemistry, and some practically treat it as compulsory even when listed as optional. If you’re aiming for federal universities or highly competitive schools, Chemistry is the safest choice.
Further Mathematics (Strong but Risky)
Further Mathematics shows advanced mathematical strength, which engineering faculties respect.
However:
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Not all schools accept it as a replacement for Chemistry
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It works best when the institution explicitly lists it in the JAMB brochure
Use this only if you’re confident the universities you’re targeting accept it.
Geography (Accepted in Some Institutions)
Geography may be accepted because it supports:
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Atmospheric studies
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Environmental systems
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Spatial awareness
This option is less common and usually limited to specific institutions.
Technical Drawing (Institution-Specific)
Technical Drawing is relevant because it shows:
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Engineering visualization skills
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Understanding of mechanical layouts and designs
This is mostly accepted by polytechnics and some specialized universities, not all conventional universities.
Official JAMB Subject Combination Summary (2026)
Core Subjects (Must Choose All):
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Use of English
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Mathematics
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Physics
One Optional Subject (Choose One):
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Chemistry
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Further Mathematics
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Geography
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Technical Drawing
Total: 4 subjects
Important Warnings You Should Not Ignore
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Not all universities accept all optional subjects listed above
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Chemistry is the safest and most widely accepted option
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Polytechnics may allow more flexibility than universities
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Always confirm your school’s requirement in the official JAMB brochure
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JAMB will not correct subject mistakes after registration closes
A single wrong subject can cost you an entire admission year.
Final Advice (Real Talk)
If Aeronautical Engineering is your dream and you want the least amount of drama:
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Lock in English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry
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Only experiment with other options if you’ve confirmed your institution accepts them
Engineering courses don’t reward guesswork. Precision starts from registration.