Biology is a core subject for JAMB candidates aiming for courses like Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Agricultural Sciences. To excel in the JAMB Biology CBT exam, understanding the official syllabus and using the right strategies is key. This guide provides the official JAMB Biology syllabus (2025/2026), exam format, expert success tips, and FAQs to help you pass easily.
JAMB Biology Syllabus (2025/2026)
The JAMB Biology syllabus focuses on assessing candidates’ understanding of biological concepts, applications, and practical knowledge.
1. Cell Structure and Functions of Cell Components
| Topics |
What to Study |
| Cell Types |
Plant and animal cells, prokaryotic vs eukaryotic |
| Cell Organelles |
Nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, chloroplasts |
| Functions of Organelles |
Role in metabolism, photosynthesis, respiration |
2. Classification of Living Things
| Topics |
What to Focus On |
| Levels of Classification |
Kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species |
| Five Kingdoms |
Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia |
| Binomial Nomenclature |
Rules and examples |
3. Ecology and Ecosystem
| Topics |
What to Study |
| Components of Ecosystem |
Biotic and abiotic factors |
| Food Chain and Food Web |
Trophic levels, energy flow |
| Ecological Succession |
Types and importance |
| Balance in Nature |
Causes and prevention of ecological imbalance |
4. Plant and Animal Nutrition
| Topics |
What to Focus On |
| Modes of Nutrition |
Autotrophic, heterotrophic |
| Photosynthesis Process |
Factors affecting photosynthesis |
| Mineral Nutrition in Plants |
Macronutrients and micronutrients |
| Digestive System in Humans |
Enzymes, digestion process |
5. Transport System
| Topics |
What to Study |
| Transport in Plants |
Xylem, phloem, transpiration, translocation |
| Circulatory System in Humans |
Heart, blood vessels, components of blood |
6. Respiration and Energy Production
| Topics |
What to Focus On |
| Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration |
Equations, differences, and importance |
| Energy Production |
ATP, mitochondria function |
7. Excretion and Homeostasis
| Topics |
What to Study |
| Excretory Organs |
Kidney, skin, liver, lungs |
| Process of Excretion |
Formation of urine, removal of waste products |
| Homeostasis |
Maintenance of internal environment |
8. Reproduction and Growth
| Topics |
What to Focus On |
| Types of Reproduction |
Asexual and sexual reproduction |
| Reproductive Organs |
Male and female reproductive systems |
| Fertilization Process |
In animals and plants |
| Seed Germination |
Factors affecting germination |
9. Genetics and Evolution
| Topics |
What to Study |
| Mendelian Genetics |
Laws of segregation, independent assortment |
| Genetic Terminologies |
Gene, allele, genotype, phenotype, hybrid |
| Sex Determination |
XX and XY chromosomes |
| Evolution Theories |
Darwinism, Lamarckism, evidence of evolution |
10. Plant and Animal Hormones
| Topics |
What to Focus On |
| Plant Hormones |
Auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins |
| Animal Hormones |
Endocrine glands and their hormones |
11. Nervous Coordination and Sense Organs
| Topics |
What to Study |
| Human Nervous System |
Central and peripheral systems |
| Reflex Action |
Mechanism and examples |
| Sense Organs |
Eye, ear, skin, tongue, nose |
12. Diseases and Health
| Topics |
What to Focus On |
| Types of Diseases |
Infectious and non-infectious diseases |
| Pathogens |
Bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa |
| Prevention and Control |
Immunization, hygiene, public health |
| First Aid |
Basic techniques and importance |
13. Applied Biology
| Topics |
What to Study |
| Agriculture |
Crop and animal production |
| Biotechnology |
Genetic engineering, cloning, tissue culture |
| Conservation of Resources |
Importance of biodiversity conservation |
JAMB Biology CBT Exam Format
| Exam Section |
Details |
| Number of Questions |
40 multiple choice questions |
| Question Type |
Objective, 4-option answers |
| Exam Mode |
Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Duration |
Combined with other subjects (Total 2 hours) |
Top Success Tips for JAMB Biology CBT Exam
| Success Tip |
Why It’s Important |
| Study Official JAMB Syllabus |
Avoid irrelevant topics |
| Master Diagrams |
Questions may test labeled diagrams |
| Memorize Key Definitions |
Definitions often appear as direct questions |
| Focus on Genetics and Ecology |
Heavily tested areas |
| Revise Human Anatomy and Systems |
Respiratory, circulatory, nervous systems |
| Solve Past JAMB Questions |
Reveals recurring questions |
| Practice CBT Mock Exams |
Improves time management and confidence |
| Avoid Guessing |
Use elimination method for difficult questions |
| Manage Your Time During Exam |
Avoid spending too long on one question |
| Stay Calm and Confident |
Reduces mistakes and panic |
FAQs About JAMB Biology Exam
1. How many questions are asked in JAMB Biology?
40 multiple-choice questions.
2. Are diagrams important in JAMB Biology?
Yes! Study and memorize labeled diagrams of the cell, digestive system, heart, kidney, and eye.
3. Does JAMB repeat Biology questions?
Yes. Many past questions reappear in the CBT exam.
4. Which topics are most important in JAMB Biology?
Genetics, Ecology, Cell Structure, Nutrition, and Human Anatomy are among the most tested topics.
5. What are recommended textbooks for JAMB Biology?
-
Essential Biology by M.C. Michael
-
Modern Biology for Senior Secondary Schools
-
JAMB Biology Past Questions & Answers
Conclusion
Success in JAMB Biology depends on mastering the official syllabus, studying diagrams, revising definitions, and solving past CBT questions. Focus more on recurring topics like genetics, ecology, nutrition, and human anatomy. Practice regularly using CBT platforms to improve your speed and accuracy.
With serious preparation and consistency, you can score 70+ marks in JAMB Biology and boost your total UTME score significantly.
Ikiodiete George
