JAMB

JAMB 2027 Medicine and Surgery Subject Combination: UTME Subjects, O'Level Requirements & More

NLTC Team · 18 September 2026 · 11 min read

Planning to study Medicine and Surgery in 2027? Learn the JAMB UTME subject combination, O'Level requirements, important admission considerations, common mistakes and how to verify your university's requirements.

JAMB 2027 Medicine and Surgery Subject Combination

Are you planning to study Medicine and Surgery at a Nigerian university for the 2027/2028 academic session?

Before you register for JAMB, one of the most important things to get right is your UTME subject combination. Medicine and Surgery has specific science-subject requirements, and candidates should confirm that their selected subjects match the requirements of their preferred institution.

In this guide, you will learn the JAMB 2027 Medicine and Surgery subject combination, the relevant O'Level requirements, what each UTME subject means for aspiring medical students, common mistakes to avoid and how to verify your requirements before registration.

Important: JAMB's official materials list Use of English, Biology, Physics and Chemistry for Medicine and Surgery. However, candidates should still verify the current requirements for their specific university and programme through the official JAMB IBASS Eligibility Checker before finalising their registration.

What Is the JAMB 2027 Subject Combination for Medicine and Surgery?

The standard UTME subject combination for Medicine and Surgery is:

In simple terms, the combination to remember is:

English Language + Biology + Chemistry + Physics

JAMB's published materials identify these four subjects for Medicine and Surgery. However, JAMB also provides institution-specific information and waiver remarks, so candidates should verify their particular university and programme before registration.

Why Are Biology, Chemistry and Physics Required for Medicine?

Medicine is a science-based course that draws on several areas of the natural sciences.

The three science subjects in the UTME combination provide different foundations that are relevant to medical education.

1. Biology

Biology is particularly relevant to Medicine because it deals with living organisms, cells, tissues, organs and biological processes.

Students who eventually study Medicine encounter topics related to human anatomy, physiology, genetics, microbiology and other areas of biological science.

For an aspiring medical student, strong preparation in Biology is therefore important.

2. Chemistry

Chemistry provides another important foundation for medical education.

Medical students encounter chemical principles in areas such as biochemistry, pharmacology and other aspects of medical science.

Candidates preparing for Medicine should therefore take JAMB Chemistry seriously rather than treating it as an optional subject.

3. Physics

Physics is the third science subject required in the standard combination.

Physics provides foundations that can be relevant to areas such as medical imaging, measurements, pressure, energy and other physical principles encountered during medical training.

4. Use of English

Use of English is compulsory in the UTME.

Even though Medicine and Surgery is a science-based programme, candidates still need to write Use of English as part of their four UTME subjects.

Medical students also need strong communication and comprehension skills, so candidates should not neglect English while concentrating on the science subjects.

Is Mathematics a JAMB Subject for Medicine and Surgery?

Mathematics is not part of the standard four-subject UTME combination for Medicine and Surgery.

The standard combination is:

Use of English + Biology + Chemistry + Physics

However, Mathematics is still important because it is commonly included among the O'Level requirements for Medicine and Surgery.

This means a candidate can need Mathematics at O'Level without registering Mathematics as one of the four UTME subjects for Medicine and Surgery.

This distinction is important because candidates sometimes confuse their O'Level requirements with their UTME subject combination.

What Are the O'Level Requirements for Medicine and Surgery?

The standard O'Level requirement for Medicine and Surgery generally includes five credit passes in relevant subjects.

These include:

However, the number of sittings accepted can vary between institutions.

Some universities require the five relevant credits at one sitting, while other institutions may accept the required credits at not more than two sittings.

For example, current JAMB brochure information contains institution-specific requirements and waiver remarks concerning the number of sittings. Candidates should therefore check the requirements of their chosen university rather than assuming that every institution follows the same rule.

Can I Study Medicine with Two O'Level Results?

This depends on the university.

Some universities accept the required O'Level credits from not more than two sittings, while others specifically require the relevant credits at one sitting.

If you intend to study Medicine and Surgery, check the requirements of your preferred university before assuming that combining two results will be accepted.

This is particularly important because Medicine is one of the programmes for which some universities have stricter O'Level conditions.

Can I Study Medicine Without Physics in JAMB?

For the standard Medicine and Surgery UTME combination, Physics is one of the required subjects.

Some institution-specific waiver remarks may provide alternatives in particular circumstances, but candidates should not assume that they can simply replace Physics with another subject.

If Medicine and Surgery is your target course, verify the exact requirement for your chosen institution before completing your JAMB registration.

Can I Replace Chemistry with Another Subject?

Do not assume that you can.

Chemistry is part of the standard UTME combination for Medicine and Surgery.

Although JAMB's brochure contains specific waiver remarks for some institutions, the general combination remains:

Use of English + Biology + Chemistry + Physics

If your preferred institution has a specific waiver or alternative requirement, confirm it through JAMB IBASS and the institution's current admission information.

Can I Use Mathematics Instead of Physics for Medicine?

The standard combination does not use Mathematics instead of Physics.

The normal UTME combination is English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

However, JAMB's published brochure includes institution-specific waiver remarks, meaning that candidates should check the exact requirement for their chosen university rather than applying a general rule to every institution.

JAMB Subject Combination vs O'Level Requirements for Medicine

This distinction is extremely important.

JAMB UTME subjects

For Medicine and Surgery, the standard four UTME subjects are:

O'Level subjects

The standard O'Level requirements include:

Notice that Mathematics appears in the O'Level requirements but not in the standard four UTME subjects.

