Subject overview
The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) syllabus in Christian
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 Christian Religious Studies syllabus is designed to test candidates' ability to:
- CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES
- Religious Studies is to prepare the candidates for the Board’s examination. It is designed to test their achievement of the course objectives, which are to:
- 1. acquire the knowledge and understanding of the tenets of the Christian faith as contained in the Bible;
- 2. interpret biblical teachings and themes;
- 3. apply biblical teachings and tenets to life in society;
- 4. evaluate the level of application of biblical teachings and tenets to life in society.
- The syllabus is divided into four sections, namely:
How this paper is examined
JAMB Christian Religious Studies is a Computer-Based Test of 40 multiple-choice questions worth 100 marks. There is no negative marking, so attempt every question. It is taken with 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.
3. Themes from selected Epistles
Not started5. The Sovereignty of God
Not started6. The Covenant
Not started7. Leadership Qualities
Not started9. Parental Responsibility
Not started10. Obedience and Disobedience
Not started11. A man after God’s own heart
Not started12. Decision - Making
Not started14. Greed and its effects
Not started15. The Supremacy of God
Not started16. Religious reforms in Judah
Not started17. 4. Concern for Judah
Not started19. Faith, Courage and Protection
Not started20. God’s message to Nineveh
Not started22. Holiness and Divine call
Not started23. Punishment and Hope
Not started25. The birth and early life of Jesus
Not started26. The baptism and temptation of Jesus
Not started27. Discipleship
Not started28. Miracles
Not started30. The Parables
Not started31. Sermon on the Mount
Not started32. Mission of the disciples
Not started33. The Great Confession
Not started34. The Transfiguration
Not started35. The Triumphal Entry and the
Not started36. The Last Supper
Not started37. The trials and the death of Jesus
Not started38. Resurrection, appearances
Not started39. Jesus’ teachings about
Not started41. Fellowship in the Early Church
Not started42. The Holy Spirit and the mission
Not started43. Opposition to the Gospel message
Not started44. Mission to the Gentiles
Not started45. Justification by Faith
Not started46. 2. The Law and Grace
Not started47. New life in Christ
Not started49. Humility
Not started50. Forgiveness
Not started51. Spiritual gifts
Not started52. Christian Giving
Not started53. Civic responsibility
Not started54. Dignity of labour
Not started55. 11. The second coming of Christ
Not started56. Impartiality
Not started57. Effective prayer
Not started58. Christian living in the community
Not started59. Corruption
Not started60. Sexual Immorality
Not startedFull Christian Religious Studies syllabus
Every section and topic below is from the official JAMB syllabus, reproduced faithfully.
SECTION A:
Themes from Creation to the Division of the Kingdom
SECTION B:
Themes from the Division of the Kingdom to the Return from Exile and the
- Prophets
SECTION C:
Themes from the four Gospels and Acts of the Apostles
SECTION D:
Themes from selected Epistles
SECTION A:
Themes from Creation to the Division of the
- Kingdom
1. The Sovereignty of God
- God as Creator and Controller of the Universe
- (Gen. 1 and 2) cf. Amos 9:5-6; Is. 45:5-12
- Ps. 19:1-6; Jer. 18:1-16; Rom. 8:28.
2. The Covenant
- (a) The flood and God’s covenant with Noah
- (Gen. 6:1-22; 7:1-24; 9:1-17)
- (b) God’s covenant with Abraham (Gen.
- 11:31-32;
- 12:1-9;
- 17:1-21;
- 21:1-13;
- 25:19-26)
- (c) God’s covenant with Israel (Ex. 19; 20;
- 24:1-11) cf. Deut. 28:1-19
- (d) The New Covenant (Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek.
- 36:25-28)
3. Leadership Qualities
- Examples of
- (a) Joseph (Gen. 37:1-28; 41:1-57; 45:1-15)
- (b) Moses (Ex. 1; 2; 3; 4:1-17; 5; 12; Num.
- 13:1-20; 14:1-19)
- (c) Joshua (Num. 13:21-33; 27:15-23; Josh.
