The JAMB 2026 syllabus is the official guide that shows all the subjects and topics candidates must study before writing the UTME. Whether you’re writing JAMB for the first time or repeating, knowing the JAMB syllabus 2026 will help you focus on what really matters. This post contains the full subject list, important topics to read, and how to download the complete syllabus.
What Is the JAMB Syllabus?
The JAMB syllabus is a document that lists all the topics you must study in each subject for the UTME. It’s created by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board to guide candidates on what to read and what questions will be set from.
Why the JAMB 2026 Syllabus Is Important
*Helps you avoid reading irrelevant topics
*Makes your study plan easier
*Shows you topic-by-topic what will be asked
*Saves time and reduces stress
*Helps you target likely questions using past papers
Where to Get the JAMB 2026 Syllabus
You can get the complete and free version in these ways:
- On the official JAMB website: www.jamb.gov.ng
- From CBT apps.
- From JAMB brochure (physical or digital copy)
- Directly from school lesson centres
How to Use the JAMB Syllabus Effectively
*Start with the topics you’re weakest in
*Use the syllabus to guide your reading, not just textbooks
*After reading each topic, solve past questions on that topic
*Tick off topics as you master them
*Don’t jump around — follow the order in the syllabus
Full List of JAMB Subjects for 2026 UTME
Here are the common subjects available in the JAMB 2026 syllabus:
- Use of English (compulsory)
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Literature-in-English
- Government
- CRS / IRS
- Economics
- Commerce
- Geography
- Accounting
- Agriculture
- Hausa
- Igbo
- Yoruba
- History
- French
- Music
- Fine Art
- Home Economics
JAMB Syllabus 2026 by Subject (Top Topics)
1. Use of English (Compulsory for All Candidates)
- Comprehension passages
- Sentence structure and types
- Lexis and structure
- Summary writing
- Oral forms
- The JAMB novel (e.g., The Life Changer)
2. Mathematics
- Number and numeration
- Algebra
- Geometry and Mensuration
- Trigonometry
- Statistics
- Probability
3. Biology
- Cell structure and function
- Genetics and evolution
- Ecology and ecosystem
- Reproduction in plants and animals
- Digestive, respiratory, circulatory systems
4. Chemistry
- Atomic structure and bonding
- Chemical equations
- Periodic table and trends
- Organic chemistry
- Acids, bases, salts
5. Physics
- Motion and speed
- Heat and thermodynamics
- Waves, light, and sound
- Electricity and magnetism
- Modern physics
6. Government
- Constitution
- Political ideologies
- Arms of government
- Military rule in Nigeria
- Civil service and public administration
7. Literature-in-English
- Prose, drama, and poetry
- Figures of speech
- Literary appreciation
- African and non-African texts (based on JAMB reading list)
8. CRS / IRS
- Life and teachings of Jesus/Muhammad
- Bible/Quran passages
- Early church/Islamic society
- Religious ethics
9. Economics
- Demand and supply
- Market structures
- Money and banking
- National income
- Public finance
10. Commerce
- Types of trade
- Business units
- Insurance
- Transportation
- Consumer protection
11. Accounting
- Bookkeeping principles
- Ledger and cashbook
- Balance sheet
- Bank reconciliation
- Depreciation
12. Agriculture
- Soil science
- Crop production
- Animal husbandry
- Agricultural economics
- Farm tools and practices
13. Geography
- Earth and the solar system
- Rocks and types
- Weather and climate
- Maps and map reading
- Population and settlement
14. Hausa / Yoruba / Igbo
- Language structure
- Comprehension
- Oral literature
- Grammar and idioms
- Essay writing
Subjects Required by Course (with Table)
| Course | JAMB Subjects |
|---|---|
| Medicine | English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Law | English, Literature, CRS, Government |
| Engineering | English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry |
| Accounting | English, Economics, Commerce, Accounting |
| Mass Comm | English, Literature, CRS, Government |
How to Combine JAMB Subjects Properly
Wrong subject combination is a common reason for losing admission.
*Check the official JAMB brochure before selecting your subjects
*Avoid guessing based on hearsay
*Confirm with your course of study
Example:
- Wrong: Medicine with Commerce
- Right: Medicine with Chemistry
- Mistakes Students Make with JAMB Topics
- Studying without checking the syllabus
- Ignoring the Use of English novel
- Reading outdated textbooks
- Skipping practical-related topics
- Reading random topics from WAEC/NECO instead of JAMB focus
How to Use JAMB Past Questions with the Syllabus
Many students don’t know that JAMB repeats question patterns based on syllabus topics. Here’s a simple method to combine both:
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Pick a subject (e.g. Chemistry)
- Check the first topic in the syllabus
- Read that topic from your recommended textbook
- Go to your past question booklet
- Solve all questions related to that topic
- Mark your answers and study the explanations
- Repeat this for each topic until you cover all.
