If you are preparing to register for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), you might be asking yourself, How many subjects should I write in WAEC? WAEC sets certain guidelines on the number of subjects a student must sit for, with options depending on your academic path and future ambitions. Knowing the appropriate number of subjects to take can significantly affect your chances of success and your ability to pursue higher education.
WAEC Subjects
What subjects are available for students writing WAEC? WAEC offers an extensive list of subjects across different fields, including major subjects, elective subjects, and vocational subjects. If you are in the science, art, or commercial stream, you will be required to pick both compulsory and elective subjects based on your chosen discipline. These subjects help shape your future career choices and are aligned with the programs offered by universities and polytechnics.
Students often wonder, How many subjects do they write in WAEC? The number of subjects a student can register for ranges from a minimum of 8 to a maximum of 9. The number depends on the student’s career path and school requirements. By writing more subjects, students increase their chances of meeting university admission requirements.
WAEC compulsory subjects
What are the compulsory subjects for WAEC? No matter your academic field, there are certain subjects every student must take. These include:
English Language
Mathematics
Civic Education
These subjects are essential because most tertiary institutions require them for admission into their programs. Without passing these compulsory subjects, students might find it challenging to get into universities or polytechnics.
How Many Subjects Are Written in WAEC?
When considering how many subjects you need to write in WAEC, how many subjects are written in WAEC? Students write between 8 and 9 subjects. The exact number is 9, and another factor that can determine this is the student’s academic focus and the school’s recommendations. While 8 subjects are the minimum, some students take 9 to 10 to expand their options for higher education.
For those interested in science, How many subjects do science students write in WAEC? Science students are required to register for major science subjects, alongside the compulsory ones. Subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and sometimes Further Mathematics are important. Including these subjects ensures you meet the requirements for science-based university courses like medicine, engineering, or biochemistry.
Similarly, students in the arts often ask, How many subjects do art students write in WAEC? Like their science counterparts, art students take 8 to 9 subjects. They also have compulsory subjects but select electives tailored to their discipline, such as literature in English, government, and history.
WAEC Subject Combination for Art Students
What is the WAEC subject combination for art students? If you are an art student, you need to carefully select subjects that align with your future academic goals. Art students generally combine the following subjects:
English Language (compulsory)
Mathematics (compulsory)
Civic Education (compulsory)
Literature in English
Government
CRS/IRS or History
An elective like Visual Arts, Music, or French
Choosing the right subject combination can help students gain admission into courses like law, mass communication, or international relations.
WAEC Subject Combination for Science Students
What subjects do science students write in WAEC? For science students, the subjects need to reflect a balance between compulsory and science-specific courses. A typical WAEC subject combination for science students includes:
English Language (compulsory)
Mathematics (compulsory)
Civic Education (compulsory)
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Further Mathematics (optional but recommended)
Geography or another elective like Agricultural Science
Also Read: All WAEC Subjects Required for Medicine and Surgery
This subject combination is best suited for those pursuing careers in medicine, pharmacy, engineering, or computer science.
WAEC Subject Combination for Commercial Students
For students studying commercial studies, What is the WAEC subject combination for commercial students? Commercial students focus on business-related courses that set them up for fields like banking, finance, or accounting. Here’s a typical subject combination for them:
English Language (compulsory)
Mathematics (compulsory)
Civic Education (compulsory)
Economics
Commerce
Financial Accounting
Business Studies or Office Practice
An elective like government or geography
WAEC Vocational Subjects
WAEC also provides an option for vocational subjects, What are the vocational subjects in WAEC? These subjects are for students who are interested in acquiring practical skills that can be applied in the workforce or entrepreneurial endeavors. Examples of vocational subjects include:
Home Management
Food and Nutrition
Garment Making
Auto Mechanics
Woodwork
Electronics
Alternatives to the WAEC Exam
If you are unable to take the WAEC exam or prefer other options, What alternatives are available to WAEC? Some alternatives include the NECO (National Examinations Council) and GCE (General Certificate Examination). Both are widely accepted by Nigerian universities and polytechnics as entry qualifications. Another option is the IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education), often preferred by students intending to study abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many subjects are written in WAEC GCE?
Just like in the regular WAEC exam, students are required to register for a minimum of 8 subjects and a maximum of 9 for the GCE.
2. Can I write 7 subjects in GCE?
No, the minimum number of subjects you are allowed to take for WAEC GCE is 8. Writing fewer than 8 subjects would not meet the examination body’s requirements.
3. Can an SS2 student write GCE?
Yes, an SS2 student can register and write the GCE exam. However, it is essential to ensure the student is adequately prepared, as the topics covered might extend beyond what they have learned in class.
4. Can I use GCE to gain admission into a university?
Yes, GCE results are accepted by most universities and polytechnics for admission, provided you meet the required cutoff marks for your chosen course.
5. Is 70 A1 in WAEC?
Yes, scoring 70 and above in WAEC awards you an A1, which is the highest grade possible and considered excellent performance.