Choosing Medicine and Surgery is not just about picking a course—it’s about answering a call to serve humanity at the highest level. In a country like Nigeria, where healthcare challenges are real and urgent, the need for skilled, compassionate, and committed medical professionals has never been greater. If you’ve decided to apply for Medicine and Surgery this year, then it is important to select the correct JAMB Subject Combination for Medicine and Surgery.
Before the white coat and stethoscope, before medical school and clinical rotations, there is one crucial gate you must pass through—the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). Your success in JAMB begins with making the right subject combination.
This blog post is your step-by-step guide to choosing the right subject combination for Medicine and Surgery, avoiding common mistakes, and setting yourself up for success in one of the most competitive and respected fields in the world. Let’s break it all down below.
JAMB Subject Combination for Medicine and Surgery 2026/2027
For JAMB UTME, you must choose the four compulsory subjects which are as follows:
This combination is the standard requirement listed across all universities offering Medicine and Surgery, as well as the official JAMB brochure.
O’Level Requirements for Medicine and Surgery
Besides JAMB subjects, your WAEC or NECO should include:
- English Language
- Mathematics (many universities prefer this currently)
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Make sure to pass with at least credit for all in one sitting if you can—it impresses universities more and avoids eligibility issues.
Have There Been Any Changes for 2026 JAMB?
Not much has changed. The four-subject combo remains consistent. But here’s what to watch:
- Some universities allow Mathematics instead of Physics at O’Level, although JAMB still tests Physics.
- Many schools now require all five O’Level credits (including English & Maths) in one sitting, not spread across several.
Tips to Prepare Well As A Medical Aspirant
Here are some tips for you as a medical aspirant in Nigeria:
- Start early with your UTME preparation – The subjects are heavy and interlinked.
- Double down on Biology and Chemistry – they form the core of most questions.
- Time yourself during mock exams – develop speed and accuracy.
- Review O’Level results well before JAMB – don’t risk missing Maths or Physics credits.
- Stay updated – occasionally, universities tweak their requirements slightly; check their admission pages.
- Practice problem-solving – Physics and Chemistry questions often test your thinking, not just recall.
Conclusion
Becoming a medical doctor is a noble, challenging, and life-changing journey. You’ve already taken your first crucial step by getting your subject combination right—English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Now, it’s time to build on that: study hard, stay focused, and aim high. Every early morning study session, every practice question, and every credit in your results brings you closer to that white coat.
Stay dedicated, keep your eyes on the goal, and remember: with passion, discipline, and smart preparation, you will become a medical doctor. Your hard work now is saving lives tomorrow—and that’s a powerful legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the correct JAMB subject combination for Medicine and Surgery?
The required JAMB subjects are:
1. Use of English (compulsory for all candidates)
2. Biology
3. Chemistry
4. Physics
This combination is compulsory for all candidates seeking admission into Medicine and Surgery in Nigerian universities
Is Mathematics required to study Medicine in JAMB?
No, Mathematics is not one of the four compulsory JAMB subjects for Medicine. However, you must have at least a credit in Mathematics in your O’Level (WAEC, NECO, or equivalent), as most universities require it for admission.
Can I combine WAEC and NECO results for Medicine and Surgery?
Some universities allow two sittings (e.g., WAEC + NECO), but top universities like ABU, BUK, UNILAG, UI, UNIBEN, OAU, and some others prefer or insist on one sitting with all 5 main subjects passed. Check your preferred school’s specific requirements before applying.
What are the O’Level subjects required for Medicine and Surgery?
You need at least five credit passes in the following:
1. English Language
2. Mathematics
3. Biology
4. Chemistry
5. Physics
These credits must be obtained at not more than two sittings (one sitting is best).
Can I replace Physics with another subject in JAMB for Medicine?
No. Physics is compulsory in the JAMB combination for Medicine and Surgery. Replacing it with another subject like Mathematics or Geography will automatically disqualify you from the course.
Is it possible to study Medicine without Biology in JAMB?
No. Biology is a compulsory subject in JAMB for Medicine. It is one of the foundation sciences of medical practice and must be included in your four UTME subjects.
What JAMB score do I need for Medicine and Surgery?
Medicine is highly competitive. To stand a real chance, aim for a JAMB score of 280 and above. Some top universities like ABU, BUK, UNILAG, UNIBEN, OAU, UNIABUJA may even require 300 and above due to high demand and limited slots.
Do all universities in Nigeria have the same subject combination requirement for Medicine?
Yes, the four compulsory JAMB subjects are the same nationwide (English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics). However, some universities may have additional requirements like one-sitting O’Level results or a specific cut-off mark.
If I made a mistake in subject combination, can I still get admission for Medicine?
No. If your subject combination does not match the official requirements, you will not be considered for Medicine, no matter your score. You may have to change your course or apply next year with the correct subject combination.
Is it possible to switch to Medicine later after entering another course?
Yes, but it’s very difficult. You’d need to perform exceptionally well (CGPA of 4.5 or above) in your first year and meet the requirements for internal transfer, if the university allows it. It’s much better to enter with the correct JAMB combo from the start.