Smart Reading Techniques Based on the Syllabus
To get the most out of your JAMB 2026 preparation, follow these proven reading methods:
1. The Chunking Method
Break your reading into small units. Instead of reading 30 pages in one sitting, read 5–10 pages per session and take notes.
2. Pomodoro Technique
Study for 25 minutes, rest for 5 minutes. After 4 sessions, take a longer 15–30 min break.
3. Active Recall
After reading a topic, test yourself from memory without looking at your notes.
4. Spaced Revision
Go back to a topic after 2 days, then again after a week. This helps you retain it longer.
Weekly JAMB Reading Plan Using the Syllabus
Here’s a suggested 6-week plan using the official JAMB 2026 syllabus:
| Week | Focus | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Biology + Government | Cover 5 topics each |
| Week 2 | English + Literature | 4 grammar + 3 novel chapters |
| Week 3 | Physics + Chemistry | Solve 30 past questions |
| Week 4 | Maths + CRS | Review 4 topics + Mock test |
| Week 5 | Any weak subject | Revise + summary notes |
| Week 6 | All subjects | Light revision + exam prep |
You can adjust based on your own subjects.
Best Materials to Use Alongside the Syllabus
To fully understand the JAMB 2026 syllabus, pair it with reliable books and tools:
Textbooks
English: Exam Focus, Invisible Teacher (JAMB novel)
Sciences: Essential Biology, New School Physics
Arts/Commercial: Comprehensive Government, Accounting Simplified
CBT Apps
- Myschool CBT
- Flashlearners
- Pass.ng
- JAMB CBT by Awajis
JAMB Brochure
Check the full list of approved courses and subject combinations per school.
How Schools Use the JAMB Syllabus
Many schools use the JAMB syllabus to train students in:
- SS2 & SS3 revision classes
- UTME lesson centres
- Past question drills
- Pre-UTME internal tests
If your school doesn’t follow the JAMB syllabus, you should download it yourself and create a personal plan.
Example of Common JAMB Topics by Subject (That Often Repeat)
| Subject | Frequently Repeated Topics |
|---|---|
| English | Lexis and structure, summary, novel questions |
| Biology | Genetics, photosynthesis, human reproduction |
| Chemistry | Organic compounds, electrolysis |
| Government | Constitution, types of government |
| Literature | Poetry themes, drama excerpts |
| Economics | Demand and supply, inflation |
Knowing these helps you prioritize topics when time is short.
Tips for Finishing the Entire JAMB Syllabus
Many students give up halfway. Here’s how to stay on track:
- Set weekly goals (e.g. 3 topics per subject)
- Use a calendar or planner
- Reward yourself for completing each goal
- Join online study groups for motivation
- Avoid skipping topics just because they look “easy” or “too hard”
How the Syllabus Affects Your JAMB Score
Every question in JAMB comes from the syllabus — nothing else.
So:
- If you read 70% of the syllabus, you’ll likely answer 70% correctly
- If you ignore the syllabus, you’re gambling
- Your score is tied directly to how well you follow the JAMB subjects and topics provided officially.
What Other Students Say About Using the Syllabus
“I started using the syllabus two months before the exam, and it changed everything. I stopped wasting time on useless topics.” – Joy, Uniben aspirant
“I scored 289 in JAMB 2025 because I followed the syllabus line by line and paired it with past questions.” – Uche, UI Medicine
“My CBT teacher showed us how to use the syllabus. We completed all topics and reviewed past papers by section.” – Daniel, FUTA Engineering
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where can I download the full JAMB syllabus 2026?
Visit www.jamb.gov.ng and go to the syllabus section.
2. Do JAMB questions come from outside the syllabus?
No. All UTME questions are drawn from the official syllabus.
3. Is the JAMB syllabus the same as the WAEC syllabus?
No. They are different, though some topics may overlap.
4. How many subjects are allowed in JAMB registration?
Four: English (compulsory) + three others based on your course.
5. Can I get the syllabus in PDF format?
Yes. Many CBT apps and education blogs provide downloadable PDF versions.
6. Is the syllabus the same for all schools?
Yes. JAMB provides one syllabus for all UTME candidates regardless of school or state.
7. How do I know the topics to focus on?
Focus on topics you struggle with, commonly repeated topics, and those marked as high priority in CBT apps.
8. Can I skip Use of English topics if I’m good at English?
No. Use of English carries 60 marks — the highest in the exam. Don’t skip any part.
9. Can the syllabus change before the exam?
Unlikely. But always check the official JAMB website or apps for updated versions.
10. Is there a different syllabus for DE (Direct Entry) candidates?
DE does not write UTME, so there’s no syllabus for that route. The JAMB syllabus is strictly for UTME candidates.