Most Repeated Topics in JAMB Chemistry/Physics You Can’t Afford to Miss (Proven List)

You’re staring at your textbook, the fan is whirring overhead, and you’re wondering how on earth you’re going to memorize all this before the exam date.

We’ve all been there. The fear of JAMB is real.

You hear stories of people scoring 300+ and you wonder, “Do they have two heads?”

Here’s the honest truth: they don’t. They just know something you might be missing. They don’t read everything with the same energy. They focus on where the marks are hiding.

If you are preparing for JAMB Chemistry and Physics, trying to read every single line of your Ababio or Nelkon textbook is a suicide mission. You’ll burn out. Instead, you need to focus on the “heavyweight” topics—the ones JAMB sets every single year without fail.

I’ve analyzed years of past questions, and I’m going to show you the most repeated topics in JAMB Chemistry/Physics that you practically need to marry if you want that admission.

Why Does JAMB Recycle Questions?

It’s not because they are lazy.

It’s because standard exams follow a syllabus. There are core concepts in science that you must know to survive in the university.

Think about it. Can you study Medicine or Engineering at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) without understanding Organic Chemistry or Electricity? Impossible.

So, JAMB focuses heavily on these foundational pillars. If you master the topics below, you are effectively covering 70% of the questions you will see on the exam day.

The Chemistry “Hotspots”

Chemistry can be annoying because it’s voluminous. But if you look closely at the trends, these four areas carry the most marks.

1. Organic Chemistry

This is the “Oga at the top” of JAMB Chemistry. You cannot dodge it.

Every year, you will see questions on IUPAC naming, Isomerism, and the properties of Alkanes, Alkenes, and Alkynes. They also love asking about Alkanols and Esterification.

If you hate drawing structures, start learning to love it today. It’s free marks.

2. Stoichiometry & The Mole Concept

This is where the math haters get exposed.

JAMB loves testing if you can balance an equation and calculate the reacting masses. You’ll see questions asking for the volume of gas evolved or the mass of a precipitate formed.

Don’t just memorize the definition of a mole. Practice calculations until your hand hurts.

3. Acids, Bases, and Salts

This topic is broad, but it’s a goldmine.

Focus on pH calculations, neutralization reactions, and types of salts. You should also know the difference between strong and weak acids. It sounds basic, but they twist these questions to confuse you.

4. Electrochemistry

Electrolysis is a “sure banker.”

You need to understand Faraday’s laws of electrolysis. Also, get comfortable with half-cell reactions and knowing which element gets discharged at the cathode or anode.

For a deeper dive into these concepts, resources like Khan Academy are fantastic for breaking down the tough parts visually.

The Physics “Sure Bankers”

Physics is usually the scarier subject for many Nigerian students. It feels like abstract math. But the pattern here is even clearer than in Chemistry.

1. Electricity and Magnetism

If you open any JAMB past question booklet, the first few pages are full of circuit diagrams.

You need to master Ohm’s Law, resistors in series and parallel, and capacitance. Also, don’t ignore the magnetic field aspect—transformers and AC circuits show up a lot more than you think.

2. Mechanics (Motion, Forces, and Equilibrium)

This is the foundation of Physics.

Expect questions on:

• Projectiles (calculating max height or range).

• Newton’s Laws of Motion.

• Simple Harmonic Motion.

Most students fail here because they memorize formulas but don’t know how to apply them.

3. Waves and Optics

Light and Sound are favorites for examiners.

You need to know the properties of waves (Reflection, Refraction, Diffraction). For optics, focus on the lens formula and how images are formed in mirrors.

4. Heat and Thermodynamics

Calculations involving specific heat capacity and linear expansivity are very common.

They also love testing the Gas Laws (Boyle’s, Charles’, etc.). These questions are usually straightforward bonus marks if you remember the formulas.

How to “Attack” These Topics

Now you have the list. What next?

Do not just pick up your textbook and read like you are reading a novel. That is a waste of time.

Use the Syllabus: Check the official JAMB Syllabus to see exactly what they expect you to know under these topics. Don’t read outside the scope.

The “Reverse Engineering” Method: This is the secret weapon.

1. Pick a topic (e.g., Organic Chemistry).

2. Go to your Past Question Series (the “Face of JAMB” or similar apps).

3. Solve 5 years’ worth of questions on just that topic.

You will start to see the pattern. You’ll realize they ask the same thing, just with different numbers or phrasing.

Common Mistakes Students Make

Let’s be honest about why people fail even when they know the topics.

The “La Cram La Pour” Trap: You cannot cram Physics. You might survive cramming Biology, but Physics requires understanding. If they change the diagram slightly, a crammer will fail, but a student who understands the concept will adapt.

Ignoring the “Easy” Stuff: Some of you spend weeks on complex calculations and forget the basics like S.I. units or the definitions of scalar and vector quantities. Those “cheap” questions carry the same marks as the hard ones. Don’t lose them.

Using Outdated Materials: Science changes. Make sure you are using updated textbooks and current past questions. Checking reputable news sources like The Guardian Nigeria’s Education section can sometimes give updates on exam trends or changes in policy.

Final Words

Passing JAMB isn’t about being a genius. It’s about strategy.

The students who get into Medicine or Law aren’t always the smartest in the class; they are the most prepared.

Focus on these most repeated topics in JAMB Chemistry/Physics, practice consistently, and stop letting anxiety win. You have the list. You have the strategy. The rest is up to you.

Go and smash it.