The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced new subject combinations for students sitting the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), according to PM News.
Key Change in WAEC 2026 Subject Combinations
Under the updated structure, a major change is the restriction on social science subjects. Consequently, Science students will no longer be allowed to register for Economics. Similarly, Arts students studying Literature, Government, or History are also barred from taking the subject. Therefore, only Business (Commercial) students will now be permitted to include Economics in their exam list.
General Requirements and Compulsory Subjects
WAEC maintained that each student must register for a minimum of eight and a maximum of nine subjects.
The three compulsory subjects for all categories of students remain:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Civic Education
Science Students (2026/2027)
Science students will continue to take subjects with both theory and practical components. Furthermore, schools without standard laboratories can use an approved alternative-to-practical system.
- CORE SUBJECTS: English Language, Mathematics, Civic Education, Physics, Chemistry, Biology.
- Optional Subjects: Further Mathematics, Geography, Agricultural Science, Technical Drawing, A Nigerian Language (Yoruba, Igbo & Hausa).
Arts Students (2026/2027)
Arts students will focus on disciplines within languages, social sciences, and humanities under the new WAEC 2026 Subject Combinations.
- Core subjects: English Language, Mathematics, Civic Education, Literature in English, Government or History, Religious Studies (CRS or IRS), A Nigerian language (Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa).
- Optional subject: Economics (if permitted under local WAEC guidelines).
Commercial Students 2026/2027
Commercial students will concentrate on business, management, and finance-related disciplines.
- Core subjects: English Language, Mathematics, Civic Education, Economics, Accounting, Commerce, Office Practice.
- Optional subject: Further Mathematics, Book Keeping, Agricultural Science or Biology, A Nigerian Language.
Mandatory WAEC Trade Subjects 2026/2027
WAEC also reaffirmed the inclusion of Trade Subjects—designed to equip students with practical and entrepreneurial skills for self-reliance. Crucially, students must take at least one trade subject out of 35 available options.
- Examples include: Animal Husbandry, Carpentry and Joinery, Data Processing, Garment Making, Photography, and Marketing.
Guidelines for Subjects Selection
WAEC advised students to:
- Register for the three compulsory subjects (English, Mathematics, Civic Education).
- Choose one trade subject.
- Pick two to five additional subjects from their respective categories (Science, Arts, or Commercial).
In total, this means each student must register for a minimum of eight and a maximum of nine subjects.
Goal of the Reform
WAEC explained that the new WAEC 2026 Subject Combinations structure aims to streamline academic focus, enhance specialization, and prepare students for future careers or entrepreneurship. Ultimately, the reform marks one of WAEC’s most significant updates in recent years, aligning secondary school learning with modern curriculum reforms and evolving global education standards.
Students and parents are advised to consult their school counselors or visit the official WAEC website for detailed subject registration guidelines.
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