- 1:1-15; 6; 7; 24:1-31)
- (d) Judges (Deborah
- -
- Judges.
- 4:1-24;
- Gideon: Judges 6:11-40; Samson : Judges
- 13:1-7, 21-25; 16:4-31)
4. Divine Providence, Guidance and Protection
- (a) Guidance (Ex. 13:17-22; Josh. 8:1-22;
- Heb 1:1; Matt. 11: 27-30)
- (b) Protection (Ex. 14:10-31; Dan 6:16-23;
- Ps. 91)
- (c) Provision (Ex. 16:1-21; 17:1-7; 13:20-22;
- 1Kgs 17:1-16; Num: 20:1-13)
5. Parental Responsibility
- Examples of
- (a) Eli and Samuel (1 Sam. 2:11-36; 3:2-18;
- 4:10-22: 8:15)
- (b) David (11 Sam. 13; 15:1-29; 18; 19:1-8)
- (c) Asa (1 Kings 15:9-15; 22:41-44; cf. Deut.
- 6:4-9; Prov. 4:1-10; 13:1; 24; 22:6; 23:13-
- 14; 31:10-31)
6. Obedience and Disobedience
- (i) Obedience and Rewards:
- Examples of
- (a) Abraham (Gen. 22:1-19)
- (b) Three Hebrew Youths (Dan. 3:1-30)
- (c) David (1 Sam. 30:1-20)
- ii) Disobedience and Consequences
- Examples of
- (a) Adam (Gen. 2:15-25; 3)
- (b) Collection of Manna (Ex. 16:22-30)
- (c) The Golden Calf (Ex. 32)
7. A man after God’s own heart
- (a) The early life of David (1 Sam. 16:1-13;
- 17; 18:17-30; 22:1-5; 24:1-23; II Sam.
- 2:1-7; 3:1-39)
- (b) David’s submission to the will of God (I Sam. 26:1-25, II Sam 12:15-25)
- (c) David’s repentance and forgiveness (II
- Sam. 11; 12:1-15, cf. Ps. 51:130)
8. Decision - Making
- (a) Reliance on a medium (I Sam. 28:3-25)
- (b) The wisdom of Solomon (I Kings 3:3-28;
- 4:29-34; 5:1-12; 8:1-53)
- (c) Unwise policies of
- Solomon and
- Rehoboam (I Kings 9:15-23; 11:1-40;
- 12:1-20)
SECTION B:
Themes from the Division of the Kingdom to the
- Return from Exile and the Prophets
1. Greed and its effects
- Examples of
- (a) Ahab (I Kings 21:1-29; 22:1-40; II Kings
- 9:30-37)
- (b) Gehazi (II Kings 5:1-27 cf ( Josh 7)
2. The Supremacy of God
- Religious tension and the power of God on
- Mount Carmel (I Kings 16:29-34; 17:1-7; 18;
- 19:1-18)
3. Religious reforms in Judah
- (a) Cleansing of the Temple (II Kings 22)
- (b) Renewal of the Covenant (II Kings 23:1-
30) 4. Concern for Judah
- (a) The fall of Jerusalem (II kings 24; 25:1-
17) (b) Condition of Judah (Neh. 1:1-11; Ezra
- 1:1-11)
- (c) Response to the state of Judah (Neh. 2;
- 4:1-23 Ezra 3:4; 5; 6; 7)
5. Faith, Courage and Protection
- Examples of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and
- Abednego (Dan. 3:1-30: 6:1-28
6. God’s message to Nineveh
- Jonah and his message (Jonah 1; 2; 3 and 4)
7. Social justice, True religion and Divine love
- (a) Social justice and true religion (Amos
- 2:6-8; 4; 5:1-25; 6:1-14; 7:10-17; 8:4-14) cf James 1:19-27
- (b) Divine love and human response (Hosea
- 1; 2; 3; 4; 6:1-11; 14)
8. Holiness and Divine call
- (Isaiah 6:1-13; Ezek. 2; 3:1-11; Jer. 1:4-10)
9. Punishment and Hope
- (Jer. 3:11-18; 32:26-35; Ezek. 18; 37:1-14;
- Isaiah 61; Jer. 4:5-8)
- ii. examine the condition of Judah during the exile;
- iii. analyse the people’s response to the call of
- Nehemiah and Ezra to rebuild Jerusalem;
- iv. distinguish between Nehemiah and Ezra’s responses to the opposition of their enemies.
