The JAMB IRS (Islamic Religious Studies) exam is an important subject for students seeking admission into universities in Nigeria for courses related to Islamic studies, theology, and humanities. To achieve success in the 2025/2026 JAMB IRS exam, focusing on the most frequently repeated topics can significantly improve your chances. This official guide outlines the topics that have historically been heavily tested and provides essential study tips and answers to frequently asked questions.
JAMB IRS Exam Overview
Before diving into the key topics, let’s quickly review the structure of the JAMB IRS exam:
- Total Number of Questions: 40
- Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Time Allocation: Part of the general UTME (2 hours)
- Curriculum: The exam is based on the WAEC/NECO IRS syllabus, covering Islamic teachings, history, philosophy, and practices.
Frequently Repeated Topics in JAMB IRS Exam (2025/2026)
Below is a comprehensive list of the most frequently repeated topics in the JAMB IRS exam. Focusing on these areas will boost your chances of performing well.
1. Islamic Beliefs and Teachings
- The Articles of Faith:
- Belief in Allah, Angels, Books of Allah, Prophets, Day of Judgment, and Qadar (Divine Decree).
- Understanding the nature of Tawhid (the oneness of Allah) and its different categories.
- The Concept of Faith in Islam:
- The definition and components of Iman (faith), and its significance in daily life and worship.
- The Five Pillars of Islam:
- Shahada (Faith), Salat (Prayer), Zakat (Charity), Sawm (Fasting), Hajj (Pilgrimage).
- Understanding the significance, rules, and conditions for each pillar.
- Islamic Theology:
- Tawhid, the nature of Prophethood, Angels, and Revelations (Quran and Hadith).
- The role of the Quran as the primary source of Islamic teachings and guidance.
2. Islamic Practices and Worship
- Salat (The Prayer):
- The types of prayer (Fard, Sunnah, Witr).
- Conditions for prayer, the five daily prayers, and their significance in the life of a Muslim.
- Wudu (Ablution) and the Shahada (Testimony of Faith).
- Zakat (Charity):
- Conditions and calculation of Zakat.
- Its role in social welfare, poverty alleviation, and community development.
- Understanding the Nisab (minimum amount) for Zakat.
- Sawm (Fasting in Ramadan):
- The purpose of fasting during Ramadan, its rules, and the significance of the Eid al-Fitr festival.
- Taraweeh prayers and the spiritual benefits of fasting.
- Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca):
- The rituals of Hajj, its significance, and the conditions required to perform the pilgrimage.
- The major rites of Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and Stoning of the Devil.
3. History of Islam
- The Life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
- The early life, prophethood, and the major events in the life of the Prophet Muhammad.
- The Hijra (migration) from Mecca to Medina and its impact on the development of the Muslim community.
- The Four Rightly Guided Caliphs:
- The contributions and achievements of Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali in the early expansion of Islam and the formation of the Islamic State.
- The Expansion of Islam:
- The spread of Islam through trade, military conquest, and missionary activities across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
- Key historical events in the Islamic Golden Age.
- Key Islamic Dynasties:
- The Umayyad, Abbasid, and Ottoman dynasties and their contributions to Islamic civilization.
4. Islamic Law (Fiqh) and Ethics
- Shariah (Islamic Law):
- Understanding the sources of Shariah: the Quran, Hadith, Ijma' (consensus), and Qiyas (analogy).
- The five categories of actions in Islamic law: Fard (Obligatory), Mustahabb (Recommended), Mubah (Permissible), Makruh (Disliked), and Haram (Forbidden).
- Islamic Ethics and Morality:
- Principles of justice, honesty, kindness, and respect for elders and authority in Islam.
- The concept of Adab (good manners), including respect for parents, neighbors, and others in society.
- Family and Inheritance Laws:
- Understanding the Islamic perspective on marriage, divorce, and family rights.
- Basic rules for inheritance under Islamic law, including the shares for relatives in the case of a person’s death.
5. Islamic Philosophical Concepts
- The Concept of the Soul in Islam:
- The nature of the Nafs (soul) and its journey through life, death, and the afterlife.
- Understanding the concept of Barzakh (the period between death and the Day of Judgment).
- Jihad (Struggle) in Islam:
- The true meaning of Jihad as striving in the way of Allah, and its various forms, including Jihad al-Akbar (greater jihad), and Jihad al-Asghar (lesser jihad).
- The Afterlife in Islam:
- Beliefs about the Day of Judgment, Heaven (Jannah), Hell (Jahannam), and the concept of Accountability for actions in this world.
6. The Role of Women in Islam
- The Rights and Roles of Women in Islam:
- The equality of men and women in Islam, the role of women in society, family, and education.
- The contributions of notable women in Islamic history, such as Khadijah, Aisha, and Fatimah.
- Marriage and Family Life:
- Islamic teachings on marriage, the rights of women in marriage, and the responsibilities of both partners.
- Islamic inheritance law concerning women.
Study Tips for JAMB IRS Exam
To perform well in the JAMB IRS exam, use these essential study tips:
- Familiarize Yourself with the Syllabus: Make sure to study the full syllabus as it provides a detailed breakdown of what to focus on.
- Use Past Questions: Practice using past JAMB IRS questions to understand the pattern and types of questions likely to appear in the exam.
- Create a Study Schedule: Allocate enough time to cover all topics, revising difficult ones regularly.
- Join Study Groups: Learning with others can help reinforce concepts and clarify doubts.
- Understand the Themes: Rather than memorizing, aim to understand the core teachings of Islamic principles and their applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many questions are asked in the JAMB IRS exam?
The JAMB IRS exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions.
2. What is the time limit for the JAMB IRS exam?
The JAMB IRS exam is part of the general UTME and lasts for 2 hours.
3. Can I pass the JAMB IRS exam without attending coaching classes?
Yes, many students pass the exam through self-study, provided they use the right materials such as past questions, textbooks, and online resources.
4. Is JAMB IRS a difficult subject?
The difficulty level depends on your understanding of Islamic teachings. With the right preparation, the exam can be manageable.
5. How can I best prepare for the JAMB IRS exam?
Study regularly, focus on key topics, and make use of past questions. Understanding the core principles of Islam is essential for success.
Conclusion
The JAMB IRS exam for 2025/2026 is an important step for students pursuing degrees in Islamic Studies. By focusing on the frequently repeated topics in the syllabus, practicing past questions, and staying committed to your studies, you’ll be well-prepared for success. Remember, consistency and understanding the core principles of Islam will go a long way in achieving a great score in the exam.
