If you are preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the first thing you need to know is that the JAMB syllabus for Chemistry is one of the smartest ways to pass the exam with a high score. The syllabus clearly outlines the topics, objectives, and areas of concentration that candidates must study before sitting for Chemistry in JAMB.

Chemistry is a core science subject required for many competitive courses, such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Engineering, and other science-related programs in Nigerian universities. By studying according to the syllabus, you avoid wasting time on irrelevant topics and focus only on what JAMB will test.

This post provides the complete and updated JAMB Chemistry syllabus with all sections and subtopics for the 2026/2027 UTME.

BIOLOGY JAMB SYLLABUS

What Is the JAMB Syllabus for Chemistry?

The JAMB Chemistry syllabus is an official document released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board that lists all topics candidates must cover for the UTME Chemistry exam.

The syllabus serves three main purposes:

• It shows the exact topics to study.

• It explains what candidates should be able to do after studying each topic.

• It guides teachers and students in exam preparation.

According to the official syllabus, the goal is to test candidates’ understanding of chemical principles and their application in everyday life.

Chemistry JAMB Syllabus For 2026/2027

Below are the main sections and subtopics in the approved JAMB Chemistry syllabus.

SECTION A: Separation of Mixtures and Purification of Chemical Substances

This section introduces the basic nature of matter and how substances are separated.

Topics

• Pure and impure substances

• Elements, compounds, and mixtures

• Chemical and physical changes

• Boiling and melting points

• Methods of separation:

  • Evaporation

  • Filtration

  • Distillation (simple and fractional)

  • Sublimation

  • Chromatography

  • Crystallization

  • Decantation

  • Magnetization

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:

• Distinguish between pure and impure substances

• Identify physical vs chemical changes

• Explain the principles of separation methods

• Apply separation techniques in everyday life

SECTION B: Chemical Combination

This section covers chemical laws, formulas, and calculations.

Topics

• Laws of chemical combination:

  • Law of definite proportions

  • Law of multiple proportions

  • Law of conservation of matter

  • Gay-Lussac’s law

  • Avogadro’s law

• Chemical symbols and formulae

• Chemical equations

• Relative atomic mass

• Mole concept

• Stoichiometry

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:

• Perform calculations using the mole concept

• Balance chemical equations

• Interpret chemical laws

• Solve stoichiometric problems

SECTION C: Kinetic Theory of Matter and Gas Laws

This section explains the behavior of matter and gases.

Topics

• States of matter

• Molecular motion

• Changes of state:

  • Melting

  • Boiling

  • Freezing

  • Condensation

• Gas laws:

  • Boyle’s law

  • Charles’ law

  • Dalton’s law

  • Graham’s law

• Ideal gas equation (PV = nRT)

• Vapour density and molar mass

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:

• Distinguish solids, liquids, and gases

• Apply gas laws in calculations

• Interpret gas graphs

• Explain molecular motion

SECTION D: Atomic Structure and Bonding

This is one of the most important sections in JAMB Chemistry.

Atomic Structure

Topics

• Atoms, molecules, and ions

• Atomic number and mass number

• Electron configuration

• Isotopes

• Atomic models:

  • Dalton

  • Rutherford

  • Bohr

  • Thomson

  • Moseley

  • Millikan

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:

• Determine protons, neutrons, and electrons

• Explain atomic models

• Identify isotopes

• Apply the electron configuration

Periodic Table and Periodicity

Topics

• Periodic table organization

• Groups and periods

• Families of elements:

  • Alkali metals

  • Halogens

  • Noble gases

  • Transition metals

• Periodic trends:

  • Ionization energy

  • Atomic radius

  • Electronegativity

  • Electron affinity

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:

• Locate elements on the periodic table

• Explain periodic trends

• Compare element properties

Chemical Bonding

Topics

• Ionic bonding

• Covalent bonding

• Metallic bonding

• Coordinate bonding

• Hydrogen bonding

• Van der Waals forces

• Shapes of molecules:

  • Linear

  • Tetrahedral

  • Pyramidal

  • Non-linear

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:

• Identify bond types

• Relate bonding to properties

• Predict molecular shapes

Nuclear Chemistry

Topics

• Radioactivity

• Types of radiation

• Nuclear reactions

• Half-life

• Applications of radioactivity

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:

• Distinguish nuclear vs chemical reactions

• Balance nuclear equations

• Calculate half-life

• Explain uses of radioactivity

Why the JAMB Chemistry Syllabus Is Important

Studying with the syllabus gives candidates a major advantage in UTME preparation.

Key benefits include:

• Focused study on examinable topics

• Better time management

• Higher exam scores

• Clear understanding of expectations

The syllabus ensures candidates prepare only what JAMB intends to test.

How to Use the JAMB Chemistry Syllabus Effectively

To score high in JAMB Chemistry, follow these proven steps:

1. Study Topic by Topic

Use the syllabus as a checklist and cover each topic systematically.

2. Read Recommended Textbooks

Use WAEC/JAMB-approved Chemistry textbooks aligned with the syllabus.

3. Practice Past Questions

Most JAMB questions repeat concepts from syllabus topics.

4. Focus on Objectives

The syllabus objectives show exactly what JAMB expects you to know.

5. Revise Frequently

Chemistry requires constant practice and revision.

Important Topics to Focus on for ChemistryJAMB

Based on past UTME questions, the most tested areas include:

• Mole concept and calculations

• Gas laws

• Periodic table trends

• Chemical bonding

• Separation techniques

• Stoichiometry

• Atomic structure

These areas often carry the highest number of questions.

Exam Format for Chemistry JAMB

The UTME Chemistry paper typically contains:

• 40 multiple-choice questions

• 50 marks total

• 2 hours combined UTME duration

Questions test:

• Knowledge

• Understanding

• Calculations

• Application

Conclusion

The JAMB syllabus for Chemistry 2026/2027 is the ultimate guide for candidates preparing for UTME Chemistry. It outlines all required topics, objectives, and areas of concentration needed to succeed in the exam.

By studying according to the syllabus, practicing past questions, and mastering key topics like atomic structure, bonding, and stoichiometry, candidates can significantly increase their chances of scoring high in JAMB and gaining admission into competitive science courses.

If you want to excel in Chemistry, the JAMB syllabus for Chemistry should be your primary study guide throughout your UTME preparation.

If you have questions to ask, please drop them in the comment section, and our team will respond to you immediately.