SECTION C:
Themes from the four Gospels and the Acts of the
- Apostles
1. The birth and early life of Jesus
- (a) John, the forerunner of Jesus (Lk. 1:5-25;
- 57-66; 3:1-20; 7:18-35; Mk. 1:1-8; 6:14-
- 29; Mt. 3:1-12: Matt.11:2-19; Jn. 1:6-8;
- 19-37; 3:22-36)
- (b) The birth and boyhood of Jesus (Mt. 1:18-
- 25; 2; Lk. 1:26-45;2 )
2. The baptism and temptation of Jesus
- (Mt. 3:13-17; 4:1-11; Mk. 1:9-13; Lk. 3:21-22;
- 4:1-13)
3. Discipleship
- (a) The call of the first disciples (Mt. 4:18-
- 22; 9:9-13; Mk. 1:16-20; 2:13-17; Lk.
- 5:1-11; 27-32)
- (b) The demands of discipleship (Mt. 8:19-
- 22; Lk. 9:57-63; 14:25-33)
4. Miracles
- (a) Nature miracles
- (i) Stilling the storm (Mt. 8:23-27; Mk.
- 4:35-41; Lk.8:22-25)
- (ii) Feeding of the five thousand (Mt.
- 14:13-24; Mk. 6:30-44; Lk. 9:10-17;
- Jn. 6:1-13)
- (iii) Walking on the sea (Mt. 14:22-26;
- Mk. 6:45-52; Jn. 6:16-21)
- (iv) Changing water to wine (Jn. 2:1-11)
- (b) Miracles of resuscitation
- (i) The raising of Lazarus (Jn. 11:1-45)
- (ii) The raising of Jairus’ daughter (Lk.
- 8:41-42, 49-56; Mk. 5:21-43)
- (iii) The raising of the widow’s son at
- Nain (Lk. 7:11-17)
- (c) Healing miracles
- (i) The lepers (Mt. 8:1-4; Mk. 1:40-45;
- Lk. 5:12-16; 17:11-19)
- (ii) The paralytic at the pool (Jn. 5:1-17)
- (iii) The centurion’s servant (Mt. 8:5-13;
- Lk. 7:1-10)
- (iv) The blind (Jn. 9:1-12; Mk. 10:46-52;
- Lk. 18:35-43)
39) (ii) The epileptic boy (Mk. 9:14-29; Lk.
- 9:37-43a; Mt. 17:14-21)
5. The Parables
- (a) Parables of the kingdom
- (i) The sower (Mt. 13:1-23; Mk. 4:1-20)
- (ii) The weeds (Mt. 13:24-30; 36-43)
- (iii) The drag-net (Mt. 13:47-50)
- (iv) The wedding garment (Matt. 22:1-14)
- (b) Parables about love of God (Mt. 18:12-
- 14; Lk. 15:1-32)
- (c) Parables about love for one another
- (Lk.10:25-37; 16:19-31)
- (d) Parable about wealth: The rich fool (Lk.
