JAMB Subject Combination for Petroleum Engineering in 2026

If you’re aiming for Petroleum Engineering in 2026, let’s slow down and do this properly.

A lot of candidates rush their JAMB subject selection, thinking “engineering is engineering.” That assumption is one of the fastest ways to get disqualified during admission screening. Petroleum Engineering is strict, technical, and heavily science-based, so your subject combination must reflect that.

Before we list the subjects, you need to understand why JAMB and universities insist on specific ones — because once registration closes, corrections are almost impossible.

Arewacampus Contents

Why Subject Combination Matters for Petroleum Engineering

Petroleum Engineering deals with:

oil and gas exploration
reservoir engineering
drilling technology
production systems
applied physics and advanced calculations

Because of this, universities expect candidates to already have a strong foundation in core science subjects. JAMB simply enforces what universities demand.

According to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board brochure, Petroleum Engineering falls under Engineering and Technology, which comes with non-negotiable subject requirements.

Understanding Core vs Optional Subjects

For JAMB, you must register four subjects:

One compulsory subject
Three additional subjects

However, not all three additional subjects are always fixed. Some are core (mandatory), while others are optional, meaning JAMB allows you to choose one from a list.

This is where many candidates get confused — and make costly mistakes.

Let’s break it down clearly.

Core Subjects for Petroleum Engineering (Non-Negotiable)

These subjects are compulsory. There are no substitutes.

Use of English
This is compulsory for every JAMB candidate, regardless of course.
Mathematics
Petroleum Engineering involves heavy calculations, modeling, and problem-solving. Without Mathematics, admission is impossible.
Physics
Physics is the backbone of drilling operations, fluid mechanics, pressure systems, and energy flow. Universities take this very seriously.

If you miss any of the subjects above, Petroleum Engineering is automatically off the table.

Optional Subject(s) You Must Choose From

After the core subjects, JAMB requires one more subject, but gives you options.

Accepted Optional Subjects:

Chemistry (most preferred and safest choice)
Biology (accepted by some institutions)
Agricultural Science (rare but accepted by a few schools)

Important Reality Check

While JAMB allows multiple options, most universities strongly prefer Chemistry for Petroleum Engineering. Some institutions will not consider Biology or Agricultural Science at all.

If your goal is federal or top state universities, Chemistry is the smart and safest option.

Recommended JAMB Subject Combination for Petroleum Engineering (2026)

Here is the best and most widely accepted combination:

Use of English
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry

This combination gives you:

maximum eligibility across universities
zero screening issues
flexibility during admission processing

Alternative Combinations (Only If Chemistry Is a Problem)

If Chemistry is genuinely difficult for you, JAMB may still allow:

Use of English
Mathematics
Physics
Biology

Use of English
Mathematics
Physics
Agricultural Science

However, choosing these alternatives limits your university options. Always confirm with your preferred institution before registering.

Common Mistakes Petroleum Engineering Aspirants Make

Replacing Physics with Chemistry
Choosing Economics or Geography
Assuming “any science subject” works
Copying a friend’s subject combination
Not checking university-specific requirements

Any of these mistakes can cost you admission, no matter how high your JAMB score is.

Final Advice Before You Register

Petroleum Engineering is competitive and technical. Universities want candidates who are already aligned academically. If you want to stay safe in 2026, don’t gamble with optional subjects.

When in doubt:

Stick with Chemistry
Cross-check your chosen universities
Confirm using the official JAMB brochure

Choosing correctly now saves you stress later.