Subject overview
The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) syllabus in Arabic is to prepare candidates for admission into tertiary institutions through the Board’s examination. It is designed to test their achievement of the course objectives, which are to:
Official syllabus Content is taken from the official JAMB UTME syllabus (IBASS). Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Always confirm at jamb.gov.ng.
Your progress
Mark topics as you go to track your readiness.
Study the syllabus below, then test yourself. Move each topic from Not started → Learning → Practising → Mastered.
General objectives
The Arabic syllabus is designed to test candidates' ability to:
- 1. answer comprehension questions correctly in standard Arabic
- 2. translate simple texts from English to Arabic and vice versa
- 3. apply the rules of Arabic grammar functionally
- 4. appreciate Arabic literary texts within the contexts of their environment and eras
- 5. use Arabic as a living world language in communication where necessary
How this paper is examined
JAMB Arabic is a Computer-Based Test of 40 multiple-choice questions worth 100 marks. There is no negative marking, so attempt every question. It is examined alongside Use of English and two other subjects, for 180 questions in two hours overall.
How to use this syllabus: don't just read it — turn each topic into a checklist. Study a topic, then immediately practise questions on it so the knowledge sticks. Give extra time to the sections that carry the most topics, and revisit weak areas with timed practice as the exam approaches.
Topics & recommended order
Work through these topics in order. Mark each one as you go — your progress is saved on this device.
2. Gender (Masculine and Feminine).
Not started3. Characteristics of noun.
Not started5. Plurals
Not started6. Construct phrase.
Not started7. Separable and inseparable pronouns.
Not started8. Appendants
Not started9. Prepositions.
Not started10. Transitive & Intransitive verbs.
Not started11. The perfect verb.
Not started12. The imperfect verb
Not started13. The imperative verb.
Not started14. The modifiers
Not started15. Trilateral and derived verb.
Not started16. Verbal noun.
Not started17. Conditional sentence.
Not started18. Numeral (1 – 1000).
Not started19. Active and passive voice.
Not started20. Nouns in the accusative
Not startedFull Arabic syllabus
Every topic below is from the official JAMB syllabus, with its contents and the objectives you should be able to meet. Study a topic, then use its objectives as a checklist.
1. Demonstrative, relative pronouns, conditional and
Contents
- Ca
- id re
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Demonstrative, relative pronouns, conditional and ndidates should be able to: entify the various forms of demonstrative and lative pronouns
- Compare gender markers in Arabic; terrogative. المذكر و.المؤنث
2. Gender (Masculine and Feminine).
Contents
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Gender (Masculine and Feminine). عالمات االسم
3. Characteristics of noun.
Contents
- 3. Characteristics of noun
- .المثنى
4. Dual.
Contents
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Dual. الجموع
5. Plurals
Contents
- أ .ج a
- ب ج b
- ج c
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Plurals: – مع المذكر السالم sound masculine plural – مع المؤنث السالم sound feminine plural – جمع التكس ير broken plural المضاف و .المضاف إليه
6. Construct phrase.
Contents
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Construct phrase. الضمائر المنفصلة و المتصلة
7. Separable and inseparable pronouns.
Contents
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Separable and inseparable pronouns. التوابع
8. Appendants
Contents
- 8. Appendants: a. adjective
- أ– .النعت b. conjunction
- ب– .العطف c. the permutative
- ج– .البدل د– .التوكيد d. emphasis .حروف الجر والنصب والجزم
9. Prepositions.
Contents
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Prepositions. الفعل الالزم و الفعل.المتعدي
10. Transitive & Intransitive verbs.
Contents
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Transitive & Intransitive verbs. الفعل الماض
