Subject overview
The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) syllabus in French is to prepare the candidates for the Board’s examination. It is designed to test candidates’ general ability 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 French syllabus is designed to test candidates' ability to:
- 1. assess written comprehension in French;
- 2. apply the principles governing the structure and use of written French;
- 3. identify how French sounds work in speech production;
- 4. examine the culture of Francophone West Africa and France in relation (where possible) to home country.
- 1. Written Comprehension in French:
- - topics of general and emergent interest e.g., love, life, death, politics, marriage, health, communication, child trafficking, cultism, travel, corruption, money-laundering, etc.
- 2. Principles Governing the Structure and
- Use of Written French:
- I. Identification of basic form classes:
- (a) Nouns: simple/compound,
- Singular/plural, masculine/feminine.
- (b) Pronouns: personal, impersonal, demonstrative, possessive and relative.
- (c) Verbs: reflexive and non-reflexive, their moods and tenses.
- (d) Adjectives: qualifying, possessive, interrogative, demonstrative, indefinite (e.g.
- nul), numeral (e.g., dix) and ordinal (e.g., dixième.)
- (e) Adverbs:
- - common forms
- i) with-ment (e.g., lentement)
- ii) with préposition + noun
- (e.g. par avion, à cheval, en voiture, par bateau.)
- - special forms (e.g. bien, vite, mal, mieux, le mieux, pire, le pis,
How this paper is examined
JAMB French 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.
1. Written Comprehension in French
Not started3. Workings of French sounds
Not started4. Culture and Civilization
Not startedFull French syllabus
Every section and topic below is from the official JAMB syllabus, reproduced faithfully.
2),
- (ii) apply reasoning skills.
3. Workings of French sounds
- via:
- (a) sound discrimination
- (e.g. tout/tu), (fais/fée.)
- (b) letter-sound correspondence
- (e.g. ai-/e/, eau/o/.)
- (c) syllabification (e.g. con/tente/ment.)
- (d) liaison (e.g. trois animaux, des enfants.)
- (e) sense groups in reading
- e.g. J’ai mal à la tête. J’ai mal/pas à la tête / mais au dos/.
- Comment vas-tu, Carol?// Comment vas- tu demain?
- (f) identification of sounds to determine similarity (e.g.
- maison/saison, dents/don,fond/ fonde.)
4. Culture and Civilization:
- Characteristics, (aspects, similarities and differences) of the educational system, socio-economic life, political organization and cultural life of Francophone Africa and
- France, with reference (where possible) to home country i.e. Nigeria.
Recommended next steps
All subjects · Subject combination checker · JAMB information · CBT practice
Frequently asked questions
How many questions does JAMB set in French?
JAMB sets 40 multiple-choice questions in French, 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 French compulsory in JAMB?
Use of English is the only universally compulsory subject. French is required for French and accepted for several arts, education and international-studies courses.
How is the JAMB French syllabus structured?
The French syllabus covers comprehension, grammar and structure, vocabulary and everyday communication, and aspects of Francophone culture.
What should I focus on most in French?
Grammar and structure, comprehension and vocabulary are core. Read and listen to simple French regularly to build fluency.
Does JAMB repeat past questions in French?
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 French?
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 French?
Use a standard SSS French textbook and grammar reference, and practise reading comprehension and vocabulary.
Where can I find the official French 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 French 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 French 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.