What JAMB Sets in Chemistry 2026 | Topics to Read & Repeated Questions

JAMB asks many direct questions from this section.

2. Organic Chemistry (Very Frequently Tested)

You must understand:

• Alkanes

• Alkenes

• Alkynes

• Benzene (Aromatic hydrocarbons)

• Isomerism

• Esterification

• Saponification

• Alkanols

• Alkanoic acids

• Polymerization

Example fact JAMB repeats:

• Alkynes burn with smoky flames due to high carbon content.

• Hydrogenation of alkenes/alkynes produces alkanes.

• Ethanoic acid is monobasic because it has one replaceable hydrogen ion.

3. Gas Laws & Calculations

Study:

• Boyle’s Law

• Charles’ Law

• Combined Gas Law

• Molar volume

• Temperature conversions

• Porous plug calculations (Graham’s Law)

These calculation questions are common.

4. Radioactivity & Nuclear Chemistry

Frequently tested areas:

• Natural vs artificial radioactivity

• Nuclear fusion and fission

• Sun’s energy comes from nuclear fusion

• Radioactive elements: Uranium, Thorium, Polonium

• Discovered by Antoine Becquerel

• Named by Marie Curie

• Transmutation

5. Chemical Bonding

Study:

• Ionic bond

• Covalent bond

• Metallic bond

• Hydrogen bonding

• Shapes of molecules

Example repeated question:

The bond in nitrogen molecule (N₂) is covalent.

6. Acids, Bases & Salts

Focus on:

• pH scale

• Neutralization reaction

• Hydrolysis

• Acid in sour milk (Lactic acid)

• Hardness of water

• Methods of purification

7. Physical Properties & Concepts

Important areas include:

• Viscosity (internal friction in fluids)

• Boiling point & melting point

• Factors affecting boiling point:

  • Volatility

  • Polarity

  • Impurities

• Saturated vapor pressure

• Solubility curves

8. Important Scientists to Know

JAMB may test contributions of:

• Dmitri Mendeleev (Periodic table)

• R.A. Millikan (Charge of electron = −1.60 × 10⁻¹⁹ C)

Commonly Repeated JAMB Chemistry Facts

Memorize these:

• Lightest gas = Hydrogen (H₂)

• Fluorine is the most reactive non-metal

• Nucleus is positively charged

• Electronic configuration determines block (s, p, d, f)

• Nuclear energy comes from fusion

• Pure substances have fixed melting and boiling points

Will JAMB Repeat Questions in 2026?

Yes.

From experience and past analysis:

• 30–50% of questions are repeated or slightly modified.

• Organic Chemistry and Periodic Table questions are the most repeated.

If you master past questions from the last 10–15 years, you are already ahead.

How to Prepare for JAMB Chemistry 2026

1. Study with the official JAMB syllabus.

2. Master the periodic table.

3. Practice at least 10 years of past questions.

4. Focus on Organic Chemistry.

5. Revise Gas laws and calculations.

6. Understand — don’t just cram.

Final Advice

Chemistry is not hard.

What makes it difficult is:

• Poor foundation

• Lack of practice

• Fear

Once you master the repeated areas, scoring high becomes easier.