The JAMB Syllabus for Principles of Accounting 2026/2027 outlines the key accounting topics candidates must study for the UTME Principles of Accounts examination. It defines the approved areas of concentration and helps candidates avoid reading outside the official scope of the exam.
Principles of Accounts in JAMB focuses on accounting concepts, bookkeeping procedures, financial statements, partnership accounts, company accounts, and public sector accounting. The UTME Principles of Accounts syllabus 2026/2027 is structured to test candidates’ understanding of accounting principles, calculations, and interpretation of financial records.
Using the JAMB Principles of Accounts syllabus as a study guide allows candidates to prepare systematically, master calculations, and improve accuracy in objective-based accounting questions.
Objectives of Principles of Accounting Syllabus
The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) syllabus in Principles of Accounting is to prepare the candidates for the Board’s examination. It is designed to test their achievement of the course objectives, which are to:
- Stimulate and sustain their interest in Principles of Accounting
- Use basic principles, knowledge, practical skills in Financial Accounting
- Apply the knowledge and interpretation of Accounting information to decision making
- Appreciate the relevance of Accounting information to business and governments
- Apply information technology in solving Accounting problems
JAMB Syllabus for Principles of Accounting 2026
| S/N | TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES | JAMB EXPECTATIONS |
| 1 | Nature and Significance of Book keeping and Accounting a. Development of Accounting (including branches of accounting) b. Objectives of Book Keeping and accounting c. Users and characteristics of Accounting information d. Principles, concepts and conventions of Accounting (nature, significance and application) e. Role of Accounting records and information f. Career opportunities in Book Keeping and Accounting | Candidates should be able to: 1. differentiate between Book Keeping and Accounting; 2. understand the historical background of Book Keeping and Accounting; 3. apply the right principles, concepts and conventions to solving Accounting problems; 4. understand the role of Accounting information in decision making; 5. identify the types/branches of Accounting such as Cost Accounting, Management Accounting, Auditing, Financial Accounting, Forensic Accounting, Social and Environmental Accounting, Government Accounting and Taxation 6. identify the different career opportunities in Book Keeping and Accounting. |
| 2 | Principles of Double Entry a. Source documents b. Books of original entry c. Accounting equation d. Ledger and its classifications e. Trial balance f. Types and correction of errors g. Suspense Account | Candidates should be able to: 1. identify various source documents and their uses; 2. relate source documents to the various books of original entry; 3. determine the effect of changes in elements of Accounting equation; 4. understand the role of double entry principles in treating financial transactions; 5. extract a trial balance from ledger accounts; 6. identify various types of errors and their corrections 7. correct errors using suspense account. |
| 3 | Ethics, Professional and Regulatory Bodies in Accounting a. Objectives b. Qualities of an Accountant c. Accounting professional bodies in Nigeria d. Accounting regulatory bodies | Candidates should be able to: 1. understand the ethics required in preparing and presenting Accounting information; 2. understand qualities of an Accountant such as honesty, integrity, transparency, accountability and fairness; 3. understand the purpose and functions of Accounting professional bodies in Nigeria 4. understand the purpose and functions of Accounting regulatory bodies in Nigeria e.g. Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and International Accounting Standard Board (IASB). |
| 4 | Cash Book a. Columnar Cash Books: i. single column ii. double column iii. three column b. Discounts c. Petty Cash Book and imprest system | Candidates should be able to: 1. determine the cash float; 2. differentiate between two and three columnar cash books and how transactions are recorded in them; 3. differentiate between trade and cash discounts; 4. examine the effects of trade and cash discounts in the books of accounts; 5. identify various petty cash expenses. |
| 5 | Bank Transactions and Reconciliation Statements a. Instrument of bank transactions b. e-banking system c. Causes of discrepancies between cash book and bank statement d. Bank reconciliation statement e. Adjusted cash book | Candidates should be able to: 1. identify various instruments of bank transactions such as cheques, pay-in-slips, credit cards, debit cards, internet banking and their uses; 2. assess the impact of automated credit system, credit transfers, interbank transfers and direct debit on cash balances; 3. identify factors that cause discrepancies between cash book balance and bank statement; and 4. determine adjusted cash book balance. |
Download Principles of Accounting Syllabus 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ques: What topics are covered in the JAMB Syllabus for Principles of Accounts 2026/2027?
Ans: The syllabus covers accounting principles, double-entry system, ledger accounts, trial balance, financial statements, partnership accounts, company accounts, depreciation, and public sector accounting.
Ques: Is the double-entry system compulsory in UTME Principles of Accounts?
Ans: Yes. Understanding the double-entry system is fundamental and forms the basis of many accounting questions.
Ques: Are financial statements included in the syllabus?
Ans: Yes. Candidates are expected to prepare and interpret income statements and statements of financial position.
Ques: Does JAMB test partnership accounts?
Ans: Yes. Topics such as admission, retirement, and dissolution of partnership are included.
Ques: Is depreciation part of the UTME Principles of Accounts syllabus?
Ans: Yes. Methods of calculating depreciation and their application are important areas of the syllabus.
Ques: Are company accounts included in JAMB Principles of Accounts?
Ans: Yes. Candidates should understand basic company accounts and share capital concepts.
Ques: Is public sector accounting tested in UTME?
Ans: Yes. Basic principles of government accounting are included in the syllabus.
Ques: Are calculations compulsory in the exam?
Ans: Yes. Many questions require calculations involving ledger entries, adjustments, and financial statement preparation.
QUES: Can I pass Principles of Accounts without practicing past questions?
Ans: It is difficult. Regular practice of past UTME questions improves speed, accuracy, and understanding of question patterns.
QUES: What is the best way to prepare for UTME Principles of Accounts?
Ans: Candidates should study the syllabus thoroughly, master accounting principles, practice ledger postings, revise financial statement formats, and solve past UTME questions consistently.