The JAMB syllabus for Commerce is designed to guide candidates preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination by clearly outlining what they are expected to know and understand. For the 2026 and 2027 examination sessions, the Commerce syllabus helps with understanding rather than rote memorisation, and JAMB expects candidates to interpret commercial situations, understand business relationships, and apply commercial principles to real life scenarios.
What is the Commerce Syllabus?
The JAMB Commerce syllabus covers major areas such as trade, buying and selling, aids to trade, business units, transportation, warehousing, insurance, banking, communication, and advertising. Candidates are also expected to understand commercial documents, methods of payment, trade associations, and the role of government agencies in regulating business activities.
In addition, the syllabus introduces candidates to entrepreneurship and business management concepts. This includes understanding production, distribution, consumer protection, and ethical business practices. By following the syllabus closely, candidates gain a clear understanding of how commercial activities contribute to economic development and how businesses function within society.
JAMB Syllabus for Commerce Contents
| S/N | TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES | OBJECTIVES |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Commerce (i) Meaning and scope (ii) Characteristics (iii) Functions | Candidates should be able to: (i) differentiate between Commerce and other related subjects; (ii) describe the characteristics of Commerce; (iii) Identify the functions of Commerce. |
| 2 | Occupation (i) Meaning and importance (ii) Types (industrial, commercial and services) (iii) Factors that determine choice of occupation | Candidates should be able to: (i) State the importance of occupation; (ii) Compare the different types of occupation; (iii) Identify the factors determining the choice of occupation. |
| 3 | Production (i) Factors, characteristics and rewards (land, labour, capital and entrepreneur) (ii) Division of Labour and specialization (iii) Types (primary, secondary and tertiary) | Candidates should be able to: (i) identify the Factors of Production and their rewards; (ii) distinguish between Division of Labour and Specialization; (iii) classify the types of production. |
| 4 | Trade a. Home Trade (i) Retail trade: Types of retailers Functions of retailers Factors to be considered in setting up retail trade Trends in retailing (branding, self service, vending machines, the use of luncheon, fuel vouchers, etc) Advantages and disadvantages of retailers (ii) Wholesale trade: Types of wholesalers (merchant, agent, general, etc) Functions of wholesalers Advantages and disadvantages of wholesalers b. Foreign trade (i) Basic issues in foreign trade (balance of trade, balance of payments and counter trade) (ii) Procedures and documents used in export, import and entrepôt trade (iii) Barriers to international trade (iv) Role of Customs and Excise Authority, Ports Authority, etc in foreign trade | Candidates should be able to: (i) compare the various types of retailers; (ii) identify the functions of retailers; (iii) highlight the factors in setting up retail trade; (iv) classify modern retailing practices; (v) identify the advantages and disadvantages of retail business; (vi) classify the types of wholesalers; (vii) discuss the functions of wholesalers; (viii) outline the merits and demerits of the middleman; (ix) analyse the basic issues in foreign trade; (x) explain the procedures and documents used in foreign trade; (xi) identify the barriers to international trade; (xii) appraise the role of government agencies in foreign trade. |
| 5 | Purchase and Sale of Goods (i) Procedure and documentation (enquiry, quotation, order, invoice, proforma invoice, statement of accounts, indent, consular invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, consignment note, etc) (ii) Terms of trade (trade discount, quantity discount, cash discount, warranties, C.O.D., C.I.F., F.O.B., and E.O.E.etc) (iii) Terms of payments a. Cash – Legal tender b. Credit Types and functions Merits and demerits | Candidates should be able to: (i) examine the procedures and documents used in the purchase and sale of goods; (ii) determine the terms of trade; (iii) distinguish between cash and credit forms of payment; (iv) identify the types of credit; (v) analyse the merits and demerits of credit transactions. |
Download Commerce JAMB Syllabus 2026/2027
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does the JAMB Commerce syllabus change every year?
A: The core content remains largely the same, although minor updates may be made to reflect changes in commercial practices or educational standards.
Q: Which topics are most important in the Commerce syllabus?
A: High priority areas include trade, aids to trade, banking, insurance, transportation, advertising, and government involvement in commerce.
Q: Is Commerce calculation based like Accounting?
A: No. Commerce focuses more on concepts and understanding rather than numerical calculations.
Q: Are real life business examples important for the exam?
A: Yes. Many questions are based on practical business situations and require application of commercial principles.
Q: Can I pass Commerce without studying business laws?
A: Basic understanding of commercial regulations and government roles is important, as these areas appear in the exam.
Q: Is Commerce suitable for science or art students?
A: Yes. Commerce is open to students from all academic backgrounds as long as they study the syllabus properly.
Q: Can I rely on past questions alone to prepare?
A: Past questions are useful, but studying the syllabus ensures full coverage of all required topics.
Q: How long does it take to complete the Commerce syllabus?
A: With consistent study, most candidates can complete the syllabus within four to six weeks and use additional time for revision.
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