JAMB Subject Combination for Medicine and Surgery 2026 – Requirements & Admission Guide

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Studying Medicine and Surgery remains one of the most competitive dreams for students in Nigeria. Every year, thousands of UTME candidates apply for Medicine across universities, yet only a few secure admission. One of the reasons many students fail to gain admission is choosing the wrong JAMB subject combination or not knowing the correct O’level and Direct Entry requirements.

If you want to study Medicine in any Nigerian university—whether federal, state, or private—this guide will walk you through everything you must know. From the JAMB subject combination to WAEC/NECO requirements, cut-off mark, best universities offering Medicine, and expert admission tips, this article covers it all.

Let’s begin.

What Is the JAMB Subject Combination for Medicine?

The correct JAMB subject combination for Medicine and Surgery (also called MBBS) is:

1. Use of English
2. Biology
3. Chemistry
4. Physics

These four subjects must be selected during UTME registration if you want to study Medicine in any accredited university in Nigeria.

Many students wrongly include Mathematics or replace Biology with Agricultural Science. This can affect your admission chances because universities strictly follow JAMB Brochure guidelines.

These Subjects Are Required for Medicine

Medicine is a science-intensive and highly professional course. The JAMB subjects reflect the foundational knowledge every medical student must possess:

Use of English

Compulsory for all UTME candidates. Doctors must communicate clearly and understand instructions, medical texts, and case notes.

Biology

Introduces human anatomy, cells, tissues, organs, and biological processes required in medical school.

Chemistry

Essential for understanding biochemical reactions, pharmacology, and chemical processes in the human body.

Physics

Necessary for medical equipment operation, radiography, biomechanics, and understanding how the human body works physically.

In summary, these subjects test whether you’re academically prepared for medical studies.

O’Level Requirements for Medicine (WAEC, NECO, GCE)

To study Medicine, you must have at least five (5) credit passes in the following subjects:

1. English Language
2. Mathematics
3. Biology
4. Chemistry
5. Physics

Some schools also accept Further Mathematics and Health Science as additional subjects, but they cannot replace Biology.

The credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings (WAEC + WAEC, NECO + NECO, or WAEC + NECO).

However, many top universities prefer one sitting for Medicine due to high competition.

Direct Entry Requirements for Medicine

If you are applying for Medicine through Direct Entry (DE), you must meet one of the following:

A’Level / IJMB / JUPEB

Minimum of AAA or AAB in:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics

BSc Holders

Degree in any of the following with a minimum of Second Class Upper (2:1):

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Medical Laboratory Science
• Microbiology (some schools accept)

NCE and ND are not accepted

No Nigerian university accepts ND or NCE for Medicine and Surgery.

JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Medicine 2026

Medicine is the most competitive course in Nigeria. The general JAMB cut-off mark is:

Minimum JAMB Cut-off: 200

However, for Medicine, schools set much higher internal cut-off marks:

University Type	Likely Cut-Off Mark
Federal Universities	280 – 330
State Universities	260 – 300
Private Universities	200 – 240

Even if you score above 250, your post-UTME performance and O’level grades will determine whether you are shortlisted.

Post-UTME Subjects You Will Write for Medicine

Most universities test candidates in:

1. Biology
2. Chemistry
3. Physics
4. English (sometimes)

Your post-UTME score is often combined with your JAMB score to determine eligibility.

Top Universities Offering Medicine in Nigeria

Below are some of the best Nigerian universities where you can study Medicine and Surgery:

Federal Universities

• University of Lagos (UNILAG)
• University of Ibadan (UI)
• University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
• University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
• University of Benin (UNIBEN)
• University of Calabar (UNICAL)
• University of Jos (UNIJOS)
• University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)

State Universities

• Lagos State University (LASU)
• Delta State University (DELSU)
• Ekiti State University (EKSU)
• Imo State University (IMSU)
• Kaduna State University (KASU)

Private Universities

• Babcock University
• Afe Babalola University (ABUAD)
• Bowen University
• Igbinedion University
• Madonna University

How Competitive Is Medicine in Nigeria?

Medicine is the most competitive course in the country. Here’s why:

High job market demand

Doctors are needed in hospitals, clinics, research centers, and global institutions.

Prestige and career value

Medicine is viewed as a noble profession.

Limited admission slots

Most universities admit fewer than 100–150 students per year, while thousands apply.

Strict academic requirements

Only students with high UTME scores, strong O’level grades, and excellent post-UTME performance qualify.

Because of this, securing admission requires excellent preparation.

Best Subject Combination for WAEC/NECO for Medicine

To boost your chances, choose these subjects in WAEC/NECO:

1. English Language
2. Mathematics
3. Biology
4. Chemistry
5. Physics
6. Further Mathematics
7. Civic Education
8. Agriculture or Health Science

The first five are compulsory for admission.

Common Mistakes Students Make When Applying for Medicine

1. Choosing wrong UTME subjects
2. Using two sittings when applying to a university that prefers one
3. Scoring below the expected cut-off
4. Poor post-UTME preparation
5. Not researching the school’s admission requirements
6. Applying to highly competitive schools with low scores
7. Combining insufficient O’level grades

Avoid these mistakes to increase your chances.

How to Increase Your Chances of Studying Medicine

Aim for at least 300+ in JAMB

Anything below 280–300 reduces your chances in top universities.

Target 85%+ in post-UTME

Your post-UTME score can compensate for a lower UTME score.

Use one sitting in WAEC/NECO if possible

Many top schools give priority to candidates with one sitting.

Apply to less competitive universities

Examples include:

• UNIJOS
• UNICAL
• IMSU
• EKSU
• ABUAD (Private)

Prepare early

Start studying long before registration begins.

Career Opportunities for Medicine Graduates

After completing medical school and housemanship, you can specialize in areas such as:

• Surgery
• Pediatrics
• Obstetrics & Gynaecology
• Internal Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Radiology
• Cardiology
• Dermatology
• Pathology
• Anesthesiology
• Public Health
• Ophthalmology
• Orthopedic Surgery

Doctors can work in hospitals, research institutes, NGOs, private clinics, and international organizations like WHO and UN.

Read Also: JAMB Subject Combination for Computer Science | UTME, O’Level & Direct Entry Requirements

Choosing the correct JAMB subject combination for Medicine is the first step toward securing admission into medical school. With Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English, alongside strong O’level requirements and good post-UTME performance, you stand a better chance of studying Medicine in any Nigerian university.

Stay focused, prepare early, and choose your school wisely. Admission is competitive, but with the right preparation, you can achieve your dream of becoming a doctor.