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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Neco Marking Scheme For Mathematics: What To Expect (2025/2026 Guide)
Mathematics is one of the most feared subjects in the NECO exam, but it doesn’t have to be that way. The truth is, you don’t need to get all the answers right to score well — you just need to understand how NECO marks your work.
If you follow NECO’s marking scheme, you can pass — or even get an A1 — without being a math genius.
This guide reveals:
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NECO Mathematics paper structure
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How marks are distributed
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What examiners look for
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Practical tips to score high
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FAQs students ask before the exam
NECO Mathematics Paper Structure
The NECO Mathematics exam is divided into two main papers:
| Paper | Type | Duration | Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Objective (Multiple Choice) | 1 hour 30 minutes | 60 Questions (Compulsory) |
| Paper II | Theory/Essay | 2 hours 30 minutes | 10 Questions (Answer 5) |
NECO Paper I – Objective Questions (60 Marks)
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60 multiple-choice questions
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Each question carries 1 mark
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Covers all math topics: Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, Number bases, Trigonometry, etc.
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No negative marking, so attempt all questions
Tip: Solve past objective questions. They repeat frequently.
NECO Paper II – Theory/Essay (100 Marks)
This is where most of your marks come from. You’ll be given 10 structured questions and must answer only 5.
Each question carries 20 marks, and here’s how the marks are typically awarded:
| Answer Element | Marks Awarded |
|---|---|
| Correct final answer | 3–5 marks |
| Logical solving steps | 10–12 marks |
| Accurate units | 1 mark |
| Clear presentation & structure | 2–4 marks |
| Total (per question) | 20 marks |
Even if your final answer is wrong, showing your method can earn you up to 10+ marks.
Sample Mark Distribution – NECO Math Question
Question Example:
A rectangle has length 10 cm and breadth 6 cm. Calculate the perimeter and area.
| Step | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct formula: P = 2(L + B), A = L × B | 2 marks |
| Substitution: P = 2(10+6), A = 10 × 6 | 2 marks |
| Final answers: Perimeter = 32 cm, Area = 60 cm² | 3 marks |
| Correct unit usage (cm, cm²) | 1 mark |
| Total | 8 marks |
Add step-by-step working — even partial work can boost your score.
What NECO Examiners Look For
| Criteria | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Correct formulas | Shows understanding — gets marks even if final answer is wrong |
| Complete workings | Examiners award method marks |
| Accurate units | cm, m², %, ₦, etc. are required |
| Clear presentation | Neatly arranged solutions are easier to mark |
| Logical flow | Step-by-step reasoning is important |
Label your answers. Box the final result.
NECO Grading System
Here’s how your final score is graded:
| Grade | Score Range (%) | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 75 – 100 | Excellent |
| B2 | 70 – 74 | Very Good |
| B3 | 65 – 69 | Good |
| C4 – C6 | 50 – 64 | Credit |
| D7 – E8 | 40 – 49 | Pass |
| F9 | Below 40 | Fail |
How to Score High in NECO Mathematics (Smart Tips)
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Don’t skip steps – show every calculation
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Memorize key formulas – Area, Volume, Trig ratios, etc.
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Practice 10+ years of past questions
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Use correct units in final answers
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Practice speed and accuracy with a timer
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Revise word problems – they always appear
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Neatness counts – examiners won’t struggle to read messy work
FAQs: NECO Mathematics Marking Scheme
Q: Can I get marks if my final answer is wrong?
Yes. If your method is correct, you’ll still earn partial marks.
Q: Is calculator allowed in NECO Maths?
Yes. Scientific calculators are allowed and even recommended.
Q: What if I answer more than 5 theory questions?
Only the first 5 attempted questions will be marked.
Q: How many marks do I need to pass?
A minimum of 50% gives you a Credit (C grade).
Final Thoughts
Scoring high in NECO Mathematics is not about luck — it’s about smart preparation. Focus less on cramming answers and more on understanding the marking scheme.
Show your work. Be neat. Apply correct formulas. Use the right units. NECO will reward your effort.