- 12:13-21)
- (e) Parables on prayer (Lk. 18:2-14)
6. Sermon on the Mount
- (Mt. 5; 6; Lk. 6:17-26)
7. Mission of the disciples
- (a)The mission of the twelve
- (Mt. 10:5-15; Mk. 6:7-13; Lk. 9:1-16)
- (b)The mission of the seventy (Lk. 10:1-24)
8. The Great Confession
- (Mt. 16:13-20; Mk. 8:27-30; Lk. 9:18-22)
9. The Transfiguration
- (Mt. 17:1-13; Mk. 9:2-13; Lk. 9:28-36)
10. The Triumphal Entry and the
- cleansing of the Temple
11. The Last Supper
- (Mt. 26:17-30; Mk. 14:10-26
- Lk. 22:7-23; Jn. 13:2-38)
12. The trials and the death of Jesus
- (a) The trials of Jesus before
- (i) the High Priest
- (Mt. 26:36-75;
- Mk. 14:53-72
- Lk. 22:66-71)
- (ii) Pilate
- (Mt. 27:11-26; Mk. 15:1-15;
- Lk. 23:1-5; 13-25;
- Jn. 18:28-40; 19:1-16)
- (iii) Herod
- (Lk. 23:6-12)
- (b) Crucifixion and burial of Jesus
- (Mt. 27:32-66; Lk. 23:26-56;
- Mk. 15:16-47; Jn. 19:17-42)
13. Resurrection, appearances
- and ascension of Jesus
- (Mt. 28:1-20; Mk. 16:1-20;
- Lk. 24:1-53; Jn. 20:1-31;
- Acts 1:1-11)
14. Jesus’ teachings about
- Himself
- (a) The Bread of Life and the
- Living Water (Jn. 4:7-15;
- 6:25-58)
- (b) The Light of the World
- (Jn. 1:4-8; 3:19-21; 8:12;
- 9:1-5; 12:35-36; 1 Jn. 1:5-7)
- (c) The Door, the Lamb and the Good
- Shepherd (Jn. 1:29-34; 10:1-18)
- (d) The True Vine (Jn. 15:1-11)
- (e) The Resurrection (Jn.11:25) the Temple;
- ii. determine the significance of the Triumphal
- Entry and the cleansing of the Temple;
- iii. examine how the cleansing of the Temple caused hostility towards Jesus.
15. Love
- (a) God’s love for man
- (Jn. 3:16-18)
- (b) Love for one another
- (Jn. 13:34-35; 15:12-13; 1 cor. 13;
- cf. I Jn. 4:7-21)
16. Fellowship in the Early Church
- (a) Communal living (Acts 1:15-26; 2:41-47;
- 4:32-37)
- (b) Problems of communal living and solutions (Acts 5:1-11, 6:1-6)
17. The Holy Spirit and the mission
- of the Church
- (a) The Pentecost (Acts 1:8;
- 2:1-41)
- (b) The mission of the Church (Acts 8:4-40)
18. Opposition to the Gospel message
- (a) The arrest and imprisonment of
- Peter and John (Acts 3; 4:1-22; 5:17-42
- 12:1-24)
- (b) The martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 6:8-15; 7)
- (c) Persecution by Saul (Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-2
- cf. Gal. 1:11-17)
- (d) Persecution of Paul (Acts 16:11-40;
- 19:23- 41;21:27-36 cf 2 Cor:11:23-33)
19. Mission to the Gentiles
- (a) Conversion of Saul (Acts 9:1-30; 22:4-21;
- 26:9-18)
- (b) Conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10:1-48)
- (c) The commissioning and mission of Paul (Acts 13; 14:1-20)
- (d) The Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-35; Gal. 2:1-21)
SECTION D:
Themes from Selected Epistles
1. Justification by Faith
- (Rom. 3:21-24; 5:1-11; 10:1-13; Gal. 2:16-
21) 2. The Law and Grace
- (Rom. 4:13-25; 5:18-21;
- Gal. 3:10-14; 19-29; Rom. 3:24)
3. New life in Christ
- (Rom. 6:1-4; 12-14; Col. 3:1-17;
- Gals. 5:16-26; II Cor. 5:16-19;
- I Thess. 4:1-8; Rom. 12)
4. Christians as joint heirs with Christ
- (Gal. 3:23-29; 4:1-7)
5. Humility
- (Phil. 2:1-11; I Pet. 5:5-11) (James 4;10; Matt. 23:12)
6. Forgiveness
- (Philemon; II Cor. 2:5-11; Matt. 7;14-15)
7. Spiritual gifts
- (I Cor. 12; Rom. 12:3-18; I Cor. 14)
8. Christian Giving
- (Phil. 4:14-20; II Cor. 8:1-5; 9
- Cf. Matt 6:2-4)
9. Civic responsibility
- (Rom. 13; I Tim. 2:1-4; 1Peter 2;13-17)
10. Dignity of labour
- (Matt. 20;1-16; II Thess. 3:6-15; Col. 3:23-
25) 11. The second coming of Christ
- a) The signs of the Coming of Christ (1 Thess. 4:13-18; II Thess. 2:1-12)
- b) Preparation for His coming
- (Matt. 25;31-46; I Thess. 5:1-11; II Pet.
