The JAMB Syllabus for Chemistry 2026/2027 defines all the topics candidates are expected to study before sitting for the UTME. It serves as the official framework that guides what will be tested, how questions are structured, and the depth of knowledge required to score high in Chemistry.
Chemistry in JAMB combines theory, calculations, practical concepts, and everyday applications of chemical principles. The UTME Chemistry syllabus 2026/2027 covers physical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and practical chemistry. Questions are designed to test understanding of concepts, ability to apply formulas, interpretation of experiments, and knowledge of chemical reactions.
Using the JAMB Chemistry syllabus as a study guide allows candidates to plan their studies properly, identify high-frequency topics, and strengthen weak areas before the examination.
Objectives of Chemistry Syllabus
The objectives of the JAMB Chemistry syllabus for 2026/2027 are to assess whether candidates can:
- Understand basic chemical principles and laws
- Apply chemical concepts to everyday situations
- Perform simple chemical calculations correctly
- Interpret experimental procedures and results
- Understand properties and reactions of elements and compounds
- Distinguish between physical and chemical changes
- Understand organic compounds and their reactions
- Apply safety rules and laboratory practices
These objectives guide how UTME Chemistry questions are framed and what skills candidates must develop.
JAMB Syllabus for Chemistry 2026
| S/N | TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES | JAMB EXPECTATIONS |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Separation of Mixtures and Purification of Chemical Substances (a) Elements, compounds and mixtures (b) Chemical and physical changes (c) Pure and impure substances (d) Boiling ,density, freezing and melting points (e) Separation processes: Evaporation, simple and fractional distillation, sublimation, re-crystallization, paper and column chromatography, simple and fractional crystallization, magnetization, decantation, filtration and centrifugation | Candidates should be able to: 1. distinguish between elements, compounds and mixture; 2. differentiate between chemical and physical changes; 3. distinguish between pure and impure substances; 4. use boiling and melting points as criteria for purity of chemical substances; 5. identify the properties of the components of a mixture; 6. specify the principle involved in each separation method; and 7. apply the basic principle of separation processes in everyday life. |
| 2 | Chemical Combination Laws of definite, multiple and reciprocal proportions, law of conservation of matter, chemical symbols, formulae, equations and their uses, relative atomic mass based on 12C=12, the mole concept and stoichiometry of reactions | Candidates should be able to: 1. deduce the chemical laws from given expressions/statements/data; 2. perform simple calculations involving formulae, equations/chemical composition and the mole concept; and 3. deduce the stoichiometry of chemical reactions. |
| 3 | Kinetic Theory of Matter and Gas Laws (a) Phenomena to support the kinetic theory of matter using; (i) melting (ii) vapourization (iii) boiling (iv) freezing (v) condensation (b) in terms of molecular motion and Brownian movement (i) The laws of Boyle, Charles, Avogadro, Gay-Lussac, Graham and Dalton (law of partial pressure), molar volume and atomicity of gases (ii) The ideal gas equation (PV = nRT) (iii) The relationship between vapour density of gases and the relative molecular mass (iv) Ideal and real gases | Candidates should be able to: 1. apply the theory to distinguish between solids, liquids and gases; 2. deduce reasons for change of state; 3. draw inferences based on molecular motion; 4. deduce gas laws from given expressions/statements; 5. interpret graphical representations related to these laws; 6. perform simple calculations based on these laws, equations and relationships; and 7. state factors responsible for the deviation of real gases from ideal situation. |
