If you’re aiming for Human Resource Management in 2026, let’s slow things down and get this right — because this is one of those courses where one small subject mistake can quietly ruin everything.
A lot of candidates assume HRM is “just business-related” and then randomly pick subjects. That’s how people end up with good UTME scores but no admission.
So before we list the subjects, let’s actually understand why JAMB requires what it requires.
What Human Resource Management Really Focuses On
Human Resource Management (HRM) is about:
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Managing people in organizations
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Recruitment, training, and staff development
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Workplace policies, labor relations, and performance management
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Understanding how businesses and institutions work internally
Because of this, HRM sits at the intersection of:
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Business
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Economics
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Government / social systems
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Communication skills
That balance is exactly what shapes the JAMB subject combination.
And yes, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board is very intentional about this.
First Things First: The Core Subjects (Non-Negotiable)
No matter the school, no matter the year, JAMB requires 4 subjects.
For Human Resource Management, these core subjects must be present.
Core Subjects for Human Resource Management (2026)
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Use of English – compulsory for all courses
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Mathematics – essential for business analysis and decision-making
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Economics – this is the backbone of HRM
These three form the foundation.
You cannot replace them.
You cannot avoid them.
If any of these is missing, HRM is off the table.
Now comes the flexible part.
The Fourth Subject: Where Candidates Usually Get Confused
This is where JAMB gives you options, not freedom.
You are allowed to choose ONE subject from an approved group.
This choice lets candidates align HRM with their strengths or background.
Approved Optional Subjects (Choose ONE)
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Government
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Commerce
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Accounting
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Business Studies
You do not pick all of them.
You pick one to complete your four subjects.
Why These Optional Subjects Are Accepted
Let’s break it down in plain terms.
Government
Accepted because HR professionals deal with:
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Labor laws
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Public sector administration
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Policy interpretation
If you’re strong in civic topics, this is a solid choice.
Commerce
This focuses on:
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Trade
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Business structure
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Distribution and management
It aligns well with HR roles in private organizations.
Accounting
Not compulsory, but useful.
HR managers work with:
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Payroll
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Budgets
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Compensation structures
Accounting strengthens that angle.
Business Studies
Very practical and beginner-friendly.
Covers:
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Management basics
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Office operations
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Organizational structure
Great choice if you want something balanced and familiar.
Officially Recommended JAMB Subject Combination for HRM (2026)
After all that explanation, here is the correct combination:
Use of English
Mathematics
Economics
ONE of the following:
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Government
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Commerce
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Accounting
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Business Studies
That’s it.
Four subjects. No extras. No substitutions.
Common Mistakes HRM Candidates Make Every Year
Avoid these and you’re already ahead of many people:
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Replacing Economics with CRS or Geography
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Choosing Literature because it feels “arts-related”
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Ignoring Mathematics
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Picking two optional subjects and dropping a core one
JAMB does not correct these mistakes later.
Final Advice Before You Register
Before submitting your JAMB form:
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Cross-check your course against the JAMB brochure
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Confirm your university does not have extra preferences
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Stick to the core subjects first, then choose your optional wisely
Human Resource Management is a competitive course, but getting the subject combination right puts you on the safe side from day one.