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:
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 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.
Topics & recommended order
Work through these topics in order. Mark each one as you go — your progress is saved on this device.
1. Indices, Logarithms and Surds
Not started3. Polynomials
Not started4. Variation
Not started5. Inequalities
Not started6. Progression
Not started7. Binary Operations
Not started8. Matrices and Determinants
Not started9. Euclidean Geometry
Not started10. Mensuration
Not started12. Coordinate Geometry
Not started13. Trigonometry
Not started14. Integration
Not started15. Representation of data
Not started16. Measures of Location
Not started17. Measures of Dispersion
Not started18. Permutation and Combination
Not started19. Probability
Not startedFull Mathematics 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. Indices, Logarithms and Surds
Contents
- (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
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Perform four basic operations (x,+,-,÷)
- Convert one base to another
- Perform operations in modulo arithmetic
2. Sets
Contents
- (a) types of sets
- (b) algebra of sets
- (c) Venn diagrams and their applications
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Perform basic operations (x,+,-,÷)on fractions and decimals
- Express to specified number of significant figures and decimal places
- Calculate simple interest, profit and loss per cent; ratio proportion, rate and percentage error
- Solve problems involving share and VAT
3. Polynomials
Contents
- (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
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Apply the laws of indices in calculation
- Establish the relationship between indices and logarithms in solving problems
- Solve equations involving indices
- Solve problems in different bases in logarithms
- Simplify and rationalize surds
- Perform basic operations on surds
4. Variation
Contents
- (a) direct
- (b) inverse
- (c) joint
- (d) partial
- (e) percentage increase and decrease
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify types of sets, i.e. empty, universal, complements, subsets, finite, infinite and disjoint sets
- Solve problems involving cardinality of sets
- Solve set problems using symbols
- Use Venn diagrams to solve problems involving not more than 3 sets
5. Inequalities
Contents
- (a) analytical and graphical solutions of linear inequalities
- (b) quadratic inequalities with integral roots only
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Find the subject of the formula of a given equation
- Apply factor and remainder theorem to factorize a given expression
- Multiply, divide polynomials of degree not more than 3 and determine values of defined and undefined expression; (f) simultaneous equations including one linear one quadratic; (g) graphs of polynomials of degree not greater than 3
6. Progression
Contents
- (a) nth term of a progression
- (b) sum of A. P. and G. P
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Solve problems involving direct, inverse, joint and partial variations
- Solve problems on percentage increase and decrease in variation
7. Binary Operations
Contents
- (a) properties of closure, commutativity, associativity and distributivity
- (b) identity and inverse elements (simple cases only)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Solve problems on linear and quadratic inequalities
- Interpret graphs of inequalities
8. Matrices and Determinants
Contents
- (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]
- TRIGONOMETRY
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Determine the nth term of a progression
- Compute the sum of A. P. and G.P
- Sum to infinity of a given G.P
9. Euclidean Geometry
Contents
- (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
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Solve problems involving closure, commutativity, associativity and distributivity
- Solve problems involving identity and inverse elements
10. Mensuration
Contents
- (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
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Perform basic operations(x,+,-,÷) on matrices
- Calculate determinants
- Compute inverses of 2 x 2 matrices
11. Loci
Contents
- locus in 2 dimensions based on geometric principles relating to lines and curves
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify various types of lines and angles
- Solve problems involving polygons
- Calculate angles using circle theorems
- Identify construction procedures of special angles, e.g. 30º, 45º, 60º, 75º, 90º etc
12. Coordinate Geometry
Contents
- (a) midpoint and gradient of a line segment
- (b) distance between two points
- (c) parallel and perpendicular lines
- (d) equations of straight lines
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Calculate the perimeters and areas of triangles, quadrilaterals, circles and composite figures
- Find the length of an arc, a chord, perimeters and areas of sectors and segments of circles
- Calculate total surface areas and volumes of cuboids, cylinders. cones, pyramids, prisms, spheres and composite figures
- Determine the distance between two points on the earth’s surface
13. Trigonometry
Contents
- (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
- I. Differentiation
- (a) limit of a function
- (b) differentiation of explicit algebraic and simple trigonometrical functions – sine, cosine and tangent
- 2.Application of differentiation
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify and interpret loci relating to parallel lines, perpendicular bisectors, angle bisectors and circles
14. Integration
Contents
- (a) integration of explicit algebraic and simple trigonometrical functions
- (b) area under the curve
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Determine the midpoint and gradient of a line segment
- Find the distance between two points
- Identify conditions for parallelism and perpendicularity
- Find the equation of a line in the two-point form, point-slope form, slope intercept form and the general form
15. Representation of data
Contents
- (a) frequency distribution
- (b) histogram, bar chart and pie chart
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Calculate the sine, cosine and tangent of angles between - 360º ≤ Ɵ ≤ 360º
- Apply these special angles, e.g. 30º, 45º, 60º, 75º, 90º, 1050, 135º to solve simple problems in trigonometry
- Solve problems involving angles of elevation and depression
- Solve problems involving bearings
- Apply trigonometric formulae to find areas of triangles
- Solve problems involving sine and cosine graphs
16. Measures of Location
Contents
- (a) mean, mode and median of ungrouped and grouped data – (simple cases only)
- (b) cumulative frequency
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Find the limit of a function
- Differentiate explicit algebraic and simple trigonometrical functions
17. Measures of Dispersion
Contents
- range, mean deviation, variance and standard deviation
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- (a) rate of change; (b) maxima and minima
18. Permutation and Combination
Contents
- (a) Linear and circular arrangements
- (b) Arrangements involving repeated objects
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Solve problems of integration involving algebraic and simple trigonometric functions
- Calculate area under the curve (simple cases only)
19. Probability
Contents
- (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
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify and interpret frequency distribution tables; ii. interpret information on histogram, bar chat and pie chart
Recommended texts for JAMB Mathematics
These are the recommended textbooks listed in the official JAMB Mathematics syllabus. You do not need every book — one solid, complete text that follows the syllabus, paired with past-question practice, is enough.
