The JAMB Syllabus for Physics 2026/2027 outlines the concepts and topics candidates are expected to study for the UTME Physics examination. It serves as the official framework that defines what is examinable and helps candidates focus on relevant areas without studying outside the syllabus.
Physics in JAMB tests understanding of physical laws, principles, and their applications in everyday life. The UTME Physics syllabus 2026/2027 covers mechanics, heat and energy, waves, optics, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. Questions are designed to assess conceptual understanding, problem-solving ability, and correct application of formulas.
Using the JAMB Physics syllabus as a study guide allows candidates to plan their preparation effectively, identify weak areas early, and improve performance in the UTME.
Objectives of Physics Syllabus
The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) syllabus in Physics is to prepare the candidates for the Board’s examination. It is designed to test their achievement of the course objectives, which are to:
- Sustain their interest in physics
- Develop attitude relevant to physics that encourage accuracy, precision and objectivity
- Interpret physical phenomena, laws, definitions, concepts and other theories
- Demonstrate the ability to solve correctly physics problems using relevant theories and concepts
JAMB Syllabus for Physics 2026
| S/N | TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES | JAMB EXPECTATIONS |
| 1 | 1. MEASUREMENTS AND UNITS (ai) Fundamental Units: Length, mass, time, electric charge, temperature, luminous intensity, amount of substance. (aii) Derived Units: Weight, area, volume, force, speed etc. (b) Measuring Instruments: venier caliper, metre rule, micrometer screw gauge, measuring cylinder, stop watch and beam balance. (c) Fundamental physical quantities | Candidates should be able to: 1. identify the units of length, area and volume; 2. use different measuring instruments; 3. determine the lengths, surface areas and volume of regular and irregular bodies; 4. identify the unit of mass; 5. use simple beam balance, e.g. Buchart’s balance and chemical balance; 6. identify the unit of time; 7. use different time-measuring devices; 8. relate the fundamental physical quantities to their units; |
| 2 | (2a) Scalars and Vectors (i) definition of scalar and vector quantities; (ii) examples of scalar and vector quantities; (iii) relative velocity; (iv) resolution of vectors into two perpendicular directions including graphical methods of solution. (2b) Measurement, position, distance and displacement (a) concept of displacement; (ii) distinction between distance and displacement; (iii) concept of position and coordinates; (iv) frame of reference | Candidates should be able to: 1. distinguish between scalar and vector quantities; 2. give examples of scalar and vector quantities; 3. determine the resultant of two or more vectors; 4. determine relative velocity; 5. resolve vectors into two perpendicular components; 6. use graphical methods to solve vector problems. 7. use strings, meter rule and engineering calipers, vernier calipers and micrometer, screw guage; 8. note the degree of accuracy; 9. identify distance travel in a specified direction; 10. use compass and protractor to locate points/directions; 11. use Cartesians systems to locate positions in x-y plane; 12. plot graph and draw inference from the graph. |
| 3 | (3.) Motion (a) Newton’s laws of motion: (i) inertia, mass and force; (ii) relationship between mass and acceleration; (iii) impulse and momentum; (iv) force – time graph; (v) conservation of linear momentum (Coefficient of restitution not necessary). (b)Types of motion: translational, oscillatory, rotational, spin and random (c) Relative motion (d) Causes of motion (e) Types of force (i) contact (ii) force field (f) linear motion (i) speed, velocity and acceleration; (ii) equations of uniformly accelerated motion; (iii) motion under gravity; (iv) distance-time graph and velocity time graph; (v) instantaneous velocity and acceleration | Candidates should be able to; 1. identify different types of motion; 2. solve numerical problem on collinear motion; 3. identify force as cause of motion; 4. identify push and pull as forms of force; 5. identify electric and magnetic attractions, gravitational pull as forms of field forces; 6. differentiate between speed, velocity and acceleration; 7. deduce equations of uniformly accelerated motion; 8. solve problems of motion under gravity; 9. interpret distance-time graph and velocity-time graph; 10. compute instantaneous velocity and acceleration; 11. establish expressions for the range, maximum height and time of flight of projectiles, rockets, missles; 12. solve problems involving projectile motion; 13. solve numerical problems involving impulse and momentum; |
| 4 | 4. Gravitational field (i) Newton’s law of universal gravitation; (ii) gravitational potential; (iii) conservative and non-conservative fields; (iv) acceleration due to gravity; (v) variation of g on the earth’s surface; (vi) distinction between mass and weight escape velocity; (vii) parking orbit and weightlessness. | Candidates should be able to: 1. identify the expression for gravitational force between two bodies; 2. apply Newton’s law of universal gravitation; 3. give examples of conservative and non-conservative fields; 4. deduce the expression for gravitational field potentials; 5. identify the causes of variation of g on the earth’s surface; 6. differentiate between mass and weight; 7. determine escape velocity. 8. Relate the expression for gravitational force between two bodies 9. Apply Newton’s law of Universal gravitation. |
Download Physics Syllabus 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
QUES: What topics are covered in the JAMB Syllabus for Physics 2026/2027?
ANS: The syllabus covers mechanics, motion, energy, heat, waves, optics, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics.
QUES: Is mechanics important in UTME Physics?
ANS: Yes. Mechanics forms a major part of the syllabus and includes motion, forces, work, energy, and power.
QUES: Does JAMB Physics include practical questions?
ANS: The exam is objective-based, but questions test understanding of practical experiments and real-life applications.
QUES: Are calculations compulsory in UTME Physics?
ANS: Yes. Many questions require calculations using formulas and correct units.
QUES: Is electricity and magnetism included in the syllabus?
ANS: Yes. Topics such as current electricity, circuits, electromagnetic fields, and magnetic effects are included.
QUES: Are waves and sound tested in JAMB Physics?
ANS: Yes. Wave motion, sound waves, and basic wave properties are core syllabus topics.
QUES: Does UTME Physics include optics?
ANS: Yes. Reflection, refraction, lenses, mirrors, and optical instruments are included.
QUES: Is modern physics part of the JAMB syllabus?
ANS: Yes. Topics such as atomic structure, radioactivity, and basic electronics are included.
QUES: Can I pass JAMB Physics without memorizing formulas?
ANS: No. Understanding and remembering key formulas is important for solving calculation-based questions.
QUES: What is the best way to prepare for UTME Physics?
ANS: Candidates should study the syllabus thoroughly, understand concepts, practice calculations, revise formulas, and solve past UTME questions.