IJMB Past Questions and Answers 2026 | All Subjects — FreshNote
If you are preparing for the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) A-Level examination in 2026, you are in the right place. This page contains IJMB past questions and answers for all subjects, carefully compiled and solved to help you pass with excellent scores and gain direct entry into 200 level in any Nigerian university. Download IJMB 2026 past questions and answers here
The IJMB programme is one of the most respected A-Level programmes in Nigeria. It is accepted by over 90 universities across the country, including University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Jos, and many others. Scoring well in IJMB means you bypass JAMB and UTME entirely and proceed straight to 200 level.
Download 2026 IJMB past questions and answers android app here
These past questions cover all the major IJMB subject combinations and are arranged by subject with worked answers and explanations.
Why You Must Study IJMB Past Questions
Studying past questions is the single most effective exam preparation strategy. The IJMB examination pattern has remained consistent over the years. Questions are repeated, themes are recycled, and the marking scheme follows predictable formats. Candidates who study past questions consistently perform better than those who only read textbooks.
Here is what you gain by practising IJMB past questions:
You understand the exact format and structure of each paper. You know the type of questions that appear repeatedly. You can manage your time better during the exam. You identify your weak areas early enough to fix them. You build the confidence to walk into the exam hall ready.
IJMB Subject Combinations Covered
The following subject areas are covered on this page:
Science combination: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Social Science combination: Economics, Government, Geography, Mathematics
Arts combination: Literature in English, Government, Christian Religious Studies / Islamic Studies, History
Commercial combination: Economics, Accounting, Commerce, Mathematics
Each subject is treated separately below with sample past questions and fully worked answers.
IJMB Mathematics Past Questions and Answers 2026
Mathematics is compulsory for science and commercial candidates. Questions are drawn from Pure Mathematics, Statistics, and Mechanics.
Question 1
Find the value of x if log₂(x + 3) + log₂(x − 3) = 4
Answer:
log₂[(x + 3)(x − 3)] = 4
(x + 3)(x − 3) = 2⁴
x² − 9 = 16
x² = 25
x = 5 (since x must be positive for the logarithm to be defined)
Question 2
Differentiate y = 3x³ − 5x² + 7x − 2 with respect to x
Answer:
dy/dx = 9x² − 10x + 7
Question 3
Find the sum of the first 10 terms of the arithmetic progression: 3, 7, 11, 15 ...
Answer:
First term a = 3, common difference d = 4, n = 10
Sn = n/2 [2a + (n−1)d]
S₁₀ = 10/2 [2(3) + (10−1)(4)]
S₁₀ = 5 [6 + 36]
S₁₀ = 5 × 42 = 210
Question 4
Solve the quadratic equation 2x² − 7x + 3 = 0
Answer:
Using factorisation:
2x² − 6x − x + 3 = 0
2x(x − 3) − 1(x − 3) = 0
(2x − 1)(x − 3) = 0
x = ½ or x = 3
Question 5
Evaluate ∫(4x³ − 2x + 5)dx
Answer:
= x⁴ − x² + 5x + C
IJMB Physics Past Questions and Answers 2026
Physics questions test knowledge of mechanics, waves, electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics.
Question 1
A body of mass 5 kg is acted upon by a force of 20 N. Calculate its acceleration.
Answer:
F = ma
a = F/m = 20/5 = 4 m/s²
Question 2
State Newton's Second Law of Motion.
Answer:
Newton's Second Law states that the rate of change of momentum of a body is directly proportional to the applied force and takes place in the direction of the force. Mathematically, F = ma, where F is the net force, m is the mass, and a is the acceleration.
Question 3
A wave has a frequency of 500 Hz and a wavelength of 0.68 m. Calculate the speed of the wave.
Answer:
v = fλ
v = 500 × 0.68
v = 340 m/s
Question 4
Define specific heat capacity.
Answer:
Specific heat capacity is the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of a unit mass (1 kg) of a substance by one degree Kelvin (or one degree Celsius) without a change in state. Its SI unit is J/kg/K.