| 4 | Atomic Structure and Bonding (a) (i)The concept of atoms, molecules and ions, the works of Dalton ,Millikan, Rutherford, Moseley, Thompson and Bohr (ii) Atomic structure, the four quantum numbers, the principles that govern the arrangement of atoms into orbitals, electron configuration, atomic number, mass number and isotopes; specific examples should be drawn from elements of atomic number 1 to 20 (iii) Shapes of s and p orbitals (b) The periodic table and periodicity of elements, presentation of the periodic table with a view to recognizing families of elements e.g. alkali and alkaline-earth metals, halogens, the noble gases and transition metals. The variation of the following properties: ionization energy, ionic radii, electron affinity, electronegativity, electrical and thermal conductivities (c) Chemical bonding Electrovalency and covalency, the electron configuration of elements and their tendency to attain the noble gas structure. Hydrogen bonding and metallic bonding as special types of electrovalency and covalency respectively; coordinate bond as a type of covalent bond as illustrated by complexes like [Fe(CN)6] 3- , [Fe(CN)6] 4- , [Cu(NH3)4] 2+ and [Ag(NH3)2] + ; van der Waals’ forces should be mentioned as a special type of bonding forces (d) Shapes of simple molecules: linear ((H2, O2, C12, HCl and CO2), non-linear (H2O) and tetrahedral; (CH4) and pyramidal (NH3) | Candidates should be able to: 1. distinguish between atoms, molecules and ions; 2. identify the contributions of these scientists to the development of the atomic structure; 3. deduce the number of protons, neutrons and electrons from atomic and mass numbers of an atom; 4. apply the rules guiding the arrangement of electrons in an atom; 5. identify common elements exhibiting isotopy; 6. relate isotopy to mass number; 7. perform simple calculations relating to isotopy; 8. differentiate between the shapes of the orbitals; 9. determine the number of electrons in s and p atomic orbitals; 10. relate atomic number to the position of an element on the periodic table; 11. relate properties of groups of elements on the periodic table; 12. identify reasons for variation in properties across the period and down the groups; 13. differentiate between the different types of bonding; 14. deduce bond types based on electron configurations; 15. relate the nature of bonding to properties of compounds; and |
| 5 | Nuclear Chemistry (i) Radioactivity – Types, properties and detection of radiations (ii) Natural and artificial radioactivity (iii) Nuclear stability and radioactive decay (iv) Nuclear reactions: Nuclear fusion and fission | Candidates should be able to: 1. distinguish between ordinary chemical reaction and nuclear reaction; 2. differentiate between natural and artificial radioactivity; 3. compare the properties of the different types of nuclear radiations; 4. compute simple calculations on the half-life of a radioactive material; 5. balance simple nuclear equation; and 6. identify the various applications of radioactivity |
Download Chemistry Syllabus 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
QUES: What topics are covered in the JAMB Syllabus for Chemistry 2026/2027?
ANS: The syllabus covers physical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and practical chemistry.
QUES: Is calculation compulsory in JAMB Chemistry?
ANS: Yes. Many questions involve calculations such as mole concept, gas laws, solution concentration, and stoichiometry.
QUES: Are practical questions included in UTME Chemistry?
ANS: Yes. Practical chemistry is tested through questions on laboratory apparatus, experimental procedures, safety rules, observations, and interpretation of results, even though the exam is objective.
QUES: Which part is more important, organic or inorganic chemistry?
ANS: Both are important and well represented in the exam. Organic chemistry covers hydrocarbons and functional groups, while inorganic chemistry focuses on metals, non-metals, and their reactions.
QUES: Does JAMB ask questions on the periodic table?
ANS: Yes. Candidates should understand periodic trends, groups, periods, properties of elements, and how element positions relate to their chemical behavior.
QUES: Are chemical equations important for JAMB Chemistry?
ANS: Yes. Balanced equations, reaction types, and predicting products of reactions are commonly tested.
QUES: How difficult are UTME Chemistry questions?
ANS: The difficulty depends on preparation. Questions test understanding rather than memorization, so candidates who understand concepts and practice calculations usually find the questions manageable.
QUES: Can I pass JAMB Chemistry without studying practical chemistry?
ANS: No. Practical chemistry forms an important part of the syllabus. Ignoring it can lead to losing many easy marks related to experiments and laboratory knowledge.
QUES: Are formulas provided during the JAMB Chemistry exam?
ANS: Some basic formulas may be given, but candidates are expected to know common formulas and relationships. Relying on formula sheets alone is not enough for success.
QUES: What is the best way to study Chemistry for JAMB?
ANS: Candidates should follow the syllabus topic by topic, understand concepts before memorizing formulas, practice calculations regularly, revise practical chemistry, and solve past UTME questions to master question patterns.