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The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the approved subject combinations for the 2026 examinations, introducing notable changes to its registration policy.
Under the revised structure, Science students can no longer register for Economics. Likewise, Humanities students—those studying Literature, Government, or History—are also barred from offering Economics. According to the new policy, only students in the Business department are now permitted to include Economics in their subject combination.
WAEC requires candidates to register for a minimum of seven and a maximum of nine subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, which remain compulsory.
Areas of Study
The Senior Secondary School Examination (SSCE) covers three main areas of study:
- Science
- Arts (Humanities)
- Business (Commercial)
Each area has specific subject groupings aligned with students’ career paths. However, WAEC has maintained three compulsory subjects for all candidates across departments, approved by the Federal Government:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Civic Education
WAEC Subject Combination for Science Students (2026/2027)
The Science curriculum focuses on subjects involving theoretical, objective, and practical assessments. Most practicals take place in laboratories, though schools without adequate facilities are provided with alternatives.
Core Subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Civic Education
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Geography
- Agricultural Science
Optional Subjects:
- Further Mathematics
- Technical Drawing
- Nigerian Languages (Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa)
WAEC Subject Combination for Art Students (2026/2027)
Art students specialise in creative and humanistic fields. While they may share a few subjects with other departments, such as Biology or Agricultural Science, their focus areas differ significantly.
Core Subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Civic Education
- Literature in English
- Government or History
- Christian or Islamic Religious Studies
- Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa
Optional Subjects:
- Economics
- French
- Arabic Studies
- Music
- Commerce
- Agricultural Science or Biology
WAEC Subject Combination for Commercial Students (2026/2027)
Commercial students receive training in subjects related to business, management, and finance. Their course structure prepares them for roles in accounting, commerce, and entrepreneurship.
Core Subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Civic Education
- Economics
- Accounting
- Commerce
- Government
- Office Practice
Optional Subjects:
- Bookkeeping
- Further Mathematics
- Agricultural Science or Biology
- Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa
Note: Some subjects, such as Languages, Agricultural Science, and Economics, are open to students from different departments depending on interest and school policy.
WAEC Trade Subjects (2026/2027)
Trade subjects were introduced to promote entrepreneurship and practical skills development. Every WAEC candidate must select at least one trade subject. These subjects aim to equip students with hands-on experience and self-employment opportunities.
Examples of WAEC Trade Subjects:
- Animal Husbandry
- Auto Mechanics / Electrical Work
- Block Laying and Bricklaying
- Bookkeeping
- Carpentry and Joinery
- Catering Craft Practice
- Data Processing
- Dyeing and Bleaching
- Garment Making
- Welding and Fabrication
- Photography
- Marketing
- Furniture Making
- Fisheries
- Insurance
- Tourism
- Leather Goods Repair
- GSM Phone Maintenance
- Machine Woodworking
- Upholstery
- Shorthand
- Keyboarding
These 35 trade subjects foster employability, innovation, and economic productivity beyond the traditional academic framework.
Guidelines for Subject Selection (WASSCE/SSCE)
- Compulsory Cross-Cutting Subjects:
Each candidate must register for four compulsory subjects, including English Language, Mathematics, Civic Education, and one Trade/Entrepreneurship subject. - Field of Study Combinations:
Students may then select additional subjects based on their interests and career goals:
- Selecting two subjects from one field allows two or three from another or Trade/Entrepreneurship subjects (8–9 total).
- Selecting three subjects from one field allows one or two from another (8–9 total).
- Selecting four subjects from one field allows one from another (maximum of 9).
- Selecting five subjects from one field already makes up the maximum of nine subjects.
In all, students must choose a minimum of eight (8) and a maximum of nine (9) subjects.