- 3:1-13)
12. Impartiality
- (James 2:1-13cf. Acts 10:34-35; Matt 7:1-5
- Luke 6:31)
13. Effective prayer
- (James 1:2-8; 4:1-3; 5:13-18 cf.
- Matt 6:5-13)
14. Christian living in the community
- (a) Interpersonal relationships among Christians (I Pet. 5:1-4;
- Rom. 12:3-21; 2 Pet. 1:3-11;
- Heb.13:1-21)
- (b) Christians living among non- Christians (I Pet. 2:3-25; Rom. 15:1-2)
- (c) Christian attitude to persecution (I Pet. 1:5-9; 4:1-19; 1 Pet. 3:13-22)
- (d) Relationship in the Christian family
- (Eph. 6: 1-9; Col. 3:18-21;
- I Pet. 3:1-7)
15. Corruption
- (1 Tim 6:6-11; 2 Tim 3:8; 2 Pet. 1:4-11;
- James 5:1-6)
16. Sexual Immorality
- (a) Prostitution
- (1Cor.6:16-20 cf. Prov.7:10-27;23:27-28)
- (b) Adultery and Fornication
- (Heb. 13:4, Eph. 5:3-10 cf. Matt 5:28-32;
- Deut. 22:22; Lev. 20:10)
- (c) Homosexuality
- (Rom. 1:24-32 cf. Lev.18:21-30; 20:13)
Recommended next steps
All subjects · Subject combination checker · JAMB information · CBT practice
Frequently asked questions
How many questions does JAMB set in Christian Religious Studies?
JAMB sets 40 multiple-choice questions in Christian Religious Studies, each carrying equal marks for a total of 100 marks. Only Use of English has more (60 questions); every other subject follows this 40-question pattern, and your four subjects together make 180 questions and 400 marks.
How long is the exam and how much time per question?
The whole UTME lasts two hours (120 minutes) for all four subjects combined — about 40 seconds per question on average. Pace yourself: answer the questions you know quickly, flag the hard ones, and come back to them.
Is Christian Religious Studies compulsory in JAMB?
Use of English is the only universally compulsory subject. CRS is accepted for Religious Studies, Theology, Law, Mass Communication and many arts courses.
How is the JAMB Christian Religious Studies syllabus structured?
The CRS syllabus covers themes from the Old and New Testaments and their application to Christian living and contemporary issues, organised into thematic sections.
What should I focus on most in Christian Religious Studies?
Know the set biblical passages and their lessons, and be able to apply them to moral and contemporary situations. Read the referenced scriptures directly.
Does JAMB repeat past questions in Christian Religious Studies?
JAMB does not announce a policy of repeating questions, but the syllabus changes little from year to year, so the same topics and question styles recur. Studying strictly by the syllabus and practising many questions per topic is the dependable approach — never rely on 'expo', which is a scam.
Is there negative marking in JAMB Christian Religious Studies?
No. JAMB does not use negative marking, so a wrong answer scores zero with no penalty. Always attempt every question, even if you have to make an educated guess.
What textbooks are recommended for JAMB Christian Religious Studies?
Use the Bible together with a recommended SSS Christian Religious Studies textbook that follows the JAMB themes.
Where can I find the official Christian Religious Studies syllabus?
The official source is the JAMB e-syllabus on the IBASS portal (jamb.gov.ng). The full topics are reproduced on this page for easy study, but always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal before your exam.
How can I prepare for Christian Religious Studies on Belmadeng?
Study the full syllabus on this page, turn each topic into a checklist, and track your progress from Not started to Mastered. Belmadeng is adding more practice questions across subjects — explore CBT practice and the Study Centre as they grow.
Source: official JAMB UTME Christian Religious Studies 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.