11. The perfect verb.
Contents
- 11. The perfect verb
- :فعل المضارع
12. The imperfect verb
Contents
- 12. The imperfect verb: a. the indicative
- أ– المرفوع b. the subjunctive
- ب– المنصوب c. the jussive
- ج– .المجزوم
- .فعل األمر
13. The imperative verb.
Contents
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- The imperative verb. النواسخ
14. The modifiers
Contents
- أ– a
- ب– إن b
- ج– c
- .ال
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- The modifiers: كان و أخواتها Kana and its associates و أخواتها Inna and its associates ظن و أخواتها Zanna and its associates الفعل الثالثي مجرد و المزيد فيه
15. Trilateral and derived verb.
Contents
- 15. Trilateral and derived verb
- .المصدر
16. Verbal noun.
Contents
- iii
- noun v. c vi
- vii
- pron
- x. d
- xii
- word xiii
- Arab
- verb
- - :الم 17- أ- .ال a
- acti ب- .اسم b. p ج- .اسم هـ - .اس d. n و - .اس e. n ز - .اس f. r ح-
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Verbal noun. identify the characteristics of Arabic nouns; differentiate between singular and dual forms of s; onstruct plural forms of singular nouns; identify construct phrases and their usages; differentiate between separable and inseparable ouns
- Identify correct usage of adjectives, conjunctions, utative and emphasis in Arabic sentences; apply correct preposition particles in a given sentence; ifferentiate between transitive and intransitive verbs and use them in sentences; identify the perfect verbs and their forms; identify the imperfect verbs and their grammatical s in sentences
- Identify the imperative verbs and their forms; identify the kinds of modifiers and apply them in ic usage; differentiate between trilateral and derived s; identify the types of derivatives; شتقات Derivatives: اسم فاعل ve participle. المفعول assive participle. التفضيل c. comparative/superlative. م اآللة oun of instrument. ما الزمان و المكان ouns of time and place. م النسبة elative adjective. اسم المبالغة g. hyperbole noun. الجملة الشرطية
17. Conditional sentence.
Contents
- )ف
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Conditional sentence. العدد1 – قط
18. Numeral (1 – 1000).
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Numeral (1 – 1000). الفاعل و نائب .الفاعل
19. Active and passive voice.
Contents
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Active and passive voice. المبتدأ والخبر Subject and predicate. منصوبات األسماء
20. Nouns in the accusative
Contents
- أ– .ا a
- ب– .)ا b
- ج– .ال c
- د– .ا d
- هـ .ا و– .ال xvi ide xvi xix xx
- SEC Thi sub can eco Can
- use
- iii
- pro SEC Thi not acr Can fol أ– .ا a) - .ا - ا - .ال - ال ب– ال – م .) a) - ال - .أك
- ج– و ر ا ة ( – .) b) - ا ".و - عل - عب - ج د– ( ا .)م c) - أ "" - جب - "عب هـ d) - أس " - "ع - م " - "آد
- iii
- REC 1
- COM 1
- ٬ ا ٬ ٬ ني ٬ ش 2
- )٬ ي )ال ٬ إ ٬ م 3
- ي و ٬ ا ٬ ال ٬ د 4
- ٬ س ٬ ال ٬ م 5
- )٬ ٬ ك ٬ م 6
- ٬ ثان ٬ إ ٬ .دا 7
- ا:ج ٬ ال - 3 ٬ ٬ لو
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Nouns in the accusative لمفعول به direct object. لمفعول فيه (ظرف adverbs of place and time. حال adverb of circumstance. لمستثنى بإال the exempted with illa. - لتمييز e. the specification. منادى f. the vocative
- Apply the rules governing conditional sentences, ntify, construct and differentiate them in normal sentences
- Recognise and count Arabic numerals from 1 to 1000 and identify the intricacies involved in their usage
