The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced new subject combinations for the 2026 exams. Under the new rules, science students can no longer take economics and arts students studying literature, government or history are barred from offering economics. Consequently, only commercial or business students may include economics.
Mandatory subjects for all students are English language, mathematics, and civic education, while science students will take core subjects like physics, chemistry, biology, plus optional ones such as further mathematics, geography, and a local language.
For arts students, they will study literature in English, government or history, religious studies, a local language, and can optionally take economics. Commercial students will focus on economics, accounting, commerce, government, office practice, with optional subjects like bookkeeping and agricultural science.
WAEC also requires students to pick at least one trade subject from practical skills options like carpentry, catering, photography and welding, among others.
Also, WAEC has mandated that all students must register for 7 to 9 subjects in order to ensure focus and career readiness.
