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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Neco Marking Scheme For Science Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, And Physics (2025/2026 Guide)
NECO science subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics can be tricky. But here’s a secret top students know:
You don’t need to be perfect to get an A — you just need to know how NECO awards marks.
This 2025/2026 guide breaks down:
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How NECO structures each science subject
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The exact way marks are awarded
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What examiners look for in practicals
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Smart strategies to boost your scores
NECO Science Paper Structure Overview
All three science subjects follow the same three-paper format:
| Paper | Section | Content | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Objective | 50 multiple choice questions | 50 marks |
| Paper II | Theory | Short and long structured questions | 100 marks |
| Paper III | Practical | Lab-based questions and observations | 50 marks |
Let’s now break each subject down.
NECO Biology Marking Scheme
Paper I – Objective (50 Marks)
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50 multiple choice questions
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Each question = 1 mark
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Topics: Cells, tissues, classification, genetics, ecology, etc.
Paper II – Theory (100 Marks)
Answer any 5 questions out of 6. Each question carries 20 marks.
| Marking Guide | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct explanation/definition | 4–6 marks |
| Diagrams with labeling | 5–8 marks |
| Functions and comparisons | 4–6 marks |
| Logical arrangement | 2–3 marks |
Tip: Use subheadings, bullets, and draw diagrams when required.
Paper III – Practical Biology (50 Marks)
| Section | Mark Distribution |
|---|---|
| Specimen drawing | 8–10 marks |
| Labeling | 4–6 marks |
| Observation skills | 10–12 marks |
| Description and classification | 10–12 marks |
| Precautions and conclusion | 5–7 marks |
Use HB pencils for drawing, add titles, and make lines straight with a ruler.
NECO Chemistry Marking Scheme
Paper I – Objective (50 Marks)
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50 multiple-choice questions
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1 mark per question
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Topics: Atomic structure, organic chemistry, acids, salts, calculations, etc.
Paper II – Theory (100 Marks)
You will answer 5–6 structured questions.
| Marking Components | Marks |
|---|---|
| Definitions and laws | 2–4 marks |
| Balanced chemical equations | 3–5 marks |
| Calculations with working | 5–10 marks |
| Description of chemical processes | 4–6 marks |
| Logical flow of answers | 2–3 marks |
Always write chemical equations and show your units.
Paper III – Practical Chemistry (50 Marks)
| Section | Mark Allocation |
|---|---|
| Titration and calculations | 15–20 marks |
| Inferences from reactions | 10–12 marks |
| Physical observations (colour, gas, precipitate) | 10–12 marks |
| Correct procedure & precautions | 5–7 marks |
Be neat. Spilling acid and skipping steps will cost you marks!
NECO Physics Marking Scheme
Paper I – Objective (50 Marks)
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50 MCQs across topics like motion, sound, electricity, optics, etc.
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1 mark per question
Paper II – Theory (100 Marks)
Answer 5 out of 6 questions.
| Mark Distribution | Marks |
|---|---|
| Formula identification | 2 marks |
| Substitution with correct units | 2 marks |
| Final answer with unit | 2 marks |
| Drawing and labeling diagrams | 4–6 marks |
| Explanation or derivation | 6–8 marks |
Use formulas like Ohm’s law, equations of motion, and heat formulas correctly.
Paper III – Practical Physics (50 Marks)
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Observation and reading | 5–7 marks |
| Graph plotting | 10–12 marks |
| Analysis (slope, intercepts) | 10–12 marks |
| Description and precautions | 8–10 marks |
| Accurate calculation steps | 5–7 marks |
Plot graphs using a sharp pencil and clean axes — don’t guess!
NECO Science Grading System
| Grade | Score (%) | 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 |
Top Tips to Score A1 in NECO Science Subjects
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Write all steps clearly in theory answers
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Use proper units in all calculations
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Don’t cram — understand concepts, especially for practicals
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Label all diagrams — unlabelled diagrams get no marks
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Draw graphs neatly and correctly
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Practice past questions from at least 5 years
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Arrive early for practicals — calm nerves = better focus
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I pass NECO if my final answer is wrong but the steps are correct?
Yes. You’ll get method marks for correct solving steps.
Q: Can I use a calculator in Physics and Chemistry?
Yes, scientific calculators are allowed.
Q: What if I don’t label my diagrams?
You will lose all diagram-related marks.
Q: Do practicals really affect my grade?
Yes! Practical paper contributes 50 full marks — ignore it and your grade suffers.
Q: How long should my practical answers be?
Be precise and follow the marking guide — avoid long, vague answers.
Final Thoughts
NECO rewards clarity, correct process, and presentation. You don’t need to be the best — you just need to follow the marking scheme smartly.
Show steps. Label everything. Stay organized. Practice hard.
That’s how you go from D7 to B3 — or even A1 — in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
