WAEC releases new subject combinations, bars Science, Art students from taking Economics

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released new subject combinations for students taking the 2026 exam, PM News has learnt

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.