Question 5
A resistor of 10 Ω is connected to a 12 V battery. Calculate the current flowing through the circuit.
Answer:
V = IR
I = V/R = 12/10 = 1.2 A
IJMB Chemistry Past Questions and Answers 2026
Chemistry questions cover physical chemistry, organic chemistry, and inorganic chemistry.
Question 1
What is the molar mass of H₂SO₄?
Answer:
H = 1 × 2 = 2
S = 32
O = 16 × 4 = 64
Molar mass = 2 + 32 + 64 = 98 g/mol
Question 2
State the Le Chatelier's Principle.
Answer:
Le Chatelier's Principle states that if a system in dynamic equilibrium is subjected to a change in concentration, pressure, or temperature, the system will adjust itself to oppose the change and re-establish equilibrium.
Question 3
Give the IUPAC name of CH₃CH₂CH₂OH
Answer:
Propan-1-ol
Question 4
What is oxidation in terms of electron transfer?
Answer:
Oxidation is the loss of electrons by an atom, ion, or molecule during a chemical reaction. The species that loses electrons is said to be oxidised.
Question 5
Distinguish between an electrolyte and a non-electrolyte.
Answer:
An electrolyte is a substance that conducts electricity when dissolved in water or when melted because it dissociates into ions. Examples include sodium chloride and sulphuric acid. A non-electrolyte does not conduct electricity in solution because it does not dissociate into ions. Examples include glucose and ethanol.
IJMB Biology Past Questions and Answers 2026
Biology questions cover cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, physiology, and classification.
Question 1
What is the function of the mitochondria?
Answer:
The mitochondria is the site of aerobic respiration in the cell. It is responsible for producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy currency of the cell. It is often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell.
Question 2
Define osmosis.
Answer:
Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from a region of higher water potential (lower solute concentration) to a region of lower water potential (higher solute concentration) through a selectively permeable membrane.
Question 3
What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?
Answer:
Chlorophyll is the green pigment found in chloroplasts. It absorbs light energy, mainly in the red and blue wavelengths of the spectrum, and converts it into chemical energy used to drive the reactions of photosynthesis. Lol
Question 4
State Mendel's First Law of Inheritance.
Answer:
Mendel's First Law, also called the Law of Segregation, states that during the formation of gametes, the two alleles responsible for a particular characteristic separate so that each gamete carries only one allele for that characteristic.
Question 5
What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?
Answer:
Mitosis is a type of cell division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. It is involved in growth, repair, and asexual reproduction. Meiosis is a type of cell division that produces four genetically different daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell. It is involved in the production of gametes (sex cells).
IJMB Economics Past Questions and Answers 2026
Economics questions cover microeconomics, macroeconomics, demand and supply, national income, and development economics.
Question 1
Define the concept of scarcity in economics.
Answer:
Scarcity refers to the fundamental economic problem of having unlimited human wants and needs in a world of limited resources. Because resources such as land, labour, and capital are finite while human desires are infinite, choices must be made about how to allocate them efficiently.
Question 2
State the Law of Demand.
Answer:
The Law of Demand states that, all other things being equal (ceteris paribus), as the price of a commodity rises, the quantity demanded falls, and as the price falls, the quantity demanded rises. There is an inverse relationship between price and quantity demanded.
Question 3
What is the difference between GDP and GNP?
Answer:
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country's borders in a given period, regardless of the nationality of the producers. Gross National Product (GNP) is the total monetary value of all goods and services produced by the residents of a country, both within and outside its borders, in a given period. GNP includes income earned abroad by citizens and excludes income earned locally by foreigners.
Question 4
Explain the concept of price elasticity of demand.
Answer:
Price elasticity of demand measures the responsiveness of quantity demanded of a good to a change in its price. It is calculated as the percentage change in quantity demanded divided by the percentage change in price. If the result is greater than 1, demand is elastic. If it equals 1, demand is unit elastic. If it is less than 1, demand is inelastic.
Question 5
What are the functions of money?
