The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has unveiled a new subject combination framework for the 2026 examination, and it’s already sparking conversations across schools.
Under the new arrangement, Science students can no longer take Economics. Likewise, students in the Humanities — those offering Literature, Government, or History — are also barred from taking Economics. According to the updated list, only students in the Business department are now permitted to take Economics.
While the decision may appear restrictive, education experts say the goal is to promote specialization, ensuring that students pursue subjects closely aligned with their future academic and career paths.
WAEC’s New Structure: Understanding the Framework
The WAEC examination remains structured around a minimum of seven (7) and a maximum of nine (9) subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.
Traditionally, the focus of each stream has been:
- Science students – Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Arts students – Literature, Government, and Languages (Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa)
- Commercial students – Economics, Commerce, and Accounting
WAEC groups senior secondary subjects into three major areas of study, each with unique combinations suited to a student’s intended career.
However, across all streams, only three subjects are compulsory for everyone, as approved by the Federal Government:
1. English Language
2. Mathematics
3. Civic Education
These subjects are non-negotiable; that is, every candidate, regardless of field, must offer them.
WAEC Subject Combination for Science Students (2026/2027)
The WAEC subject combination for science students includes subjects that involve both theory and practicals. These practical sessions often conducted in laboratories are essential for hands-on understanding. Schools without laboratories will be given alternative practical sessions.
Note: Science students cannot take Economics under the new rule.
Core Subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Civic Education
- Science-Based Electives:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Geography
- Agricultural Science
Optional subjects you can add include:
- Further Mathematics
- Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa
- Technical Drawing
Sample combination (8–9 subjects)
1. English Language
2. Mathematics
3. Civic Education
4. Physics
5. Chemistry
6. Biology
7. Geography
8. Agricultural Science
9. Further Mathematics (optional)
This combination opens doors to courses like Medicine, Nursing, Engineering, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences.
WAEC Subject Combination for Arts Students (2026/2027)
For students passionate about language, culture, and society, the Arts (Humanities) stream remains rich and creative. Under the new rule, however, Arts students are no longer allowed to register for Economics.
Core Subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Civic Education
- Arts-Based Electives:
- Literature in English
- Government or History
- Christian Religious Studies (CRS) or Islamic Religious Studies (IRS)
- Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa
Optional subjects include:
- Arabic Studies
- French
- Music
- Commerce
- Agricultural Science / Biology
Sample combination (8–9 subjects)
1. English Language
2. Mathematics
3. Civic Education
4. Literature in English
5. Government
6. CRS / IRS
7. Yoruba / Igbo / Hausa
8. French or Music (optional)
This pathway suits careers in Law, Mass Communication, Languages, Literature, or Political Science.
WAEC Subject Combination for Commercial Students (2026/2027)
Commercial students are the backbone of business and finance studies. They are trained in areas such as accounting, management, and entrepreneurship. Under the new WAEC policy, only students in this stream are allowed to take Economics.
Core Subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Civic Education
- Commercial-Based Electives:
- Economics
- Accounting
- Commerce
- Government
- Office Practice
Optional subjects include:
- Book Keeping
- Further Mathematics
- Agricultural Science or Biology
- Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa
Sample combination (8–9 subjects)
1. English Language
2. Mathematics
3. Civic Education
4. Economics
5. Accounting
6. Commerce
7. Government
8. Office Practice
9. Yoruba / Igbo / Hausa (optional)
This stream paves the way for careers in Banking, Business Administration, Marketing, Insurance, or Entrepreneurship.
WAEC Trade Subjects (2026/2027): Building Skills for the Future
WAEC’s Trade/Entrepreneurship Subjects were introduced to promote practical, job-ready skills among students. These subjects bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications, preparing students for self-reliance and employability.
There are 35 trade subjects in total, ranging from technical to vocational disciplines. Every WAEC candidate must take at least one trade subject.
Examples of WAEC Trade Subjects:
1. Animal Husbandry
2. Auto Body Repairs
3. Auto Mechanic
4. Auto Electrical Work
5. Automobile Parts Merchandising
6. Block Laying, Bricklaying, and Concreting Work
7. Bookkeeping
8. Carpentry & Joinery
9. Catering Craft Practice
10. Data Processing
11. Dyeing and Bleaching
12. Plumbing & Pipe Fitting
13. Printing Craft Practice
14. Radio, Television, and Electronics
15. Salesmanship
16. Stenography
17. Tourism
18. Upholstery
19. Welding & Fabrication Engineering Craft Practice
20. Marketing
21. Metalwork
22. Mining
23. Painting and Decorating
24. Photography
25. Garment Making
26. Furniture Making
27. Fisheries
28. Leather Goods Manufacturing and Repairs
29. Machine Woodworking
30. GSM Phone Maintenance and Repair
31. Assigned Electives: further mentions like Textile Trade / Clothing & Textiles
32. Cosmetology
33. Electrical Installation & Maintenance Works
34. Marketing-adjacent / Business trade crafts like Office Practice, Store Keeping appear in some lists. (Less frequently)
These subjects help students discover practical skills that can lead to careers or entrepreneurship, even without immediate tertiary education.
How to Choose the Right Subjects
WAEC emphasizes that every student must choose subjects based on potential, interest, and future career goals.
Here’s how to make smart choices:
1. Start with the compulsory three: English, Mathematics, and Civic Education.
2. Add core subjects from your chosen field (Science, Arts, or Commercial).
3. Include one Trade subject; something practical that matches your interest.
4. Ensure your total subjects are between eight (8) and nine (9).
“Each student may then choose two (2), three (3), four (4), or five (5) subjects from their preferred field of study depending on potential, interest, and capability,” — WAEC Guidelines, 2026.
Final Thoughts: The Change That Shapes the Future
Change can be uncomfortable — especially for students who once balanced Science and Economics or mixed Arts and Business. But this new WAEC framework isn’t designed to limit dreams; it’s designed to sharpen them.
It encourages every student to specialize early, excel deeply, and prepare confidently for the next phase of education or entrepreneurship.
So whether you dream of wearing a lab coat, running a company, reporting the news, or crafting designs — the new WAEC subject policy is your roadmap. It’s not the end of freedom; it’s the beginning of focus.
In summary:
- Economics now belongs strictly to the Business stream.
- English, Mathematics, and Civic Education remain compulsory for all.
- Every student must take at least one Trade subject.
- Choose between 8–9 subjects wisely based on your dream career.
WAEC’s new subject combination system is more than just a rule — it’s a reminder:
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