This is one of the reasons candidates should carefully distinguish between UTME subject combinations and O'Level admission requirements.

How to Choose the Right University for Medicine and Surgery

Choosing a university for Medicine involves more than simply checking whether the university offers MBBS.

Before registering, check the following:

Requirements can change, so use current official information when making your application decisions.

How to Check Your Medicine and Surgery JAMB Requirements

Step 1: Choose your preferred university

Identify the universities where you would like to study Medicine and Surgery.

Step 2: Open JAMB IBASS

JAMB's IBASS Eligibility Checker allows candidates to select their entry mode, institution and programme and then check relevant requirements.

Step 3: Select Medicine and Surgery

Choose the appropriate Medicine and Surgery programme under your preferred institution.

Step 4: Check your O'Level requirements

Compare the required O'Level subjects with your WAEC, NECO or equivalent result.

Step 5: Check the UTME combination

Confirm that your four selected JAMB subjects match the requirements shown for the programme.

Step 6: Check for special considerations

Some institutions have specific waiver remarks or additional conditions. Read these carefully instead of relying only on the general subject combination.

Common Mistakes Medicine Candidates Should Avoid

1. Choosing Mathematics instead of Physics

Some candidates see Mathematics among the O'Level requirements and mistakenly include it in their UTME combination instead of Physics.

Remember that the standard UTME combination is English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

2. Ignoring Chemistry

Chemistry is one of the core science subjects in the standard Medicine and Surgery combination.

Do not remove it based on advice from another candidate unless you have verified a specific institutional requirement.

3. Assuming every university accepts two sittings

This can create problems during admission screening.

Some universities have stricter one-sitting requirements for Medicine and Surgery.

4. Focusing only on JAMB

Your UTME combination is only one part of the admission process.

You also need to satisfy the relevant O'Level requirements and any additional conditions imposed by your chosen institution.

5. Copying another candidate's requirements

A requirement that applies to one university may not necessarily apply to another.

Always check your own institution and programme.

6. Waiting until JAMB registration starts

Do not wait until the last moment to check your requirements.

Research your course and university early so that you have time to correct any problem before registration.

How to Prepare for JAMB 2027 Medicine and Surgery

Getting the correct subject combination is only the beginning.

If Medicine and Surgery is your goal, you should begin preparing for the UTME early and build a consistent study routine.

Master Biology

Study the topics in the JAMB syllabus and practise questions regularly.

Take Chemistry seriously

Do not postpone difficult Chemistry topics until close to the examination. Break the syllabus into manageable sections and practise consistently.

Build your Physics foundation

Understand the principles behind the formulas rather than relying entirely on memorisation.

Do not neglect Use of English

Use of English is compulsory, so make sure it receives regular attention in your preparation schedule.

Practise JAMB past questions

Past questions can help you become familiar with the style of UTME questions and identify areas that require additional study.

Practise CBT

Regular computer-based practice can help you become more comfortable answering questions under CBT conditions.

If you are looking for a structured approach to your JAMB 2027 preparation, read our JAMB 2027 Complete Preparation Guide for Nigerian Students.

You can also use NLTC Online to support your JAMB preparation with learning and practice resources.

JAMB 2027 Medicine Preparation: What Should You Do Now?

If Medicine and Surgery is your target, you do not need to wait for JAMB registration before beginning your preparation.

Start by:

Early preparation gives you more time to identify weak areas and improve them before the examination.

NLTC Online provides students with online learning and examination-preparation resources that can support this process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the JAMB 2027 subject combination for Medicine and Surgery?

The standard combination is Use of English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Is Mathematics required in JAMB for Medicine and Surgery?

Mathematics is generally part of the O'Level requirements but is not part of the standard four-subject UTME combination for Medicine and Surgery.

Is Biology compulsory for Medicine in JAMB?

Yes. Biology is part of the standard UTME combination for Medicine and Surgery.

Is Chemistry compulsory for Medicine in JAMB?

Chemistry is part of the standard UTME combination for Medicine and Surgery.

Is Physics compulsory for Medicine in JAMB?

Physics is part of the standard UTME combination for Medicine and Surgery.

Can I study Medicine with two O'Level sittings?

It depends on the university. Some institutions accept the required credits at not more than two sittings, while others require them at one sitting.

What O'Level subjects do I need for Medicine and Surgery?

The standard requirements include credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The accepted number of sittings can vary by institution.

Can I use a different subject combination for Medicine?

The standard combination is English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Some institutions have specific waiver remarks, so candidates should verify the requirement for their chosen university through JAMB IBASS.

Where can I verify my Medicine and Surgery JAMB requirements?

Use the official JAMB IBASS Eligibility Checker to select your institution and programme and check the applicable requirements.

Final Advice for JAMB 2027 Medicine and Surgery Candidates

If you want to study Medicine and Surgery, make sure you understand your admission requirements before registering for JAMB.

The standard UTME combination is:

Use of English + Biology + Chemistry + Physics

Your O'Level requirements are separate and generally include credit passes in:

English Language + Mathematics + Biology + Chemistry + Physics

However, requirements concerning O'Level sittings and institution-specific waivers can differ, so always verify the current requirements for your chosen university.

Do not leave your preparation until the examination is close. Start early, study consistently and practise with JAMB-style questions.

For a complete preparation strategy, read the JAMB 2027 Complete Preparation Guide for Nigerian Students.

You can also visit NLTC Online for online learning and JAMB preparation resources as you work towards your examination.

Start preparing for JAMB 2027 early. Your preparation begins long before examination day.