Official SyllabusJAMB 2026

ChemistryTopics, Objectives & Mark Breakdown

Total Questions

40

Core Sections

5

Areas of Concentration

Physical & Atomic Chemistry
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Topics to Cover:
  • Separation of Mixtures and Purification
  • Chemical Combination & Stoichiometry (Mole Concept)
  • Kinetic Theory & Gas Laws (Boyle's, Charles', Ideal Gas Equation)
  • Atomic Structure, Electron Configuration & Bonding
  • Nuclear Chemistry (Radioactivity, Fission, Fusion)
  • Energy Changes (Exothermic/Endothermic, Entropy, Spontaneity)
What JAMB will test you on:
  • Use boiling and melting points as criteria for purity and specify separation principles
  • Perform calculations involving formulae, equations, and the mole concept
  • Deduce gas laws, interpret graphical representations, and distinguish real vs. ideal gases
  • Deduce protons, neutrons, and electrons, and apply rules for electron configuration
  • Determine conditions for reaction spontaneity using Gibbs free energy and enthalpy
Solutions, Redox & Kinetics
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Topics to Cover:
  • Solubility (True/False Solutions, Suspensions, Colloids)
  • Acids, Bases, and Salts (pH, pOH, Buffer Solutions, Hydrolysis)
  • Acid-Base Titrations and Indicators
  • Oxidation and Reduction (Redox, Oxidation Numbers, IUPAC Naming)
  • Electrolysis (Faraday's Laws, Electrochemical Cells, Corrosion)
  • Rates of Chemical Reaction & Chemical Equilibria (Le Chatelier's Principle)
What JAMB will test you on:
  • Interpret solubility curves and calculate solute concentrations
  • Perform simple calculations on pH/pOH and balance equations for the hydrolysis of salts
  • Balance redox equations and compute electron transfers
  • Calculate electrode potentials and apply Faraday's laws of electrolysis
  • Apply Le Chatelier's principle to industrial processes and deduce activation energy
Inorganic Chemistry
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Topics to Cover:
  • Non-metals and their Compounds (Hydrogen, Halogens, Oxygen, Sulphur, Nitrogen, Carbon)
  • Alkali and Alkaline-earth Metals (Sodium, Calcium)
  • Aluminum and Tin Extraction
  • Transition Metals (Iron, Copper)
  • Alloys (Steel, Brass, Bronze, Duralumin)
What JAMB will test you on:
  • Relate properties of groups and periods on the periodic table
  • Specify the laboratory and industrial preparation of gases (e.g., Haber and Contact processes)
  • Determine suitable extraction methods for metals based on their ores
  • Identify the general properties of transition metals (complex ions, variable oxidation states)
  • Compare the properties and uses of alloys to pure metals
Organic Chemistry
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Topics to Cover:
  • Aliphatic Hydrocarbons (Alkanes, Alkenes, Alkynes) & Petroleum
  • Aromatic Hydrocarbons (Benzene)
  • Alkanols, Alkanals, Alkanones, and Alkanoic Acids
  • Amines and Alkanoates (Saponification/Soap Production)
  • Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Polymers (Natural vs. Synthetic)
What JAMB will test you on:
  • Derive IUPAC names, empirical formulae, and identify functional groups
  • Relate fractions of petroleum to their specific properties, uses, and cracking/reforming processes
  • Specify chemical tests to distinguish alkanals from alkanones, and primary from secondary alkanols
  • Infer products of hydrolysis/dehydration of carbohydrates and specify tests for proteins
  • Differentiate between addition and condensation polymerization
Applied & Environmental Chemistry
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Topics to Cover:
  • Environmental Pollution (Air, Water, Soil)
  • Chemistry and Industry (Fine vs. Heavy Chemicals, Biotechnology)
  • Astronomical Chemistry (Solar System, Earth's Composition)
What JAMB will test you on:
  • Classify pollutants as biodegradable and non-biodegradable, and identify control measures
  • Classify chemical industries, their raw materials, and relevance to biotechnology
  • Identify the segments of the earth (atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere) and solar system components

Recommended Textbooks

  • Ababio, O. Y. (2009). New School Chemistry for Senior Secondary Schools. Africana FIRST Publishers
  • Bajah, S.T. et al. (2000). Senior Secondary Chemistry. Longman
  • Ojokuku, G. O. (2012). Understanding Chemistry for Schools and Colleges. Press-On Chemresources
  • Odesina, I. A. (2008). Essential: Chemistry for Senior Secondary Schools. Tonad Publishers
  • Uche, I. O. et al. (2003). Countdown to WASSCE/SSCE, NECO, JME Chemistry. Evans

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