Answer:
Money serves four main functions in an economy. It acts as a medium of exchange, eliminating the need for barter. It serves as a unit of account, providing a standard measure of value. It functions as a store of value, allowing purchasing power to be saved for future use. It also acts as a standard of deferred payment, enabling credit transactions and future obligations to be expressed in money terms.
IJMB Government Past Questions and Answers 2026
Government questions cover political concepts, Nigerian government and constitution, comparative government, and international relations.
Question 1
Define the concept of sovereignty.
Answer:
Sovereignty refers to the supreme and absolute authority of a state to govern itself without interference from external forces. It has two dimensions: internal sovereignty, which is the government's authority over its citizens and territory, and external sovereignty, which is the independence of the state from foreign control.
Question 2
What is federalism?
Answer:
Federalism is a system of government in which power is constitutionally divided between a central (federal) government and component units such as states or regions. Each level of government has its own defined areas of authority. Nigeria, the United States, and Canada operate federal systems of government.
Question 3
Explain the principle of separation of powers.
Answer:
The principle of separation of powers, associated with the French philosopher Montesquieu, holds that the three organs of government — the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary — should be kept separate and distinct, each with its own personnel and powers. This is intended to prevent the concentration of power in one hand and protect individual liberties.
Question 4
What is a constitution?
Answer:
A constitution is a body of fundamental rules and principles, written or unwritten, that defines the structure of government, distributes powers among governmental organs, guarantees the rights of citizens, and sets the limits of governmental authority. It is the supreme law of the land.
Question 5
Distinguish between a unitary and a federal state.
Answer:
In a unitary state, all governmental powers are concentrated in the central government. Sub-national units derive their powers from the centre and can be created, altered, or abolished by it. Examples include the United Kingdom and France. In a federal state, powers are constitutionally shared between the central government and component units. The component units have independent existence guaranteed by the constitution. Examples include Nigeria, the United States, and Germany.
IJMB Literature in English Past Questions and Answers 2026
Literature questions test knowledge of prescribed texts, literary devices, prose, poetry, and drama.
Question 1
Define the term "tragedy" in drama.
Answer:
Tragedy is a form of drama that portrays the downfall of a noble or heroic character, usually through a combination of fate, personal flaws, and circumstance. The central figure, called the tragic hero, typically suffers greatly and often dies at the end. The purpose of tragedy, according to Aristotle, is to arouse pity and fear in the audience, leading to catharsis — an emotional purging or release.
Question 2
What is a metaphor? Give an example.
Answer:
A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable, suggesting a resemblance between the two. It makes a direct comparison without using "like" or "as." Example: "Life is a journey." This compares life to a journey directly, implying that life has stages, directions, and destinations just as a journey does.
Question 3
Explain the narrative technique of "stream of consciousness."
Answer:
Stream of consciousness is a narrative technique that attempts to represent the continuous, flowing sequence of thoughts, feelings, memories, and impressions passing through a character's mind. It gives the reader direct access to the inner world of a character, often without logical or grammatical structure, mimicking the natural movement of thought. It was extensively used by writers such as James Joyce and Virginia Woolf.
IJMB Christian Religious Studies Past Questions and Answers 2026
Question 1
What is the significance of the call of Abraham in the Old Testament?
Answer:
The call of Abraham marks the beginning of God's special covenant relationship with a chosen people. God called Abraham to leave his homeland and go to a land he would be shown, promising to make him the father of a great nation, to bless him, and to bless all nations through him. This call established the foundation of the Abrahamic covenant, which became central to the entire biblical narrative and the emergence of the nation of Israel.
Question 2
Explain the meaning and significance of the Sermon on the Mount.
Answer:
The Sermon on the Mount, recorded in Matthew chapters 5 to 7, is the most famous teaching of Jesus Christ. In it, Jesus outlined the ethical and moral standards of the Kingdom of God. The sermon includes the Beatitudes, teachings on anger, adultery, divorce, oaths, retaliation, love of enemies, prayer, fasting, and the Golden Rule. Its significance lies in presenting a higher standard of righteousness than the Jewish Law, emphasising inner transformation over external compliance.
