JAMB Subject Combination for Medicine and Surgery (2026/2027 Guide)

To avoid costly mistakes, you must understand the officially approved JAMB subject combination for Medicine and Surgery, including the necessary WAEC/NECO subjects, Direct Entry requirements, and other key admission guidelines. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know to successfully gain admission into any Nigerian university offering Medicine and Surgery in the 2026/2027 academic session.

What Is Medicine and Surgery?

Medicine and Surgery is a professional medical degree that trains students to become medical doctors. The program covers anatomy, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, pharmacology, surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, internal medicine, and public health.

Graduates earn an MBBS degree (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) and proceed to internship and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) before becoming licensed doctors.

Because of the technical and scientific nature of the field, universities require applicants to have strong backgrounds in science subjects, especially Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Official JAMB Subject Combination for Medicine and Surgery

The correct and official JAMB subject combination for Medicine and Surgery is:

Use of English (Compulsory)
Biology
Chemistry
Physics

These four subjects are the only approved combination for Medicine and Surgery in all Nigerian universities (federal, state, and private). Any mistake with this combination automatically disqualifies a candidate from being considered for admission.

Why These Subjects Are Required

Medicine and Surgery is built on scientific principles. Each subject plays a crucial role:

Biology: Forms the foundation for human anatomy, physiology, and cell biology.
Chemistry: Essential for understanding biochemistry, pharmacology, and metabolic processes.
Physics: Important for medical equipment operation, radiology, biomechanics, and fluid dynamics.
English: Ensures strong communication and comprehension skills needed throughout medical training and practice.

These subjects are carefully selected to ensure that candidates have the right background to succeed in medical school.

WAEC/NECO/GCE O’Level Requirements for Medicine and Surgery

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

English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics

Additional notes:

Credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings.
However, most competitive universities prefer one sitting only, especially federal universities.
A strong science background increases your chances of admission.

Direct Entry Requirements for Medicine and Surgery

For students applying through Direct Entry (DE), the requirements include:

A-Level passes in Biology/Zoology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Acceptable degrees include B.Sc. in Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or related medical sciences (usually First Class or Second Class Upper).
Some universities require candidates to write Post-UTME even for DE.

Direct Entry into Medicine and Surgery is very competitive, and only candidates with outstanding academic backgrounds get accepted.

JAMB Score Required for Medicine and Surgery (2026/2027)

Because Medicine and Surgery is extremely competitive, you need a very high score.

The recommended target is:

Federal Universities: 280–350
State Universities: 260–300
Private Universities: 240–270

Although some schools may set lower cut-off marks, meeting the cutoff alone does not guarantee admission. Candidates must still perform well in Post-UTME screening.

Post-UTME Requirements for Medicine and Surgery

After JAMB, universities conduct Post-UTME, which may include:

Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Written exams
O’level verification
Physical screening

Most Post-UTME exams focus on:

English
Biology
Physics
Chemistry

To stand out, you must combine a high JAMB score with an excellent Post-UTME result.

Universities Offering Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria

Almost all major universities in Nigeria have accredited medical schools. Below are some of the top institutions:

Best Federal Universities for Medicine and Surgery

University of Ibadan (UI)
University of Lagos (UNILAG)
University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
University of Benin (UNIBEN)
University of Jos (UNIJOS)

State Universities Offering Medicine and Surgery

Lagos State University (LASU)
Delta State University (DELSU)
Abia State University (ABSU)
Ekiti State University (EKSU)
Osun State University (UNIOSUN)

Private Universities with Medicine and Surgery

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

Some private universities accept lower scores and offer more flexible admission requirements.

How Competitive Is Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria?

Medicine and Surgery is the most competitive course in Nigerian universities. Factors contributing to this include:

Limited admission slots
High number of applicants
Strict academic requirements
Advanced accreditation standards

Many universities admit only a small number of students yearly. Therefore, competition is always intense.

To increase your chances:

Score extremely high in JAMB
Perform excellently in Post-UTME
Choose schools wisely based on your score
Ensure your O’level results are strong

Common Mistakes Students Make When Choosing Subjects for Medicine and Surgery

Many candidates fail to gain admission due to avoidable mistakes such as:

Wrong subject combination
Missing required O’level subjects
Applying to highly competitive schools with low scores
Assuming credits in English and Mathematics are optional
Not preparing early enough
Underestimating Post-UTME
Submitting incomplete documents

Avoiding these mistakes will significantly improve your chances of success.

Can You Study Medicine and Surgery Without Physics in JAMB?

No.
Physics is compulsory for Medicine and Surgery in UTME.

Missing Physics automatically makes you ineligible.

Can You Combine WAEC and NECO Results for Medicine and Surgery?

Yes, but only for universities that accept two sittings.
Most federal universities prefer one sitting. Check your chosen school’s policy before applying.

How Many Years Does It Take to Study Medicine and Surgery in Nigeria?

Typically:

6 years for academic training
1 year of compulsory internship
1 year of NYSC

In total, you will spend about 8 years before becoming a fully practicing doctor.

Cut-Off Marks for Medicine and Surgery in Top Universities

University of Ibadan (UI)

JAMB: 300+
Post-UTME: 70% and above

University of Lagos (UNILAG)

JAMB: 290+
Post-UTME: High aggregate score

OAU

JAMB: 280+

UNN

JAMB: 300+

While scores may fluctuate each year, the safest range is 280–350.

Best Study Tips to Score High in JAMB for Medicine and Surgery

1. Start Early

Medicine and Surgery is competitive; early preparation is key.

2. Use JAMB-Approved Textbooks

Stick to recommended learning materials.

3. Practice Past Questions

This helps you understand question patterns and improve speed.

4. Study Consistently

Avoid last-minute reading.

5. Join Tutorials or Study Groups

Collaborative learning improves understanding.

6. Take Mock Exams

Simulate real exam conditions to build confidence.

7. Focus on Time Management

JAMB is time-based; practice finishing on time.

FAQs About JAMB Subject Combination for Medicine and Surgery

What is the correct JAMB subject combination?

English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Can I replace Physics with Mathematics?

No. Physics is compulsory.

What is the minimum JAMB score required?

Aim for 280 and above.

Do all universities use Post-UTME?

Most do, but a few use screenings instead.

Can I gain admission with two sittings?

Yes, but some universities prefer one sitting.

The JAMB subject combination for Medicine and Surgery, English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and is mandatory for all candidates seeking admission into Nigerian universities. Along with the right O’level results, high JAMB and Post-UTME scores, and proper preparation, you can successfully secure admission into your dream medical school.