- Distinguish between doer and doer-substitute and apply them in sentences; identify different types of adverbial clause, the exempted, specification and the vocative and use them in standard Arabic; TION D: COMPOSITION s section consists of five (5) questions on jects relating to the lives and environment of the didates, e.g. education, culture, health, politics, nomy, sports and current affairs. didates should be able to: appropriate words for specific thoughts; use correct idiomatic expressions in Arabic
- Communicate effectively in Arabic; express ideas clearly in Arabic; demonstrate the use of common Arabic idioms and verbs; TION E: ARABIC LITERATURE s section consists of ten (10) questions on able literary figures and their works cutting oss the various periods which include the didates should be able to: lowing: لمدخل إلى األدب العربي Introduction to Arabic literature. ألدب تعريفه وأقسامه وفنونه لعصور األ .دبية شعر تعريفه وأنواعه وأغراضه نثر تعريفه وفنونه عصر الجاهلي (حوالى500 The Pre-Islamic Period (500 – 610 C.E.). شنفرى والميته "أقيموا بني # أمي صدور مطيكم" . ثم بن الصيفي التميمي وخطبته عند كسرى "إن أفضل األشياء".. العص إلسالمي م The Islamic Periods (610 – 1798 C.E.). لحجاج بن يوسف الثقفي خطبته الوعظية "أيها الناس قد أصبحتم في. ي بن أبي طالب وخطبته في الجهاد باإلخالص دهللا بن المقفع ورسالته في معاملته الصديق وبدايتها "أبذل" لصديقك. رير بن عطية وقصيدته في مدح الخليفة عمر بن عبدالعزيز. لعصر الحديث1798 إلى اليوم The Modern Period (1978 to date). حمد شوقي وقصيدته العلم والتعليم وواجب المعلم ران خليل"... جبران وقصيدته الموكب "الخير في الناس مصنوع اس محمود العقاد وكتابه "اللغة الشاعرة - األدب العربي في غرب إفريقيا. Arabic Literature in West Africa . ماء بنت الشيخ عثمان بن فودي وقصيدتها "أعيني جودا وابكيا لحبيبتي لي عبدالقادر العسلي وكتابه قصة عبث الطفولة حمد األمين سامبوا غ ساما وقصيدته "االفتخار بالقارة اإلفريقية العريقة م يحيى الفالني وكتابه "أهل التكرور identify the essence of Arabic literature; poetry, prose and their periods. identify pre-Islamic Arabic poetic and prosaic traditions and conventions
- Identify and analyse the style of figurative expressions contained in a given Islamic literature; describe the aesthetic features in literary texts and assess their modern cultural values; evaluate areas of successful use of Arabic as a medium of West African novel and drama, analyse their contents and describe their major characteristics and plots. OMMENDED
21. Adekilekun, A. L. A.: Learning Arabic Language, Ilorin.
Contents
- 8. Adekilekun, A. L. A.: Learning Arabic Language, Ilorin
22. Balogun, I. A. B. and Oseni Z. I. (1982) A Modern Arabic Course Book 1 Lagos: Islamic
Contents
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Course Book 1 Lagos: Islamic
23. Haywood, J. A. and Nahmad, H. M. (1965), A New Arabic Grammar of the Written
Contents
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Ammar of the Written
24. Malik, S. H. A. (1982) A Guide to Arabic Composition, Books I & II, Lagos I.P.B.
Contents
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Oks I & II, Lagos I.P.B
25. Arabic newspapers, magazines and journals.
Contents
- 12. Arabic newspapers, magazines and journals
- GRAMMAR 1
- ي عل الجارم و مصطفى أمين ٬ النحو الواضح لمدارس المرحلة األولية ٬ الجرء1 – ٬3 القاهرة ٬ دار المعارف ٬
- محمد أجروم الصنهاج ٬ي متن األجرومية ٬ القاهرة
- محمد محيي الدين عبد الحميد ٬ التحفة السنية بشرح المق د مة األجرو ٬ مية بيروت ٬ .دار الفكر
Recommended texts for JAMB Arabic
These are the recommended textbooks listed in the official JAMB Arabic syllabus. You do not need every book — one solid, complete text that follows the syllabus, paired with past-question practice, is enough.
