The JAMB Syllabus for Commerce 2026/2027 outlines all the areas candidates are expected to study before the UTME. It serves as the official guide that shows the scope of topics, how questions are structured, and the business concepts candidates must understand to perform well in the examination.
Commerce in JAMB focuses on the production, distribution, and exchange of goods and services, as well as the institutions that support business activities. The UTME Commerce syllabus 2026/2027 covers trade, banking, insurance, transportation, advertising, warehousing, communication, and government involvement in commerce.
Using the JAMB Commerce syllabus as a study guide allows candidates to plan their revision effectively, understand frequently tested topics, and improve confidence when answering business-related questions in the UTME.
Objectives of Commerce Syllabus
The objectives of the JAMB Commerce syllabus for 2026/2027 are to assess whether candidates can:
- Understand the meaning and scope of commerce
- Explain production, trade, and aids to trade
- Identify functions of wholesalers and retailers
- Understand banking and financial services
- Explain insurance and risk management
- Describe transportation and communication systems
- Understand advertising and marketing concepts
- Explain warehousing and storage of goods
- Understand business documents and trade terms
- Explain the role of government in commercial activities
These objectives guide how questions are set in the UTME Commerce examination.
JAMB Syllabus for Commerce 2026
| S/N | TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES | JAMB EXPECTATIONS |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Commerce (i) Meaning of e-commerce/ e-business (ii) Meaning and scope (iii) Characteristics (iv) Functions | Candidates should be able to: 1. Identify the functions of e-commerce/ ebusiness 2. differentiate between Commerce and other related subjects; 3. describe the characteristics of Commerce; 4. Identify the functions of Commerce. |
| 2 | Occupation (i) Meaning and importance (ii) Types (industrial, commercial and services) (iii) Factors that determine choice of occupation | Candidates should be able to: 1. State the importance of occupation; 2. Compare the different types of occupation; 3. Identify the factors determining the choice of occupation. |
| 3 | Production (i) Factors, characteristics and rewards (land, labour, capital and entrepreneur) (ii) Division of Labour and specialization (iii) Types (primary, secondary and tertiary) (iv) Relationship between production, specialization and exchange. | Candidates should be able to: 1. identify the Factors of Production and their rewards; 2. distinguish between Division of Labour and Specialization; 3. classify the types of production. 4. State the relationship between production, specialization and exchange. |
| 4 | Trade a. Home Trade (i) Retail trade: i.1 Types of retail trade i.2 Functions of retailers i.3 Factors to be considered in setting up retail trade i.4 Trends in retailing (branding, self – service, vending machines, the use of luncheon, fuel vouchers, etc) i.5 Advantages and disadvantages of retailers i.6 Reasons for success/failure of retail trade (ii) Wholesale trade: ii.1 Types of wholesalers (merchant, agent, general, etc) ii.2 Channels of distribution ii.4 Functions of wholesalers ii.5 Advantages and disadvantages of wholesalers b. Foreign trade (i) Types of foreign trade (ii) Basic issues in foreign trade (balance of trade, balance of payments and counter trade) (iii) Procedures and documents used in export, import and entrepôt trade (iv) Barriers to international trade (v) Tariffs and reasons for the imposition (vi) Tools for trade restriction and export promotion (vii) Role of Customs and Excise Authority, Ports Authority, etc. in foreign trade | Candidates should be able to: 1. compare the various types of retail trade 2. identify the functions of retailers; 3. highlight the factors in setting up retail trade; 4. classify modern retailing practices; 5. identify the advantages and disadvantages of retail business; 6. explain the success/failure of retail trade 7. classify the types of wholesalers; 8. identify the channels of distribution 9. discuss the functions of wholesalers; 10. outline the merits and demerits of the middleman; 11. compare the various types of foreign trade 12. analyse the basic issues in foreign trade; 13. explain the procedures and documents used in foreign trade; 14. identify the barriers to international trade; 15. state the various tariffs and reasons for their imposition 16. identify the tools for trade restriction and export promotion 17. appraise the role of government agencies in foreign trade. |
| 5 | Purchase and Sale of Goods (i) Procedure and documentation (enquiry, quotation, order, invoice, proforma invoice, statement of accounts, indent, consular invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, consignment note, etc.) (ii) Terms of trade (trade discount, quantity discount, cash discount, warranties, C.O.D., C.I.F., F.O.B., and E.O.E. etc) (iii) Terms of payments a. Cash – Spot/Prompt payment b. Credit- Meaning Types and functions Merits and demerits (iv) Means of payments; Legal tender (bank notes and coins), cheques, standing order, bank draft, stamps, postal orders, money orders, bills of exchange, promissory note, mail, transfer, traveler’s cheques, telegraphic transfer, e-payment, recharge card. | Candidates should be able to: 1. examine the procedures and documents used in the purchase and sale of goods; 2. determine the terms of trade; 3. distinguish between cash and credit forms of payment; 4. explain the meaning and types of credit; 5. analyse the merits and demerits of credit transactions. 6. Identify the means of payment |
Download Commerce Syllabus 2026
Click on the button below to download the official JAMB syllabus for Commerce 2026:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
QUES: What topics are covered in the JAMB Syllabus for Commerce 2026/2027?
ANS: The syllabus covers production, trade, home and foreign trade, wholesalers and retailers, banking, insurance, transportation, warehousing, advertising, communication, business documents, trade associations, and government participation in commerce.
QUES: Is calculation required in JAMB Commerce?
ANS: No. JAMB Commerce does not involve mathematical calculations. Questions focus on understanding business concepts, definitions, functions, and real-life applications of commercial activities.
QUES: Are banking and insurance important topics in UTME Commerce?
ANS: Yes. Banking and insurance are major parts of the Commerce syllabus.
QUES: Does the Commerce syllabus include international trade?
ANS: Yes. The UTME Commerce syllabus includes foreign trade, balance of trade, trade restrictions, tariffs, quotas, and reasons countries engage in international trade.
QUES: What type of questions does JAMB set in Commerce?
ANS: Questions are multiple-choice and usually test definitions, functions, advantages and disadvantages, differences between concepts, and application of business principles to everyday situations.
QUES: Is marketing part of the JAMB Commerce syllabus?
ANS: Yes. Topics such as advertising, branding, distribution channels, and sales promotion are included because they are important aspects of moving goods from producers to consumers.
QUES: Should I memorize definitions to pass JAMB Commerce?
ANS: Understanding is more important than memorization. Many questions require candidates to apply concepts to situations rather than simply recall textbook definitions.
QUES: Are business documents included in UTME Commerce?
ANS: Yes. Candidates should understand documents such as invoices, receipts, cheques, bills of exchange, and delivery notes, including their uses in commercial transactions.
QUES: Is government involvement in business tested in JAMB Commerce?
ANS: Yes. The syllabus includes government regulations, public enterprises, taxation, and the role of government in protecting consumers and regulating trade.
QUES: What is the best way to study Commerce for JAMB?
ANS: Candidates should study topic by topic using the syllabus, understand real-life business examples, practice past UTME questions, and revise regularly to retain key concepts.