Quick answer
To study Physics in the JAMB UTME, register these four subjects: Use of English, Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry or Biology. Confidence: High / Medium — requirements can vary by institution, so confirm yours in the official JAMB brochure before registering.
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JAMB UTME subject combination for Physics
Every UTME candidate registers four subjects, and Use of English is compulsory for every course. To study Physics, your four subjects are:
Use of English, Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry or Biology
Each subject above links to its full official syllabus and free CBT practice on Belmadeng, so you can start preparing the moment you know your combination.
O’Level (WAEC/NECO) requirements for Physics
Your UTME subjects are only half the picture — you also need the right O’Level credits to be admitted. For Physics, the typical requirement is:
Five O'Level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
Most universities require these credits at not more than two sittings. Always check your specific institution, as some accept slightly different subject sets.
UTME & Direct Entry requirements
UTME candidates must sit the four subjects above and meet the O’Level requirement. Direct Entry (DE) candidates must, in addition to the O’Level credits, hold an acceptable advanced qualification (such as two A’Level passes in relevant subjects, a relevant ND/HND, NCE, IJMB or JUPEB). DE candidates still register through JAMB and are processed through CAPS. Confirm the exact DE qualification for Physics at your target institution.
Physics cut-off mark & recommended JAMB score
How JAMB cut-off marks really work
At the 2026 policy meeting, JAMB set the national minimum at 150 for universities (100 for polytechnics). But that is only the score that makes you eligible for screening — it is not the score that gets you admitted. Each university sets its own, much higher departmental cut-off for competitive courses, and admission also depends on your Post-UTME and O’Level.
For Physics, which is moderately competitive, a JAMB score in the range of 180–230 has been competitive in recent years at the well-known universities. Aim as high above your target school’s departmental cut-off as you can — a higher score directly improves your admission chances.
Source: 2026 JAMB policy meeting (national minimum) and recent departmental admissions data across major universities. Last checked: 18 Sept 2026. Cut-offs are set per institution each cycle and change year to year — treat this as a recent competitive range, not a guarantee, and confirm your school’s current figure. We never promise admission or a fixed cut-off.
Post-UTME & admission for Physics
After JAMB, most universities run a Post-UTME screening, and your admission is decided on an aggregate of your UTME score, Post-UTME, and (often) O’Level grades. A strong UTME score alone does not guarantee admission — prepare for Post-UTME too. Once offered admission, you accept it on JAMB CAPS. See our admission & CAPS guide for the full process.
Universities offering Physics
Physics is offered by many Nigerian universities. Some well-known ones include:
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
This is not a complete list — many other federal, state and private universities offer Physics. Confirm your chosen institution offers it and check its specific requirement in the official JAMB brochure.
How to prepare for Physics and get admitted
- Register the correct subjects. Use the combination above — double-check it with our subject combination checker and the official brochure before you pay.
- Study each subject’s syllabus. Work through the official JAMB syllabus for Use of English, Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry or Biology in our Study Centre.
- Practise CBT questions. Take free timed CBT practice with worked explanations to build speed and accuracy.
- Aim high. Target a score well above the departmental cut-off — a strong UTME plus a good Post-UTME is what secures admission.
- Prepare for Post-UTME and accept on CAPS. Follow our admission guide through to acceptance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the JAMB subject combination for Physics?
The JAMB UTME subject combination for Physics is Use of English, Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry or Biology. Use of English is compulsory; the other three are matched to the course. Confirm your exact requirement in the official JAMB brochure before registering.
What subjects do I need to study Physics in JAMB?
You need four UTME subjects: Use of English, Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry or Biology. You also need the right O'Level credits — Five O'Level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
What is the cut-off mark for Physics?
The national minimum is 150 for universities, but Physics is moderately competitive, so competitive universities have required around 180–230 in recent years at the departmental level. Each university sets its own cut-off every cycle, and you must also pass Post-UTME — so aim as high as you can.
Is Physics a competitive course in JAMB?
Yes — Physics is moderately competitive, with far more applicants than available places at popular universities, so a high UTME score and strong Post-UTME performance matter.
Can I change my subjects after registering for Physics?
No. Once your UTME registration is submitted and paid, your four subjects are locked for that exam. This is why you should confirm the Physics combination against this guide and the official brochure before you register.
Does Physics require Post-UTME?
Most universities screen Physics applicants with a Post-UTME, and admission is decided on an aggregate of your UTME, Post-UTME and O'Level. A good JAMB score alone does not guarantee admission.
Which universities offer Physics in Nigeria?
Physics is offered by many federal, state and private universities, including University of Ibadan (UI), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and others. Confirm your chosen university offers it and meets your combination in the brochure.
How can I prepare for Physics on Belmadeng?
Study the official syllabus for each of your subjects in our Study Centre, then take free timed CBT practice with worked explanations. Use our combination checker to confirm your subjects and our admission guide to navigate CAPS.
Related subject combinations
← See subject combinations for all 620 courses
Source: normalised from the official JAMB UTME brochure (IBASS, jamb.gov.ng) and cross-checked across admissions references. Last checked: 18 Sept 2026. Belmadeng is not affiliated with JAMB — always confirm your exact course and university in the official brochure before registering.