IJMB Geography Past Questions and Answers 2026
Question 1
Explain the formation of fold mountains.
Answer:
Fold mountains are formed when two tectonic plates move towards each other in a process called compression. The sedimentary rocks between the plates are squeezed and buckled, folding upwards to form mountain ranges. The Himalayas were formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates, while the Alps were formed by the collision of the African and Eurasian plates.
Question 2
What is the greenhouse effect?
Answer:
The greenhouse effect is a natural process by which certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere, known as greenhouse gases, trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping back into space. These gases include carbon dioxide, methane, water vapour, and nitrous oxide. While the natural greenhouse effect is essential for maintaining life on Earth, human activities have enhanced it by releasing large quantities of greenhouse gases, leading to global warming and climate change.
IJMB Accounting Past Questions and Answers 2026
Question 1
Define double-entry bookkeeping.
Answer:
Double-entry bookkeeping is an accounting system in which every financial transaction is recorded in at least two accounts — a debit entry in one account and a corresponding credit entry in another. The total debits must always equal the total credits, ensuring that the accounting equation (Assets = Liabilities + Capital) always balances.
Question 2
What is depreciation and why is it charged?
Answer:
Depreciation is the systematic allocation of the cost of a tangible fixed asset over its useful economic life. It is charged to account for the gradual reduction in the value of an asset due to wear and tear, obsolescence, and the passage of time. Charging depreciation ensures that the cost of using an asset is matched against the revenue it helps to generate, in accordance with the matching principle in accounting.
How to Get the Full IJMB Past Questions Package
The questions above are a sample of what is available. The complete IJMB past questions and answers package on FreshNote contains:
Past questions from multiple years, fully worked solutions with step-by-step explanations, subject-specific tips and exam strategies, and coverage of all IJMB subject combinations.
To get the complete package for all subjects and all available years, visit the FreshNote A-Level page here:
Tips for Passing IJMB in 2026
Start your preparation early. Do not wait until a month to the exam before you begin serious study.
Use past questions as your primary revision tool. After reading your textbook chapters, immediately attempt related past questions.
Study each subject paper independently. IJMB papers are marked separately, so you must be strong in all your chosen subjects.
Pay attention to theory questions. Many IJMB candidates lose marks on theory because they give incomplete answers. Always define, explain, and give examples.
Manage your time during the exam. Read through the entire paper first, then answer the questions you are most confident about before returning to the harder ones.
Form a study group. Discussing past questions with other candidates helps you see different approaches and explanations.
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Frequently Asked Questions About IJMB
Is IJMB accepted by all Nigerian universities?
IJMB is accepted by most Nigerian universities for direct entry into 200 level. It is especially popular in the North but is now widely accepted nationwide. Always confirm with your target university before enrolling.
How long is the IJMB programme?
The IJMB programme typically runs for one academic session, which is approximately nine to ten months.
Can I combine IJMB with JAMB?
Yes. Many candidates use IJMB as an alternative to JAMB UTME for direct entry admission. However, some universities may still require a JAMB registration even for direct entry candidates.
What grades does IJMB award?
IJMB uses a grading scale similar to the GCE A-Level: A, B, C, D, E, and F. Grades A to E are considered passes. For most university direct entry requirements, you need a minimum of three passes in your principal subjects.
When is the 2026 IJMB exam?
IJMB examinations are typically conducted between May and July each year. Check with your IJMB centre or the official IJMB body for confirmed 2026 dates.
Conclusion
IJMB remains one of the best routes to gaining 200-level admission into Nigerian universities without the stress of JAMB UTME. The key to succeeding in the examination is consistent practice with past questions and thorough understanding of the subject content.
FreshNote has put together a comprehensive IJMB past questions and answers resource to give every candidate the best possible chance of passing. Whether you are studying Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Government, Literature, Geography, or Accounting, you will find solved past questions and expert study materials on the FreshNote A-Level page.