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Ikiodiete George
- 2 Min Read
Neco Scoring | Grading System For English & Mathematics: An Updated Guide (2025/2026)
If you're preparing for the 2025/2026 NECO Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE), understanding how subjects like English Language and Mathematics are graded and scored can help you plan your reading and boost your results.
Let’s break down the NECO scoring and grading system, explain how marks are allocated in English and Maths, and give you the best tips to improve your chances of scoring A1.
NECO Grading System (2025/2026)
NECO scores candidates out of 100%, then uses this range to assign letter grades.
| Score (%) | Grade | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 75 – 100 | A1 | Excellent |
| 70 – 74 | B2 | Very Good |
| 65 – 69 | B3 | Good |
| 60 – 64 | C4 | Credit |
| 55 – 59 | C5 | Credit |
| 50 – 54 | C6 | Credit |
| 45 – 49 | D7 | Pass |
| 40 – 44 | E8 | Pass |
| 0 – 39 | F9 | Fail |
NECO English Language Scoring Breakdown
The English Language paper is structured into three major components:
| Section | Component | Marks Allocation |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Objectives (100 multiple choice questions) | 100 marks |
| Paper 2 | Essay Writing (Letter, Speech, Narrative, etc.) | 50 marks |
| Paper 3 | Summary + Comprehension | 50 marks |
| Total | 200 marks |
Example:
If you score:
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65/100 in Paper 1
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35/50 in Paper 2
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40/50 in Paper 3
Then total score = 140/200 = 70% = B2
NECO Mathematics Scoring Breakdown
The Mathematics exam is usually divided into:
| Paper | Component | Marks Allocation |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Objective (50 questions) | 50 marks |
| Paper 2 | Theory/Essay (10 questions, answer 5) | 100 marks |
| Total | 150 marks |
Example:
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Paper 1: 35/50
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Paper 2: 65/100
Total = 100/150 = 66.7% = B3
Quick Comparison: NECO English vs Mathematics
| Feature | English Language | Mathematics |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Papers | 3 (Objectives, Essay, Comprehension) | 2 (Objectives, Theory) |
| Total Raw Marks | 200 | 150 |
| Scaled Final Score | 100% | 100% |
| Main Focus | Grammar, Essay, Comprehension | Calculations, Word Problems, Logic |
How to Score High in NECO English & Math
For English:
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Practice essay writing (formal & informal letters, stories, articles).
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Study comprehension techniques and summary writing.
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Use NECO past questions to identify patterns in grammar & structure.
For Mathematics:
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Focus on basic operations, algebra, geometry, word problems, and statistics.
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Practice solving problems under timed conditions.
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Don’t skip difficult topics like trigonometry or quadratic equations—they appear frequently.
FAQs – NECO English & Math Scoring
Q1: Does NECO use negative marking?
A: No, there's no penalty for wrong answers.
Q2: Can I pass NECO without passing English or Math?
A: Technically, yes—but for admission into Nigerian universities/polytechnics, you must have at least C6 in English and Mathematics.
Q3: Is NECO marking strict?
A: NECO is thorough but fair. If your answer meets the marking scheme, you’ll get full marks.
Q4: Are NECO English & Math past questions repeated?
A: Yes, some patterns and questions are repeated or reworded. Practicing past papers is crucial.
Final Thoughts
Scoring high in NECO English and Mathematics in 2025/2026 is achievable if you understand the marking scheme and prepare strategically. Aim for at least 70% in both subjects to secure a strong grade for university admission.
Pro Tip: Practice with real past questions under exam conditions and use the scoring guide above to track your progress.
