JAMB Mathematics Syllabus 2026/2027: Topics, Objectives & Study Guide

Q: How many questions does JAMB set in Mathematics?

JAMB sets 40 multiple-choice questions in Mathematics, worth 100 marks. Only Use of English has more (60). Your four subjects make 180 questions and 400 marks.

Q: How much time per Mathematics question?

The UTME is two hours for all four subjects — about 40 seconds per question. Solve easy items fast to buy time for calculations.

Q: How is the JAMB Mathematics syllabus structured?

Into five sections: Number and Numeration; Algebra; Geometry and Trigonometry; Calculus; and Statistics. Each lists topics and objectives — see the full list on this page.

Q: Does JAMB repeat past questions in Mathematics?

The syllabus changes little, so the same topics and styles recur yearly. Study by the syllabus and practise many questions — never rely on 'expo'.

Q: Is there negative marking in JAMB Mathematics?

No. A wrong answer scores zero with no penalty, so attempt every question.

Q: Do I need to memorise formulas?

Know the standard formulas, but Mathematics rewards problem-solving practice — learn each formula by using it on many questions.

Q: What textbooks are recommended?

Standard texts such as New General Mathematics for West Africa (Channon & Smith) and Distinction in Mathematics (Adelodun). Any complete SSS text covering the five sections works.

Subject overview

The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) syllabus in Mathematics is to prepare the candidates for the Board’s examination. It is designed to test the achievement of the course objectives which are to:

questions in Mathematics

100

marks (of 400 total)

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.

Practise Mathematics questions

General objectives

The Mathematics syllabus is designed to test candidates' ability to:

(1) acquire computational and manipulative skills;
(2) develop precise, logical and formal reasoning skills;
(3) develop deductive skills in interpretation of graphs, diagrams and data;
(4) apply mathematical concepts to resolve issues in daily living.
This syllabus is divided into five sections:
I. Number and Numeration;
II. Algebra;
III. Geometry/Trigonometry;
IV. Calculus;
V. Statistics.

How this paper is examined

JAMB Mathematics 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.

Practise as you learn: This subject has free CBT practice with worked explanations. Take a Mathematics test →

Every section and topic below is from the official JAMB syllabus, reproduced faithfully.

SECTION I: NUMBER AND NUMERATION

1. Number bases/Modular Arithmetic:

(a) operations in different number bases from 2 to 10;
(b) conversion from one base to another including fractional parts;
(c) modular arithmetic.

2. Fractions, Decimals, Approximations

and Percentages:
(a) fractions and decimals;
(b) significant figures;
(c) decimal places;
(d) percentage errors;
(e) simple interest;
(f) profit and loss percent;
(g) ratio, proportion and rate;
(h) shares and valued added tax (VAT).

3. Indices, Logarithms and Surds:

(a) laws of indices;
(b) equations involving indices;
(c) standard form;
(d) laws of logarithm;
(e) logarithm of any positive number to a given base;
(f) change of bases in logarithm and application;
(g) relationship between indices and logarithm;
(h) Surds.

4. Sets:

(a) types of sets;
(b) algebra of sets;
(c) Venn diagrams and their applications.

SECTION II: ALGEBRA

1. Polynomials:

(a) change of subject of formula;
(b) addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of polynomials;
(c) factorization of polynomials of degree not exceeding 3;
(d) roots of polynomials not exceeding degree 3;
(e) factor and remainder theorems;

2. Variation:

(a) direct;
(b) inverse;
(c) joint;
(d) partial;
(e) percentage increase and decrease.

3. Inequalities:

(a) analytical and graphical solutions of linear inequalities;
(b) quadratic inequalities with integral roots
only.

4. Progression:

(a) nth term of a progression;
(b) sum of A. P. and G. P.

5. Binary Operations:

(a) properties of closure, commutativity, associativity and distributivity;
(b) identity and inverse elements (simple cases only).

6. Matrices and Determinants:

(a) algebra of matrices not exceeding 3 x 3;
(b) determinants of matrices not exceeding
3 x 3;
(c) inverses of 2 x 2 matrices;
[excluding quadratic and higher degree equations].