- COMPREHENSION, COMPOSITION AND TRANSLATION 1. بشير أحمد محيي الدين و المرضي مختار المرضي ٬ المطالعة الواضحة ٬ ٬ كنو- نيجيىريا ٬ شركة طن المى و.أبنائه 2. سيد حمرة مالك( )٬ م اإلنشاء العرب ي )المتوسط (للمدارس الثانوية ٬ إبادن ٬ مطبعة الجامعة ب. ل. س. 3. عبد الفتاح صبر ي وعلي عمر بك ٬ القراءة الرشيدة ٬ الجزء1 – 4 ٬ القاهرة ٬ دار المعارف . 4. عبد هللا الطيب ٬ سمير التالميذ ٬ الجزء1 – 2 ٬ الخرطوم ٬ مكتب النشر. 5. غرب ط. زاريا( )٬ م كيف تكتب اإلنشاء ٬ كنو- نيجيىريا ٬ مطبعة جامعة بايرو . 6. محمد األول أبوبكر واآلخرون ٬ العربية الميسرة الجديدة للمرحلة ال ثانوية ٬ إبادن ٬ .دار سبكترم للطباعة والنشر 7. محمد بديع شريف و سليم حكيم و الح ا:ج حسين آدمو العربية الجديدة فى نيجيريا ٬ الكتاب1 - 3 ٬ إكيجا- الغوش ٬ لونغمان.
- Adekilekun, A. L. A.: Learning Arabic Language, Ilorin.
- Balogun, I. A. B. and Oseni Z. I. (1982) A Modern Arabic Course Book 1 Lagos: Islamic Publications Bureau.
- Haywood, J. A. and Nahmad, H. M. (1965), A New Arabic Grammar of the Written Language, London: Lund Humphries.
- Malik, S. H. A. (1982) A Guide to Arabic Composition, Books I & II, Lagos I.P.B.
- Arabic newspapers, magazines and journals. 2. GRAMMAR 1. ي عل الجارم و مصطفى أمين ٬ النحو الواضح لمدارس المرحلة األولية ٬ الجرء1 – ٬3 القاهرة ٬ دار المعارف ٬. 2. محمد أجروم الصنهاج ٬ي متن األجرومية ٬ القاهرة. 3. محمد محيي الدين عبد الحميد ٬ التحفة السنية بشرح المق د مة األجرو ٬ مية بيروت ٬ .دار الفكر
- Haywood, J.A and Nahmad, H.M (1965), A New Arabic Grammar of the Written Language, London: Lund Humphries. 3. ARABIC LITERATURE - أحمد االسكندري واآلخرون ٬ المفصل في تاريخ األدب العربي ٬ القاهرة ٬ .المعارف العمومية - زكريا حسين( 2004م)٬ ال مأدبة األدبية للطالب العربية في أفريقيا ٬ أوتث ي٬ .دار النور - عبد هللا بن محمد بن فودي تزيين الورقات ٬ إبادن ٬ مطبعة جامعة إبادن. - عبد الوهاب دنالد شئث( 2009م)٬ الشعر العربي النيجيري بين الماضي والحاضر ٬ والية نيجر- نيجيريا ٬ مطبعة بيك المحدودة. - عيسى ألبي أبوبكر(ا)لدكتور ٬ ديوان الرياض ٬ مدينة إيوو- نيجيريا ٬ النهار. - مرتضى بدماصي( 1997م)٬ مستقبل اللغة العربية في نيجيريا ٬ الغوس ٬ . دار النشر اإلسالمية - صديق فاروق أبو ال رضا ٬ مختارات من توجيهات المنبر للشيخ آدم عبد هللا اإللوري ٬ القاهرة ٬ مطبعة المعرفة. - محمد ثالث مي أنغو( 2006م)٬ لماذا يكرهوننا ٬ ط2 ٬ ٬ كنو مطبعة سمباش .
Recommended next steps
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Frequently asked questions
What is the JAMB Arabic syllabus for 2026/2027?
