The short answer
| Pharmacy (BPharm / PharmD) | |
|---|---|
| UTME subjects | Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| National minimum (universities, 2026/27) | 150 |
| A safe target at a competitive federal university | 260+ |
| O'level | Five credits including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics |
The target is our guidance, not an official figure. Departmental cut-offs are set by each institution every year, and many state and private universities admit well below it. Always confirm your combination in the JAMB brochure and on your chosen institution's admission page.
JAMB subject combination for Pharmacy
Use of English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Some universities accept Mathematics in place of Physics for Pharmacy, but Physics is accepted everywhere, so it is the safer choice unless you are sure of your institution's rule.
Chemistry matters more for Pharmacy than for almost any other course, both in JAMB and in the degree itself.
JAMB cut-off mark for Pharmacy
The minimum JAMB set for universities for the 2026/2027 session is 150. For Pharmacy that number tells you very little: it only means you are allowed to apply.
Pharmacy sits just behind Medicine in competitiveness at most federal universities. The move to the six-year PharmD has not reduced demand. Expect the departmental cut-off to sit comfortably above 200 at established schools.
Set your own target: take last year's departmental cut-off at the institution you want, add 20 to 30 marks as a buffer, and divide by four. That is your per-subject average to train for. How cut-offs work explains the three different numbers involved.
O'level requirements
Five credits including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, usually at no more than two sittings. Some institutions insist on one sitting for competitive courses. Your O'level is checked separately from your UTME, so a strong JAMB score does not rescue a missing credit.
How to prepare for Pharmacy in JAMB
- Make Chemistry your strongest subject. Start with the topics that repeat: stoichiometry, organic chemistry and equilibrium.
- Don't give away Physics marks. The calculation topics repeat reliably. See where the questions come from.
- Practise under time. Chemistry calculations are slow when untimed practice has let you take your time.
Questions people ask
What is the JAMB subject combination for Pharmacy?
Use of English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Some universities accept Mathematics in place of Physics.
What is the JAMB cut-off mark for Pharmacy?
The national minimum for universities in 2026/27 is 150. Pharmacy at competitive universities needs far more. Aim for 260 or above, and check your institution's departmental cut-off.
What O'level subjects do I need for Pharmacy?
Credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, usually at no more than two sittings.
Know how far off 260 you are. Sit a timed UTME mock and get your score out of 400, with the topics costing you most. Every one of those subjects is in the JAMBUDDY question bank. Free for 14 days, inside Telegram. Open @jamb_buddy_bot.