Preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) can feel like a huge task. You might wonder, “What exactly should I study?” or “How do I even start?” The good news is you don’t have to guess. The JAMB Syllabus 2026 is your secret weapon. This official document is your roadmap to success. It tells you everything you need to know for each subject. Therefore, using it is the first smart step to acing your exams.
This guide will explain everything about the JAMB Syllabus 2026. We will cover what it is, why it’s so important, and list all the subjects you can be tested on. We will also give you a clear overview of the main topics for each subject. Finally, we will share crucial information about JAMB itself and how to avoid big mistakes. Let’s begin your journey to a high score.
Key Highlights of the JAMB Syllabus 2026
- The JAMB Syllabus 2026 is your official guide for the UTME.
- It lists all the topics you need to study for every subject.
- Using the syllabus helps you focus your reading and avoid wasting time.
- The Use of English is a compulsory subject for all students.
- You must choose three other subjects related to your desired course.
- Understanding the syllabus is the first step to scoring above 300.
Overview of JAMB Syllabus 2026 Subjects
The table below gives you a quick look at all the subjects available in the JAMB Syllabus 2026 and how many main topics are in each one.
| Subject | Number of Topics |
|---|---|
| Use of English | 3 Major Sections |
| Mathematics | 28 |
| Physics | 42 |
| Chemistry | 18 |
| Biology | 23 |
| Economics | 23 |
| Government | 32 |
| Literature in English | 5 |
| Commerce | 16 |
| Accounts / Principles of Accounts | 18 |
| Agricultural Science | 48 |
| Geography | 24 |
| Christian Religious Knowledge / Studies (CRK) | 52 |
| Islamic Religious Knowledge / Studies (IRK) | 20 |
| History | 43 |
| French | 4 |
| Arabic | 5 |
| Igbo | 14 |
| Yoruba | 3 |
| Hausa | 16 |
| Music | 27 |
| Arts | 13 |
| Home Economics | 25 |
What is the JAMB Syllabus 2026?
The JAMB Syllabus 2026 is the official guide from the exam body. You can also think of it as the JAMB curriculum. It is a document that contains all the information you need about a subject. JAMB created it to guide students on what to read for each subject.
The truth is, every subject is very wide. However, the syllabus makes it manageable. Since JAMB is for secondary school students, the syllabus does not go beyond what you should have learned in school. It focuses only on the topics you are expected to know. Using it ensures you are studying the right material.
All Subjects in the JAMB Syllabus 2026
Here is the complete list of subjects for the JAMB Syllabus 2026. You must pick four subjects. The Use of English is compulsory for everyone. Then, you choose three other subjects that are related to the university course you want to study.
1. Use of English
This subject is compulsory for all candidates. It is broken down into three main sections: Comprehension/Summary, Lexis and Structure, and Oral Forms.
2. Mathematics
You will be tested on 23 major topics, including Number Bases, Algebra, and Calculus.
3. Physics
Physics has 42 topics, covering areas like Measurement, Motion, and Gravitational Fields.
4. Chemistry
There are 18 major topics in Chemistry, such as Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonds, and Organic Chemistry.
5. Biology
Biology contains 23 topics, including Living Organisms, Ecology, and Genetics.
6. Economics
Economics has 23 topics, like Basic Concepts, Production, and International Trade.
7. Government
You will be tested on 32 topics in Government, covering elements of Government and Political Development in Nigeria.
8. Literature in English
This subject focuses on 5 main areas: Drama, Prose, Poetry, and Literary Appreciation.
9. Commerce
Commerce has 16 topics, including Commerce, Business Management, and Finance.
10. Accounts / Principles of Accounts
There are 18 major topics in Accounts, like Bookkeeping, Financial Statements, and Regulatory Bodies.
11. Agricultural Science
Agricultural Science is one of the largest, with 48 topics covering everything from Soil Science to Farm Management.
12. Geography
Geography has 24 topics, including Physical Geography, Human Geography, and Practical Geography.
13. Christian Religious Knowledge / Studies (CRK)
CRK has the most topics at 52, covering the Old Testament, the New Testament, and Christian Ethics.
14. Islamic Religious Knowledge / Studies (IRK)
IRK contains 20 topics on the Quran, Hadith, and Islamic History.
15. History
History has 43 topics, focusing on pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial Nigerian history.
16. French
French has 4 main sections: Written Comprehension, Written Expression, Sound Recognition, and Oral Expression.
17. Arabic
Arabic is tested on 5 major topics, including Comprehension, Translation, and Grammar.
18. Igbo
The Igbo syllabus contains 14 topics testing language skills and literature.
19. Yoruba
Yoruba has 3 major sections: Language, Literature, and Culture.
20. Hausa
Hausa has 16 topics covering language, literature, and history.
21. Music
The Music syllabus contains 27 topics on theory, history, and practice.
22. Arts
Arts has 13 topics covering the history and appreciation of art.
23. Home Economics
Home Economics contains 25 topics on Food Nutrition, Clothing, and Home Management.
What You Need to Know About JAMB
In this JAMB syllabus 2026 post, you wil be able to know the following:
What is JAMB and When Was It Established?
JAMB means the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. This board is in charge of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This exam is for getting into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Nigeria. JAMB holds the exam once a year. To do well, students must use the JAMB Syllabus 2026.
The government set up JAMB in 1978. Its job is to control how entrance exams are done for all tertiary institutions in Nigeria. It also works with schools to place qualified candidates. To do this, it conducts the UTME.
Who is Eligible to Write UTME?
You can write the UTME if you have any of these certificates:
- The West African Senior School Certificate (WASSCE)
- The Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) (like GCE or NECO)
- The National Technical Certificate or the National Business Certificate (NTC/NBC)
- Teachers’ Grade II Certificate
You can also register for JAMB if you are still waiting for the result of any of these exams.
Admission Requirements Into Tertiary Institutions
To get admission, you must meet these conditions:
- You must get a good score in your UTME in the right subjects.
- You must have a credit pass in 5 relevant subjects in your WAEC, NECO, or similar exam.
- You must not have more than two sittings for your O’Level results (meaning you combined two result slips).
- Most schools require a pass in Mathematics and English.
Furthermore, some courses have special requirements. So, you should check the JAMB brochure for your specific course.
Examination Malpractice in JAMB is a Big Risk
Cheating in exams is a serious crime. The law has strong punishments for anyone caught cheating. The punishment can be a prison sentence of 3 to 5 years, a fine of over N50,000, or both. The law considers these actions as cheating:
- Using electronic devices like phones.
- Helping someone else cheat.
- Taking an exam for someone else (impersonation).
- Bringing notes into the exam hall.
- Disobeying the rules of the exam officials.
In short, cheating is not worth the risk. The best way to succeed is to study hard using the JAMB Syllabus 2026.
Conclusion of JAMB Syllabus 2026
In conclusion, your success in the 2026 UTME depends on how well you prepare. The JAMB Syllabus 2026 is your most important tool. It guides your reading and helps you use your time wisely. Instead of reading everything, you can focus on what will actually be in the exam.
Therefore, download the syllabus for your subjects today. Make a study plan based on the topics listed. Get the recommended textbooks and start reading. With dedication and the right guide, you can achieve a high score and get into your chosen school. Good luck!