SECTION III: GEOMETRY AND TRIGONOMETRY

1. Euclidean Geometry:

(a) Properties of angles and lines
(b) Polygons: triangles, quadrilaterals and general polygons;
(c) Circles: angle properties, cyclic;
quadrilaterals and intersecting chords;
(d) construction.
iv. factorize by regrouping difference of two squares, perfect squares and cubic expressions; etc.
v. solve simultaneous equations – one linear, one quadratic;
vi. interpret graphs of polynomials including applications to maximum and minimum values.

2. Mensuration:

(a) lengths and areas of plane geometrical figures;
(b) lengths of arcs and chords of a circle;
(c) Perimeters and areas of sectors and segments of circles;
(d) surface areas and volumes of simple solids and composite figures;
(e) the earth as a sphere: longitudes and latitudes.

3. Loci:

locus in 2 dimensions based on geometric principles relating to lines and curves.

4. Coordinate Geometry:

(a) midpoint and gradient of a line segment;
(b) distance between two points;
(c) parallel and perpendicular lines;
(d) equations of straight lines.

5. Trigonometry:

(a) trigonometrical ratios of angles;
(b) angles of elevation and depression;
(c) bearings;
(d) areas and solutions of triangle;
(e) graphs of sine and cosine;
(f) sine and cosine formulae.

SECTION IV: CALCULUS

I. Differentiation:

(a) limit of a function;
(b) differentiation of explicit algebraic and simple trigonometrical functions – sine, cosine and tangent.

2.Application of differentiation:

3. Integration:

(a) integration of explicit algebraic and simple trigonometrical functions;
(b) area under the curve.

SECTION V: STATISTICS

1. Representation of data:

(a) frequency distribution;
(b) histogram, bar chart and pie chart.

2. Measures of Location:

(a) mean, mode and median of ungrouped and grouped data – (simple cases only);
(b) cumulative frequency.

3. Measures of Dispersion:

range, mean deviation, variance and standard deviation.

4. Permutation and Combination:

(a) Linear and circular arrangements;
(b) Arrangements involving repeated objects.

5. Probability:

(a) experimental probability (tossing of coin, throwing of a dice etc);
(b) Addition and multiplication of probabilities (mutual and independent cases).
solve problems involving applications of rate of change, maxima and minima.

Recommended next steps

All subjects · Subject combination checker · JAMB information · CBT practice

Frequently asked questions

How many questions does JAMB set in Mathematics?

JAMB sets 40 multiple-choice questions in Mathematics, worth 100 marks. Only Use of English has more (60). Your four subjects make 180 questions and 400 marks.

How much time per Mathematics question?

The UTME is two hours for all four subjects — about 40 seconds per question. Solve easy items fast to buy time for calculations.

Is Mathematics compulsory in JAMB?

Use of English is the only universal compulsory subject, but Mathematics is required for science, commercial and many social-science courses, so most candidates take it.

How is the JAMB Mathematics syllabus structured?

Into five sections: Number and Numeration; Algebra; Geometry and Trigonometry; Calculus; and Statistics. Each lists topics and objectives — see the full list on this page.

What are the most important Mathematics topics?

Number/Numeration and Algebra carry the most topics — master fractions, indices, logarithms, equations, variation and progressions first. Don't skip Calculus and Statistics.

Does JAMB repeat past questions in Mathematics?

The syllabus changes little, so the same topics and styles recur yearly. Study by the syllabus and practise many questions — never rely on 'expo'.

Is there negative marking in JAMB Mathematics?

No. A wrong answer scores zero with no penalty, so attempt every question.

Do I need to memorise formulas?

Know the standard formulas, but Mathematics rewards problem-solving practice — learn each formula by using it on many questions.

What textbooks are recommended?

Standard texts such as New General Mathematics for West Africa (Channon & Smith) and Distinction in Mathematics (Adelodun). Any complete SSS text covering the five sections works.

How can I practise Mathematics on Belmadeng?

Free timed CBT with worked explanations — drill a topic, take a subject test, or a mock; weak topics are flagged. Use the Mathematics practice.

Source: official JAMB UTME Mathematics 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.

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