10/12/2025
WAEC RELEASES IMPORTANT SUBJECT COMBINATIONS FOR 2026 EXAMINATION, FULL LIST EMERGES
- WAEC released the 2026 WASSCE subject combinations, barring Science and Arts students from taking Economics to align studies with career paths
- English Language, Mathematics, and Civic Education remain compulsory for all candidates, while Business students retain Economics as a core subject
- WAEC introduced 35 trade subjects to boost studentsโ practical and entrepreneurial skills, mandating at least one trade subject per candidate
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the official subject combinations for candidates sitting the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Under the new arrangement, Science and Arts students will no longer be permitted to take Economics, a move WAEC says is aimed at ensuring academic alignment with studentsโ chosen fields of study.
WAEC excluded some subjects According to WAEC, only students in the Business or Commercial department will be allowed to register for Economics during the 2026 examination.
"Students focus on subjects that align directly with their intended career paths,โ a WAEC official said.
Traditionally, the WAEC subject combination comprises a minimum of seven and a maximum of nine subjects, with English Language and Mathematics remaining compulsory, Nation reported.
2026 WAEC: 3 subjects remain compulsory for all students WAEC reaffirmed that English Language, Mathematics, and Civic Education remain compulsory for all candidates, regardless of department.
โThese core subjects are essential for every student, as they form the foundation for higher learning and national development,โ the Council stated. Updated combinations for science students Under the revised guidelines, science students are expected to focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, alongside compulsory subjects. They may also include elective options like Further Mathematics, Technical Drawing, and a local language such as Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa.
*Approved Science subjects include:*
English Language Mathematics
Civic Education
Physcs
Chemistry
Biology
Geography
Agricultural Science
*Approved Science subjects include:*
Full list of requirements
English Language Mathematics
Civic Education
Physcs
Chemistry
Biology
Geography
Agricultural Science
*Arts students barred from Economics:*
In a similar shift, Arts students studying Literature,
Government, or History will no longer be permitted to take Economics.
The new Arts combination includes:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Civic Education
- Literature in English
- Government or History Religious Studies (CRS or IRS)
- A local language (Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa)
WAEC, however, said students still have the freedom to include electives such as Arabic, Music, or French.
*Commercial students to focus on business-related subjects:*
For Commercial students, the Council emphasised that the focus remains on business, management, and financial studies.
*Their combination includes:*
Civic Education Economics
Accounting Commerce
Government Office Practice
Additional electives include Bookkeeping, Marketing, and Languages.
*WAEC introduces 35 trade subjects for skill acquisition:*
WAEC also maintained its inclusion of 35 trade and entrepreneurship subjects, such as:
Catering Craft Practice, Garment Making, Auto Mechanics, and Data Processing.
โThese trade subjects are aimed at equipping students with practical, employable skills for the modern economy,โ the Council explained.
Students are required to take at least one trade or entrepreneurship subject to meet examination requirements.
*Guidelines for subject selection:*
WAEC provided a detailed guide for students when selecting their subjects:
Each candidate must take the three compulsory subjects.
One trade/entrepreneurship subject is mandatory.
Students may choose 2โ5 additional subjects from their field of study, ensuring a total of eight to nine subjects.
The Council advised schools to counsel students properly to ensure compliance with the new directives.