- Adelodun A. A. (2000)Distinction in Mathematics: Comprehensive Revision Text, (3rd Edition) Ado –Ekiti: FNPL.
- Anyebe, J. A. B. (1998) Basic Mathematics for Senior Secondary Schools and Remedial Students in Higher Institutions, Lagos: Kenny Moore.
- Channon, J. B. Smith, A. M. (2001)New General Mathematics for West Africa SSS 1 to 3, Lagos: Longman.
- David –Osuagwu, M. et al. (2000)New School Mathematics for Senior Secondary Schools, Onitsha: Africana - FIRST Publishers.
- Egbe. E et al (2000)Further Mathematics, Onitsha: Africana – FIRST Publishers
- Ibude, S. O. et al.. (2003)Algebra and Calculus for Schools and Colleges: LINCEL Publishers.
- Tuttuh – Adegun M. R. et al. (1997)Further Mathematics Project Books 1 to 3, Ibadan: NPS Educational Wisdomline Pass at Once JAMB.
Recommended next steps
All subjects · Subject combination checker · JAMB information · CBT practice
Frequently asked questions
What is the JAMB Mathematics syllabus for 2026/2027?
The JAMB Mathematics syllabus for the 2026/2027 UTME is the official document that lists every topic, objective and recommended text you will be examined on. It is divided into five sections: Number and Numeration; Algebra; Geometry and Trigonometry; Calculus; and Statistics. Every question in the Mathematics 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 Mathematics?
The areas of concentration are the sections and high-frequency topics the UTME focuses on. Number and Numeration and Algebra carry the most topics — master fractions, indices, logarithms, surds, equations, variation, progressions and matrices — while Geometry/Trigonometry, Calculus (differentiation and integration) and Statistics reliably contribute questions too. 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 Mathematics?
JAMB sets 40 multiple-choice questions in Mathematics, 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 Mathematics 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 Mathematics compulsory in JAMB?
Use of English is the only universally compulsory subject, but Mathematics is required for science, engineering, commercial and many social-science courses (Medicine-adjacent sciences, Engineering, Accounting, Economics and more), so the majority of candidates sit it. Check your course's subject combination before registering.
What are the hot topics or most repeated topics in JAMB Mathematics?
While JAMB does not publish a 'hot topics' list, the syllabus changes little year to year, so the same high-frequency topics recur. Number and Numeration and Algebra carry the most topics — master fractions, indices, logarithms, surds, equations, variation, progressions and matrices — while Geometry/Trigonometry, Calculus (differentiation and integration) and Statistics reliably contribute questions too. 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 Mathematics?
The official syllabus recommends standard texts: New General Mathematics for West Africa (Channon & Smith) and Distinction in Mathematics (Adelodun). 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 Mathematics 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 Mathematics 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 Mathematics 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 Mathematics?
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 Mathematics 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 Mathematics 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 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.
Courses that require Mathematics in JAMB
Mathematics is part of the UTME subject combination for 63+ popular courses. If you’re studying Mathematics, these are the courses it can lead to:
Commonly required for
… and 43 more. See all courses →
Also accepted for (as an optional subject)
Requirements vary by institution — always confirm your exact course in the subject combinations hub and the official JAMB brochure.
Related JAMB subjects
Candidates studying Mathematics often study these subjects alongside it. Each links to its full official syllabus and free CBT practice: