Preparing for the JAMB Christian Religious Studies (CRS) exam can feel overwhelming, especially with the depth of topics to cover.
However, understanding the key areas of concentration will not only make your preparation easier but also boost your chances of scoring high.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the main topics you should focus on, explain them in simple terms, and provide tips to help you study effectively.
Why You Should Know the JAMB CRS Areas of Concentration
The JAMB syllabus serves as your guide to understanding what to expect in the exam. By focusing on the outlined areas, you won’t waste time studying irrelevant topics. Instead, you’ll channel your energy toward mastering the themes and stories that are likely to appear in the exam.
JAMB Areas of Concentration for Christian Religious Studies 2025/2026
The CRS syllabus is divided into four main sections, each focusing on specific areas:
- Themes from Creation to the Division of the Kingdom
- Themes from the Division of the Kingdom to the Return from Exile and the Prophets
- Themes from the Four Gospels and Acts of the Apostles
- Themes from Selected Epistles
Let’s break them down in detail.
1. Themes from Creation to the Division of the Kingdom
This section focuses on foundational stories in the Bible. Some of the key topics include:
- God as Creator: Study Genesis 1 and 2 to understand the story of creation and God’s power as the Creator. Other references include Amos 9:5-6 and Isaiah 45:5-12.
- Covenants in the Bible: Learn about God’s agreements with key figures like:
- Noah (Genesis 6-9)
- Abraham (Genesis 12, 17)
- Israel (Exodus 19-24)
- Leadership Qualities: Look at biblical leaders like Joseph (Genesis 37, 41, 45), Moses (Exodus 1-5, Numbers 13-14), and Deborah (Judges 4).
- Obedience vs. Disobedience: Stories of obedience include the Hebrew midwives in Exodus 1, while examples of disobedience can be found in Adam’s fall (Genesis 2-3).
Study Tip: Use a storybook-style Bible to make these narratives easier to remember.
2. Themes from the Division of the Kingdom to the Prophets
This section highlights the divided kingdom, exile, and prophetic messages.
- Ahab and Naboth’s Vineyard: A classic story showing the effects of greed (1 Kings 21).
- Elijah’s Challenge on Mount Carmel: This event showcases God’s power (1 Kings 18).
- Faith and Courage: Learn from Daniel in the lions’ den (Daniel 6) and the fiery furnace story (Daniel 3).
What to Focus On: The themes of repentance, social justice, and hope as preached by prophets like Amos and Hosea.
Study Tip: Create a timeline to connect the events and understand their sequence better.
3. Themes from the Four Gospels and Acts of the Apostles
This is one of the most exciting sections as it focuses on the life of Jesus and the early Church.
- Birth of Jesus: Study the accounts in Matthew and Luke. Pay attention to the prophecies fulfilled.
- Parables and Miracles: Examples include:
- The Good Samaritan (Luke 10)
- The Prodigal Son (Luke 15)
- Feeding the 5,000 (Matthew 14)
- Sermon on the Mount: Found in Matthew 5-7, this is where Jesus gave important teachings like the Beatitudes.
Study Tip: Watch short videos or animations on the life of Jesus to help the stories stick in your mind.
4. Themes from Selected Epistles
This section focuses on the teachings in the letters of Paul, Peter, and others. Key themes include:
- Faith and Works: Found in James, this theme highlights the balance between belief and action.
- Christian Living: Paul’s letters, especially Romans and Corinthians, provide instructions on living as a follower of Christ.
- Unity in the Church: This theme is evident in Ephesians and Philippians.
Study Tip: Use flashcards to memorize verses and their meanings.
How to Prepare Effectively for JAMB CRS
- Get the Recommended Textbooks: Ensure you use JAMB-approved textbooks for CRS.
- Practice Past Questions: JAMB often repeats questions, so practicing past papers can give you an edge.
- Join Study Groups: Discussing topics with peers can help you understand difficult concepts better.
- Create a Study Schedule: Divide the syllabus into manageable chunks and allocate time to each section.
- Use Online Resources: Platforms like YouTube offer free video explanations of Bible stories and themes.