When preparing for your WAEC or GCE exams, choosing the right subject combination is critical. The wrong subject combination can disqualify you from gaining admission into your desired university course, regardless of your exam score.
This guide provides a breakdown of the officially approved subject combinations for Science, Art, and Commercial students based on the current Nigerian curriculum.
General WAEC Subject Requirements (For All Students)
All candidates must register for a minimum of 8 or 9 subjects, including:
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English Language (Compulsory)
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Mathematics (Compulsory)
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Civic Education (Compulsory)
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One Trade or Vocational Subject (e.g., Data Processing, Auto Mechanics, Fisheries)
Approved WAEC Subject Combination for Science Students
| Compulsory Subjects | Elective Options |
|---|---|
| English Language | Further Mathematics |
| Mathematics | Technical Drawing |
| Physics | Statistics |
| Chemistry | Agricultural Science / Geography |
| Biology | ICT / Computer Studies |
| Civic Education | Food & Nutrition |
| One Trade Subject | Building Construction / Woodwork |
Ideal for Courses Like: Medicine, Engineering, Nursing, Computer Science, Agriculture, etc.
Approved WAEC Subject Combination for Art Students
| Compulsory Subjects | Elective Options |
|---|---|
| English Language | Literature in English |
| Mathematics | CRS / IRS |
| Civic Education | Government |
| History or Geography | Music / Visual Art / Yoruba / Igbo / Hausa |
| One Trade Subject | Economics / French / Arabic |
Ideal for Courses Like: Law, Mass Communication, Linguistics, Theatre Arts, History, etc.
Approved WAEC Subject Combination for Commercial Students
| Compulsory Subjects | Elective Options |
|---|---|
| English Language | Accounting |
| Mathematics | Commerce |
| Civic Education | Business Management |
| Economics | Marketing / Storekeeping |
| One Trade Subject | Office Practice / Insurance |
Ideal for Courses Like: Accounting, Business Admin, Banking & Finance, Marketing, etc.
Special Vocational & Trade Subjects (Optional for All Tracks)
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Data Processing
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Marketing
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Fisheries
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Catering Craft
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GSM Maintenance
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Auto Mechanics
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Electrical Installation
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Bookkeeping
Adding one or two of these can meet the vocational requirement and enhance your WAEC profile.
Important Tips
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Do not mix subjects from unrelated fields (e.g., Chemistry with Government for a Science student).
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Check JAMB brochure or your desired course/university to confirm the subject requirements.
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WAEC and GCE (external exams) follow the same subject combination guidelines.
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For Medicine or Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics are compulsory.
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For Law or Mass Communication, Literature, CRS/IRS, and Government are typically required.
Sample Subject Combination (By Discipline)
| Discipline | Subjects to Register |
|---|---|
| Medicine | English, Math, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Civic, Agric, Further Math |
| Law | English, Math, Literature, CRS, Government, History, Civic, Yoruba |
| Accounting | English, Math, Economics, Commerce, Civic, Accounting, Marketing |
| Engineering | English, Math, Physics, Chemistry, Civic, Technical Drawing, Further Math |
| Mass Communication | English, Math, Literature, Government, Civic, CRS, Economics |
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right subject combination for WAEC or GCE isn’t just about passing—it’s about qualifying for your dream course. Stick to your track (Science, Art, or Commercial), include all required core subjects, and add electives that align with your university goals.
