If you're preparing for JAMB Chemistry in 2025/2026, understanding the official syllabus and CBT exam format is essential. Chemistry is compulsory for candidates pursuing Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Biochemistry, Engineering, Agricultural Science, and similar courses. This official guide provides the complete JAMB Chemistry syllabus, exam pattern, success tips, and FAQs to help you pass easily.
JAMB Chemistry Syllabus (2025/2026)
The JAMB Chemistry syllabus focuses on assessing candidates’ knowledge of inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry principles, practical applications, and calculations.
1. Atomic Structure and Bonding
| Topics |
What to Study |
| Dalton’s Atomic Theory |
Laws of chemical combination |
| Atomic Structure |
Proton, neutron, electron configuration |
| Isotopes |
Definition, examples, uses |
| Chemical Bonding |
Ionic, covalent, metallic bonding, hybridization |
| Shapes of Molecules |
VSEPR theory basics, examples |
2. Periodic Table and Periodicity
| Topics |
What to Focus On |
| Modern Periodic Table |
Groups, periods, classification of elements |
| Trends in Periodicity |
Atomic radius, ionization energy, electronegativity, electron affinity |
| Properties of Groups |
Group I (Alkali metals), Group II, Group VII (Halogens), Noble Gases |
3. Chemical Reactions and Stoichiometry
| Topics |
What to Study |
| Balancing Chemical Equations |
Law of conservation of mass |
| Mole Concept |
Avogadro’s number, molar mass, mole calculations |
| Empirical and Molecular Formulae |
Determination using data |
| Limiting Reactant |
Identification and calculations |
| Percentage Purity & Yield |
Formulas and problem solving |
4. States of Matter and Gas Laws
| Topics |
What to Focus On |
| Kinetic Theory |
Assumptions and explanations |
| Gas Laws |
Boyle’s, Charles’, Pressure law, Ideal Gas Law (PV=nRT) |
| Dalton’s Law |
Partial pressures |
| Graham’s Law |
Diffusion of gases |
5. Energy Changes in Chemical Reactions
| Topics |
What to Study |
| Enthalpy Change |
Exothermic vs Endothermic reactions |
| Hess’s Law |
Applications in enthalpy calculations |
| Bond Energy Calculations |
Energy needed to break/form bonds |
6. Acids, Bases, and Salts
| Topics |
What to Focus On |
| Properties of Acids/Bases |
Reactions, definitions (Arrhenius, Bronsted) |
| pH Scale |
Definition, pH calculations |
| Indicators |
Types, color changes in acid/base |
| Salts |
Preparation, types (normal, acidic, basic) |
7. Solubility and Solutions
| Topics |
What to Study |
| Solubility Curves |
Reading and interpreting curves |
| Concentration Units |
Molarity, molality, percentage concentration |
| Saturated, Unsaturated Solutions |
Definitions and differences |
8. Oxidation-Reduction and Electrochemistry
| Topics |
What to Focus On |
| Redox Reactions |
Oxidation numbers, balancing redox equations |
| Electrolysis |
Principles, Faraday’s laws, applications |
| Galvanic Cells |
Cell notation, EMF calculations |
| Corrosion |
Prevention methods |
9. Rates of Reaction and Chemical Equilibrium
| Topics |
What to Study |
| Factors Affecting Rate |
Concentration, temperature, catalysts, surface area |
| Le Chatelier’s Principle |
Effects of changes in concentration, pressure, temperature |
| Reversible Reactions |
Characteristics, significance |
10. Organic Chemistry
| Topics |
What to Focus On |
| Hydrocarbons |
Alkanes, alkenes, alkynes: structures, reactions |
| Functional Groups |
Alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters, amines, etc. |
| Isomerism |
Structural and functional isomerism |
| Polymers |
Types, properties, uses |
11. Environmental Chemistry and Industry
| Topics |
What to Study |
| Water Treatment |
Hardness, purification methods |
| Air Pollution |
Greenhouse gases, acid rain, ozone depletion |
| Chemical Industries |
Uses of nitrogen, sulphur, chlorine, sodium, etc. |
JAMB Chemistry CBT Exam Format
| Exam Section |
Details |
| Number of Questions |
40 multiple-choice questions |
| Exam Type |
Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Question Format |
Objective, 4-option answers |
| Exam Duration |
Combined with other subjects (Total 2 hours) |
Top Success Tips for JAMB Chemistry CBT Exam
| Success Tip |
Why It’s Important |
| Study JAMB Syllabus Only |
Focus your energy on tested topics |
| Master Gas Laws and Stoichiometry |
They appear yearly |
| Practice Chemical Equations Balancing |
Direct questions appear |
| Focus on Organic Chemistry Basics |
Nomenclature, isomerism, reactions |
| Solve Calculations Regularly |
Expect mole concept, energy, and pH calculations |
| Memorize Trends in Periodicity |
Easy marks from periodic table questions |
| Study Solubility and Acids/Bases |
pH, solubility curves, titration processes |
| Practice JAMB Past Questions |
Helps you spot repeated questions |
| Take CBT Mock Exams |
Improves speed and screen-based answering skills |
| Avoid Guesswork |
Think carefully and use elimination method |
FAQs About JAMB Chemistry Exam
1. How many questions are in JAMB Chemistry?
40 multiple-choice questions in the CBT exam.
2. Does JAMB Chemistry require calculations?
Yes. Be ready for mole concept, gas laws, pH, enthalpy changes, and stoichiometry calculations.
3. Are past questions helpful for JAMB Chemistry?
Absolutely! Many questions repeat. Solving past CBT questions builds confidence and speed.
4. Which topics are most important?
Focus on Organic Chemistry, Periodic Table, Acids/Bases, Gas Laws, Stoichiometry, and Electrochemistry.
5. What textbooks are recommended for JAMB Chemistry?
-
New School Chemistry by Osei Yaw Ababio
-
Essential Chemistry by Odesina & Lawal
-
JAMB Chemistry Past Questions & Answers
Conclusion
Success in JAMB Chemistry depends on mastering the syllabus, solving past questions, practicing calculations, and focusing on key areas like Organic Chemistry, Gas Laws, Acids/Bases, and Stoichiometry. Regular practice using CBT mock tests will help you answer quickly and accurately.
With discipline and consistent study, you can target 70+ marks in JAMB Chemistry and boost your UTME score.
Ikiodiete George
