The official syllabus for Physics is now out and available for download in PDF format. This syllabus outlines all the topics, subtopics, and objectives you are expected to cover before the exam.
Syllabus Overview
| Examination Type | UTME / Direct Entry |
| Examination Year | 2026/2027 |
| Syllabus | Chemistry |
| File Format | |
| File Size | 283KB |
Each topic includes clearly stated objectives, which help you understand the level of knowledge JAMB expects from you.
General Objectives
The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) syllabus in Physics is
to prepare the candidates for the Board’s examination. It is designed to test their
achievement of the course objectives, which are to:
- Sustain their interest in physics;
- Develop attitude relevant to physics that encourage accuracy, precision and
objectivity; - Interpret physical phenomena, laws, definitions, concepts and other theories;
- Demonstrate the ability to solve correctly physics problems using relevant theories
and concepts.
JAMB 2026 Syllabus for Physics
| TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES | OBJECTIVES |
|---|---|
| 1. MEASUREMENTS AND UNITS (a) Length, area and volume: Metre rule, Venier calipers, Micrometer Screw-guage, measuring cylinder. (b) Mass (i) unit of mass; (ii) use of simple beam balance; (iii) concept of beam balance. (c) Time (i) unit of time; (ii) time-measuring devices. (d) Fundamental physical quantities (e) Derived physical quantities and their units (i) Combinations of fundamental quantities and determination of their units; ix. deduce the units of derived physical quantities; (f) Dimensions (i) definition of dimensions (ii) simple examples (g) Limitations of experimental measurements (i) accuracy of measuring instruments; (ii) simple estimation of errors; (iii) significant figures; (iv) standard form. (h) Measurement, position, distance and displacement (i) concept of displacement; (ii) distinction between distance and displacement; (iii) concept of position and coordinates; (iv) frame of reference. | Candidates should be able to: i. identify the units of length, area and volume; ii. use different measuring instruments; iii. determine the lengths, surface areas and volume of regular and irregular bodies; iv. identify the unit of mass; v. use simple beam balance, e.g Buchart’s balance and chemical balance; vi. identify the unit of time; vii. use different time-measuring devices; viii. relate the fundamental physical quantities to their units; ix. deduce the units of derived physical quantities; x. determine the dimensions of physical quantities; xi. use the dimensions to determine the units of physical quantities; xii. test the homogeneity of an equation; xiii. determine the accuracy of measuring instruments; xiv. estimate simple errors; xv. express measurements in standard form. Candidates should be able to: i. use strings, meter ruler and engineering calipers, vernier calipers and micrometer, screw guage; ii. note the degree of accuracy; iii. identify distance travel in a specified direction; iv. use compass and protractor to locate points/directions; v. use Cartesianssystems to locate positions in x-y plane; vi. plot graph and draw inference from the graph. |
| 2. Scalars and Vectors (i) definition of scalar and vector quantities; (ii) examples of scalar and vector quantities; (iii) relative velocity; (iv) resolution of vectors into two perpendicular directions including graphical methods of solution. | Candidates should be able to: i. distinguish between scalar and vector quantities; ii. give examples of scalar and vector quantities; iii. determine the resultant of two or more vectors; iv. determine relative velocity; v. resolve vectors into two perpendicular components; vi. use graphical methods to solve vector problems. |
| 3. Motion (a) Types of motion: translational, oscillatory, rotational, spin and random (b) Relative motion (c) Causes of motion (d) Types of force (i) contact (ii) force field (e) linear motion (i) speed, velocity and acceleration; (ii) equations of uniformly accelerated motion; (iii) motion under gravity; (iv) distance-time graph and velocity time graph; (v) instantaneous velocity and acceleration. (f) Projectiles: (i) calculation of range, maximum height and time of flight from the ground and a height; (ii) applications of projectile motion. (g) Newton’s laws of motion: (i) inertia, mass and force; (ii) relationship between mass and acceleration; (iii) impulse and momentum; (iv) force – time graph; (v) conservation of linear momentum (Coefficient of restitution not necessary). (h) Motion in a circle: (i) angular velocity and angular acceleration; (ii) centripetal and centrifugal forces; (iii) applications. (i) Simple Harmonic Motion (S.H.M): (i) definition and explanation of simple harmonic motion; (ii) examples of systems that execute S.H.M; (iii) period, frequency and amplitude of S.H.M; (iv) velocity and acceleration of S.H.M; (iii) simple treatment of energy change in S.H.M; (iv) force vibration and resonance (simple treatment). | Candidates should be able to; i. identify different types of motion; ii. solve numerical problem on collinear motion; iii. identify force as cause of motion; iv. identify push and pull as forms of force; v. identify electric and magnetic attractions, gravitational pull as forms of field forces; vi. differentiate between speed, velocity and acceleration; vii. deduce equations of uniformly accelerated motion; viii. solve problems of motion under gravity; ix. interpret distance-time graph and velocity-time graph; x. compute instantaneous velocity and acceleration; xi. establish expressions for the range, maximum height and time of flight of projectiles, rockets, missiles xii. solve problems involving projectile motion; xiii.solve numerical problems involving impulse and momentum; xiv. interpretation of area xvi. compare inertia, mass and force; xvii. deduce the relationship between mass and acceleration; xviii. interpret the law of conservation o f l i n e a r m o m e n t u m a n d application; xix. establish expression for angular velocity, angular acceleration and centripetal force; xx. s o l v e n u m e r i c a l p r o b l e m s involving motion in a circle; xxi. establish the relationship between period and frequency; xxii. analyse the energy changes occurring during S.H.M; xxiii. identify different types of forced vibration; xxiv. enumerate applications of resonance. |
| 4. Gravitational field (i) Newton’s law of universal gravitation; (ii) gravitational potential; (iii) conservative and nonconservative fields; (iv) acceleration due to gravity; (v) variation of g on the earth’s surface; (vi) distinction between mass and weight escape velocity; (vii) parking orbit and weightlessness | Candidates should be able to: i. identify the expression for gravitational force between two bodies; ii. apply Newton’s law of universal gravitation; iii. give examples of conservative and non- conservative fields; iv. deduce the expression for gravitational field potentials; v. identify the causes of variation on the earth’s surface; vi. differentiate between mass and weight; vii. determine escape velocity. |
Download JAMB 2026 Syllabus for Physics
You can download the complete and updated Physics syllabus directly from the official JAMB website or click the link below for a free PDF version:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the JAMB 2026/2027 Physics syllabus different from last year’s?
While most of the content remains consistent, JAMB occasionally updates topics or objectives. So, it is best to always use the latest version to avoid studying outdated material.
Can I use the JAMB syllabus to prepare effectively for the exam?
Yes. It keeps you focused and ensures that you are studying only what matters. It saves time and boosts your confidence.
How many topics are covered in the Physics syllabus?
There are over 20 major topics, including Measurement, Motion, Energy, Heat, Waves, Electricity, Magnetism, and Modern Physics, each with detailed subtopics and learning objectives.
Can I pass Physics in JAMB without studying all the topics in the syllabus?
To maximize your chances of scoring high, you should cover every topic listed in the syllabus, as JAMB can set questions from any part of it.
Is the syllabus the same for all candidates, regardless of their school or state?
Yes, the JAMB Physics syllabus is the same nationwide. Whether you are from Lagos, Abuja, Kano, or Enugu, all candidates use the same standard syllabus.
Can I use the syllabus for WAEC or NECO exams too?
It is not advisable to that. It is best to use each exam’s specific syllabus, but JAMB’s Physics syllabus can support your WAEC and NECO studies.
