The JAMB Chemistry syllabus for 2026 outlines all the topics candidates are expected to study for the UTME Chemistry exam. Questions are set strictly from these areas, so studying outside the syllabus is unnecessary.
This syllabus tests candidates on:
- Understanding of chemical concepts
- Application of principles
- Problem-solving ability
JAMB Chemistry Syllabus 2026 – Full Breakdown
1. Separation of Mixtures and Purification of Chemical Substances
Candidates should be able to:
- Distinguish between pure and impure substances
- Identify methods of separation
Topics include:
- Filtration
- Decantation
- Evaporation
- Distillation (simple & fractional)
- Crystallization
- Sublimation
- Chromatography
2. Chemical Combination
Candidates should understand:
- Laws of chemical combination
- Stoichiometry
Topics include:
- Law of conservation of mass
- Law of definite proportions
- Law of multiple proportions
- Chemical equations
- Mole concept
- Relative atomic and molecular mass
- Calculations involving reacting masses and volumes
3. Kinetic Theory of Matter and Gas Laws
Candidates should be able to:
- Apply the kinetic theory to matter
Topics include:
- States of matter
- Changes of state
- Gas laws:
- Boyle’s law
- Charles’ law
- Pressure law
- Combined gas law
- Ideal gas equation
4. Atomic Structure and Bonding
Candidates should understand:
- Structure of the atom
- Nature of chemical bonds
Topics include:
- Subatomic particles
- Atomic number and mass number
- Isotopes
- Electronic configuration
- Types of bonding:
- Ionic
- Covalent
- Metallic
- Hydrogen bonding
5. Periodic Table and Periodicity
Candidates should be able to:
- Use the periodic table to predict properties
Topics include:
- Periodic classification
- Periods and groups
- Periodic trends:
- Atomic size
- Ionization energy
- Electron affinity
- Electronegativity
6. Air and Water
Candidates should understand:
- Composition and importance of air and water
Topics include:
- Composition of air
- Air as a mixture
- Uses of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide
- Water:
- Sources
- Purification
- Hardness of water
7. Acids, Bases, and Salts
Candidates should be able to:
- Identify and classify acids, bases, and salts
Topics include:
- Properties of acids and bases
- pH scale
- Indicators
- Neutralization reactions
- Preparation of salts
8. Oxidation and Reduction (Redox)
Candidates should understand:
- Oxidation and reduction processes
Topics include:
- Oxidation states
- Oxidizing and reducing agents
- Redox reactions
- Electrochemical cells
9. Electrolysis
Candidates should be able to:
- Explain the process of electrolysis
Topics include:
- Electrolytes and non-electrolytes
- Faraday’s laws of electrolysis
- Electrolysis of:
- Molten salts
- Aqueous solutions
- Applications of electrolysis
10. Energy Changes
Candidates should understand:
- Energy changes in chemical reactions
Topics include:
- Endothermic and exothermic reactions
- Enthalpy changes
- Energy profile diagrams
11. Rates of Chemical Reactions
Candidates should be able to:
- Explain factors affecting reaction rates
Topics include:
- Effect of:
- Temperature
- Concentration
- Surface area
- Catalysts
- Collision theory
12. Chemical Equilibrium
Candidates should understand:
- Reversible reactions and equilibrium
Topics include:
- Dynamic equilibrium
- Le Chatelier’s principle
- Industrial applications
13. Non-Metals and Their Compounds
Candidates should understand:
- Properties and uses of non-metals
Topics include:
- Hydrogen
- Halogens
- Oxygen
- Sulphur
- Nitrogen
14. Metals and Their Compounds
Candidates should be able to:
- Describe properties and extraction of metals
Topics include:
- Alkali metals
- Alkaline earth metals
- Iron
- Aluminium
- Corrosion and prevention
15. Organic Chemistry
Candidates should understand:
- Structure and reactions of organic compounds
Topics include:
- Hydrocarbons:
- Alkanes
- Alkenes
- Alkynes
- Alkanols
- Alkanoic acids
- Esters
- Polymers
- Petroleum and petrochemicals
16. Chemistry and Industry
Candidates should be able to:
- Relate chemistry to everyday life
Topics include:
- Chemical industries in Nigeria
- Fertilizers
- Soap and detergents
- Glass and cement
📌 How JAMB Sets Chemistry Questions
- Mostly objective (theory + calculations)
- Strong focus on:
- Mole concept
- Gas laws
- Organic chemistry
- Acids & bases
- Questions are directly from syllabus wording
✅ How to Study Smart with This Syllabus
- Study topic by topic
- Practice past questions for each topic
- Focus on calculations + definitions
- Use JAMB-recommended textbooks