If you’re preparing for JAMB in 2026 and Biology happens to be one of your subjects, then let me tell you this: you’re holding one of the most powerful keys to boosting your overall score. Why? Because Biology is often seen as bulky, but the truth is, once you understand the syllabus and the way JAMB sets its questions, you can comfortably turn it into your strongest subject.
Now here’s the interesting part: most students spend so much time cramming their entire biology textbook from start to finish, but JAMB doesn’t test you on everything. Instead, they have a syllabus for Biology 2026 that shows you all the things you should focus on. Think of it like a map. If you follow it properly, you’ll save yourself from going about, reading unnecessary topics and focus on what actually matters the most.
In this article, we’ll break down how JAMB sets Biology questions, which textbooks you should use, the smartest way to approach the subject, and finally, answer some common questions students like you always ask.
Full Breakdown of Areas of Concentration in JAMB Biology 2026
1. Cell Biology and Structure
This is the heartbeat of Biology. JAMB expects you to know:
The cell as the basic unit of life.
Prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells.
Organelles like mitochondria, ribosomes, nucleus, chloroplast, etc.
Cell division (mitosis and meiosis).
2. Classification of Living Things
This section often feels like memorization, but JAMB wants you to understand the logic.
Five Kingdom classification (Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia).
Binomial nomenclature.
Differences between vertebrates and invertebrates.
3. Ecology and Ecosystems
JAMB is obsessed with ecology because it’s practical.
Food chains, food webs, pyramids of energy.
Ecosystem components (producers, consumers, decomposers).
Population growth and adaptation.
Pollution and conservation of natural resources.
4. Genetics and Evolution
This is a nightmare to student’s but JAMB’s darling.
Mendelian genetics (dominant and recessive traits).
Monohybrid and dihybrid crosses.
Blood groups and Rhesus factor.
DNA and RNA basics.
Evolution theories (Darwin vs. Lamarck).
5. Nutrition in Plants and Animals
This covers how living things feed.
Photosynthesis (light and dark reactions).
Enzymes and their functions.
Types of nutrition: autotrophic, heterotrophic, parasitic, etc.
Human digestive system.
6. Respiration and Excretion
You must know:
Aerobic vs. anaerobic respiration.
The respiratory system in humans.
Excretion in plants vs. animals (kidney, liver, lungs, skin).
7. Circulatory System
Focus on:
The structure of the heart.
Double circulation in mammals.
Blood components and their functions.
Blood clotting process.
8. Reproduction in Plants and Animals
Be sure you understand:
Asexual vs. sexual reproduction.
Pollination and fertilization in plants.
Human reproductive system.
Menstrual cycle.
9. Coordination and Control
This is where the nervous and hormonal systems come in.
Central nervous system and reflex actions.
Hormones in humans (insulin, thyroxine, adrenaline, etc.).
Tropic responses in plants (phototropism, geotropism).
10. Evolution and Adaptation
Understand:
Natural selection.
Variation within species.
Adaptation of organisms to their environment (camel in desert, fish in water, etc.).
11. Practical Biology
Yes, even though you won’t go into a lab during JAMB, they test basic practical knowledge.
Identification of plant parts (root, stem, leaf).
Animal specimens (insect, fish, bird, mammal).
Microscopy basics.
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JAMB’s Pattern of Setting Biology Questions
So, how exactly does JAMB set Biology questions? Let’s keep it simple.
1. Question Format: JAMB Biology is 100% multiple-choice. You’ll be given a question and four options (A–D). Only one option is correct. That means your job is not to write essays but to pick the right answer quickly.
2. Balance of Topics: Unlike some subjects where a few topics dominate the exam, Biology questions are spread across almost all the major areas in the syllabus, cell biology, genetics, ecology, physiology, and even a bit of practical-related concepts. For example, you might see questions asking you to identify plant tissues from diagrams, or to interpret genetic crosses.
3. Application-Based Questions: Don’t expect everything to be “definition and recall.” JAMB loves application. For instance, instead of asking “What is photosynthesis?” they may twist it into: “Which of the following conditions will limit photosynthesis the most at night?”
4. Diagram-Heavy Questions: You will frequently have questions with diagrams of the structure of the heart, kidney, leaf or flower. Those questions may be tricky, in case you are not accustomed to labeling or interpreting the diagrams.
5. Tricky Choices: JAMB enjoys putting choices that appear to be right. Two responses can be similar such that there are two correct answers, and only one of them fully correct. That is why it is highly important to pay attention to every detail.
Recommended Biology Textbooks for JAMB 2026
Here are the textbooks that are required for JAMB Syllabus for Biology 2026:
1. College Biology (by Idodo Umeh) – Very detailed and highly trusted by both teachers and JAMB candidates.
2. Modern Biology (by Ramalingam) – This one is a classic. Many of JAMB’s past Biology questions can literally be traced back to this textbook.
3. Essential Biology (by M. C. Michael) – Easier to read and breaks down topics in simple language. Great for quick revision.
4. Comprehensive Biology for Senior Secondary Schools (by Solomon et al.) – A bit bulky, but good for covering almost every topic in the syllabus.
5. Past Questions Compilation (by various publishers)
This is not exactly a textbook, but one of your best tools. JAMB repeats patterns they use to set questions, so if you keep practicing past questions, you will know what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many Biology questions will I answer in JAMB?
Usually, what you will get is 40 questions, and if Biology is one of your three main subjects (e.g., for Medicine, Nursing, or Agriculture candidates).
2. Does JAMB test practical Biology?
Yes, but not the way WAEC does. They might ask you to identify parts of a leaf in a diagram or interpret data from a table, but you won’t be asked to perform experiments.
3. Is Biology easier than Chemistry or Physics in JAMB?
It depends. Many students say Biology is “bulky” but not as hard as Physics. The good news? If you prepare well with the syllabus, Biology can be the easiest subject to score 80%+.
4. Can I pass JAMB Biology without studying Genetics?
Honestly, no. Genetics is one of JAMB’s favorite areas. Questions on Punnett squares, blood groups, and inheritance pop up almost every year.
5. Which part of Biology does JAMB repeat the most?
Topics like Ecology, Genetics, Cell Biology, and Human Physiology tend to repeat more often. But don’t rely on just that, prepare across the syllabus.
6. How much time should I put to Biology during the exam?
You should target for about 30–35 seconds per question. Don’t think too much, if you don’t know it, leave it and return later.
7. Can I study Biology for JAMB without a teacher?
Yes, you can. With the right textbooks, resources you get online, and past questions, you can study by yourself and still get a very high score. But if you have a mentor or group, your learning will be faster.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the jamb syllabus for biology 2026 is not there to stress you, but to guide you. If you continue using it, with the right textbooks you should, and understand how JAMB sets questions, you will find out that Biology is not as big and as difficult as it looks.
So here’s my advice: do not just cram it, study well and smart. Biology might be the subject that boosts your JAMB score. By following the JAMB Syllabus for Biology 2026, you’ll avoid wasting time on topics that are not relevant.
Now, let me ask you, since you now know the syllabus, the exam style, and the textbooks to use, what’s stopping you from turning Biology into your the subject with the highest score in JAMB 2026?