The JAMB Arabic syllabus for the 2026/2027 UTME is the official document that lists every topic, objective and recommended text you will be examined on. It covers comprehension; grammar (Nahw and Sarf); composition and vocabulary; and Arabic literature and culture. Every question in the Arabic paper is drawn from this syllabus, so studying any topic outside it is a waste of time. The complete, up-to-date syllabus is reproduced in full on this page.
What are the areas of concentration for JAMB Arabic?
The areas of concentration are the sections and high-frequency topics the UTME focuses on. Grammar, comprehension and vocabulary are core — read Arabic texts regularly and master the grammar rules. Concentrate your revision on these areas first, then cover the rest of the syllabus — and practise past-question-style questions on each area so you recognise how they are tested.
How many questions does JAMB set in Arabic?
JAMB sets 40 multiple-choice questions in Arabic, worth 100 marks. Only Use of English has more (60 questions). Across your four subjects the UTME totals 180 questions and 400 marks.
How long is the JAMB exam and how much time per Arabic question?
The whole UTME lasts two hours (120 minutes) for all four subjects combined — roughly 40 seconds per question. Answer the questions you know quickly, flag the harder ones, and return to them. There is no negative marking, so never leave any question unanswered.
Is Arabic compulsory in JAMB?
Use of English is the only universally compulsory subject, but Arabic is required for Arabic and accepted for Arabic and Islamic Studies and several arts courses.
What are the hot topics or most repeated topics in JAMB Arabic?
While JAMB does not publish a 'hot topics' list, the syllabus changes little year to year, so the same high-frequency topics recur. Grammar, comprehension and vocabulary are core — read Arabic texts regularly and master the grammar rules. Studying strictly by the syllabus and practising many questions per topic is the reliable way to prepare — never rely on 'expo' or leaked questions, which are scams and can cost you your result.
What are the recommended textbooks for JAMB Arabic?
The official syllabus recommends standard texts: standard SSS Arabic course books and a grammar reference. You do not need every book — one complete, syllabus-aligned textbook plus consistent past-question practice is enough. See the full recommended-texts list below.
Can I download the JAMB Arabic syllabus PDF for free?
JAMB publishes the official syllabus free on the IBASS portal at jamb.gov.ng (Quick Links → Syllabus System). Rather than a static PDF, this page reproduces the complete Arabic syllabus for 2026/2027 — every section, topic and recommended text — so you can study it on any phone, with progress tracking and practice built in. Always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal.
Does the JAMB Arabic syllabus change every year?
No — the core topics stay largely the same from year to year because the subject content does not change. The only occasional changes are to prescribed texts in a few subjects. Always check the official syllabus at the start of your preparation to confirm nothing in your subjects has been updated.
Is there negative marking in JAMB Arabic?
No. JAMB does not use negative marking, so a wrong answer simply scores zero — there is no penalty. This means you should attempt every one of the 40 questions, even where you have to make an educated guess near the end of the time.
How do I study the JAMB Arabic syllabus effectively?
Turn the syllabus into a checklist: study one topic, then immediately practise questions on it so it sticks; give the most time to the areas of concentration that carry the most topics; use one recommended textbook rather than many; and practise past-question-style questions under timed conditions to build speed. Track each topic on this page from Not started to Mastered so you always know what is left.
How can I practise JAMB Arabic questions on Belmadeng?
Belmadeng offers free, timed CBT practice with worked explanations. Study a topic here, then test yourself — your weak topics are highlighted afterwards so you know exactly what to revise. Explore CBT practice to prepare the way the real Computer-Based Test works.
Source: official JAMB UTME Arabic syllabus (IBASS, jamb.gov.ng). Reproduced for study use. Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Belmadeng is not affiliated with JAMB — always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal.
Courses that require Arabic in JAMB
Arabic is part of the UTME subject combination for 1+ popular courses. If you’re studying Arabic, these are the courses it can lead to:
Commonly required for
Requirements vary by institution — always confirm your exact course in the subject combinations hub and the official JAMB brochure.
Related JAMB subjects
Candidates studying Arabic often study these subjects alongside it. Each links to its full official syllabus and free CBT practice: