WAEC unveils fresh subject combinations for 2026 exams

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced a new set of subject combinations that will take effect for students sitting for the 2026 examinations, according to a report by PM News.

Under the revised arrangement, students in the Science stream will no longer be allowed to register for Economics, while Arts students offering Literature, Government, or History are also prohibited from taking the subject. Economics will now be exclusive to students in the Business (Commercial) category.

According to the report, WAEC maintained that every candidate must register for at least seven and not more than nine subjects, which must include English Language and Mathematics.

Mandatory Subjects for All Students
The three compulsory subjects for every student remain:
English Language
Mathematics
Civic Education

Science Students (2026/2027 Session)
Science candidates are expected to offer subjects that involve both theoretical and practical components. Schools without laboratory facilities are permitted to use an alternative-to-practical system.
Core subjects:
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 Session)
The Arts stream focuses on languages, literature, and social studies.
Core subjects:
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 Session)
Commercial students will specialize in subjects linked to business, finance, and management.
Core subjects:
English Language
Mathematics
Civic Education
Economics
Accounting
Commerce
Government
Office Practice
Optional subjects: Further Mathematics, Bookkeeping, Agricultural Science or Biology, and local languages.

Trade Subjects (2026/2027 Session)
WAEC has also listed 35 trade subjects aimed at equipping students with hands-on and entrepreneurial skills for self-reliance and future employment. Every student is required to select 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, and Upholstery.

Guidelines for Subject Selection
Each student must register for the three compulsory subjects and at least one trade subject, then choose between two and five more from their specialization area—Science, Arts, or Commercial. In total, students must register for a minimum of eight and a maximum of nine subjects.

WAEC said the aim of the new subject structure is “to make students more focused and to better prepare them for careers or entrepreneurship after school.”

(PM NEWS)