The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released new subject combinations for students taking the 2026 exam.
Under the new rules, Science students are no longer allowed to take Economics, and Arts students studying Literature, Government, or History are also barred from offering the subject.
Only Business (Commercial) students are now permitted to include Economics in their subjects.
WAEC requires students to take at least seven and no more than nine subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.
The three compulsory subjects for all students are:
English Language
Mathematics
Civic Education
Science Students (2026/2027)
Science students take subjects with practical and theory components. Schools without labs can use an alternative practical system.
Core subjects include:
English Language
Mathematics
Civic Education
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Optional subjects: Further Mathematics, Geography, Agricultural Science, a local language (Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa), and Technical Drawing.
Arts Students (2026/2027)
Arts students take subjects related to languages, literature, and social studies.
Core subjects include:
English Language
Mathematics
Civic Education
Literature in English
Government or History
Religious Studies (CRS or IRS)
One local language (Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa)
Optional subject: Economics
Commercial Students (2026/2027)
Commercial students focus on business, finance, and management-related subjects.
Core subjects include:
English Language
Mathematics
Civic Education
Economics
Accounting
Commerce
Government
Office Practice
Optional subjects: Further Mathematics, Bookkeeping, Agricultural Science or Biology, and local languages.
WAEC Trade Subjects (2026/2027)
There are 35 trade subjects designed to give students practical and entrepreneurial skills for self-reliance and employment. Every student must take at least one trade subject.
Examples include:
Animal Husbandry
Carpentry and Joinery
Catering Craft Practice
Data Processing
Garment Making
Photography
Welding and Fabrication
GSM Phone Repairs
Marketing
Plumbing
Tourism
Upholstery
How to Choose Subjects
Every student must take the three compulsory subjects and one trade subject.
Students can then choose between two and five more subjects from their field (Science, Arts, or Commercial).
Each student must register for a minimum of eight and a maximum of nine subjects in total.
WAEC says the goal of this new structure is to make students more focused and to better prepare them for careers or entrepreneurship after school.
