How to Read the JAMB Brochure Correctly

By JAMB Advisor Editorial · 11 Nov 2026

The JAMB brochure is the official reference for admission requirements. It lists, for every course at every institution, what you must have to be considered. Many candidates misread it — and some lose admission as a result. This guide shows you how to read it properly.

Where to find it

JAMB makes the brochure available through its official website and e-facility services. Use the current version for your examination year, because institutions can update their requirements.

What each course entry contains

For each course, you will typically find:

  1. The course name and the institutions offering it.
  2. UTME requirements — the subjects you must write in the UTME, besides Use of English.
  3. O'Level requirements — the subjects in which you need credits.
  4. Direct Entry requirements — the qualifications accepted for DE.
  5. Special requirements — notes that apply to particular institutions.

Reading UTME requirements

Look for wording such as:

  • "Biology, Chemistry and Physics" — all three are compulsory.
  • "Mathematics, Physics and any one of Chemistry, Biology…" — two are fixed; you choose the third from the list.
  • "Any three Arts or Social Science subjects" — you choose, but they must be from that group.

Use of English is compulsory for every candidate and is usually not listed again.

Reading O'Level requirements

Typically written as "five SSC credit passes to include English Language, Mathematics, …". Check:

  • which subjects are named as compulsory,
  • whether "Mathematics" is required (many arts and social science courses require it),
  • whether credits must be obtained at one sitting.

Special requirements and institution notes

Some entries include notes for specific institutions — for example, accepting only one sitting, requiring a particular subject, or accepting an alternative subject. These notes override the general requirement for that institution. Always read the notes for your first-choice school.

A step-by-step method

  1. Find your course.
  2. Find your first-choice institution in the list under that course.
  3. Write down the UTME subjects and the O'Level subjects required.
  4. Read any special notes for that institution.
  5. Repeat for your other choices.
  6. Compare with your planned UTME subjects and your O'Level results.

Common misreadings

  • Assuming "any science subject" includes subjects the institution excludes.
  • Missing the one-sitting rule in an institution note.
  • Ignoring Mathematics in the O'Level list for arts or social science courses.
  • Using an old brochure.

Next steps

Our subject checker gives a quick overview for each course. Use it alongside the official brochure, and read how to choose the right subject combination.

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