Waec Scoring System For Biology, Physics & Chemistry: An Updated Guide For All Science Subjects (2025/2026)

If you're preparing for the 2025/2026 WAEC science exams, knowing how scores are calculated for subjects like Biology, Physics, and Chemistry will give you an edge.

WAEC uses a detailed marking structure for each science subject, which includes Objectives, Theory, and Practicalpapers. This guide breaks down the mark allocation and grading so you know exactly how to plan your preparation.

WAEC Science Subjects: Paper Structure at a Glance

All three subjects—Biology, Physics, and Chemistry—follow the same basic structure:

WAEC Biology – Marking Breakdown

Paper 1: Objectives – 50 Marks

• 50 multiple-choice questions

• 1 mark each

• Covers all syllabus areas: cell biology, ecology, genetics, classification, etc.

Paper 2: Theory – 80 Marks

• Divided into two sections:

  • Section A (Short Answers): Answer all questions

  • Section B (Essay/Structured): Answer 4 out of 6 questions

Paper 3: Practical – 50 Marks

• Based on experiments with microscope work, food tests, specimen identification, etc.

• Usually contains 3 questions: each worth 15–20 marks

WAEC Chemistry – Marking Breakdown

Paper 1: Objectives – 50 Marks

• 50 questions testing topics like atomic structure, periodic table, bonding, stoichiometry, etc.

Paper 2: Theory – 80 Marks

• Section A: Short structured answers (compulsory) – 40 marks

• Section B: Essay-type (choose 4 of 6 questions) – 40 marks

Paper 3: Practical – 50 Marks

• Includes titration, salt analysis, and qualitative tests

• Often has 3 questions, one of which is a volumetric analysis (acid-base titration)

WAEC Physics – Marking Breakdown

Paper 1: Objectives – 50 Marks

• 50 questions covering mechanics, waves, light, electricity, and modern physics.

Paper 2: Theory – 80 Marks

• Section A: Short questions (compulsory) – 40 marks

• Section B: Essay-type (choose 4 of 6) – 40 marks

Paper 3: Practical – 50 Marks

• Involves experiments on electricity, optics, mechanics

• Usually contains 3 questions:

  • Question 1: Electricity (e.g., Ohm’s law)

  • Question 2: Optics or Mechanics

  • Question 3: General measurement or data interpretation

Total Score Conversion & WAEC Grading System

Once the raw scores from the three papers are calculated, they are summed and converted to a percentage, then assigned a grade.

Tips to Score High in WAEC Science Subjects

1. Don’t skip practicals – 50 marks is a huge chunk of your total score.

2. Master past questions – Focus on repeated topics and how answers are structured.

3. Revise with diagrams – Especially for Biology (e.g., cells, organs, plant parts).

4. Show all calculations – In Physics and Chemistry, you earn marks for process, not just final answers.

5. Use WAEC marking schemes – Study how answers are graded to align your responses properly.

FAQs – WAEC Scoring for Biology, Physics & Chemistry

Q1: Are the practicals compulsory?
A: Yes. For school candidates, you must sit for the practicals. The marks are significant.

Q2: Can I pass if I fail one paper?
A: It depends. But performing well in the theory and objective sections can make up for a low practical score, and vice versa.

Q3: How many questions are in the essay section?
A: You’re usually required to answer 4 out of 6–7 questions in Section B of Paper 2.

Q4: What is the pass mark for WAEC science subjects?
A: A credit pass (C6 or better) is the minimum accepted for most science-based university courses.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the WAEC scoring system for Biology, Physics, and Chemistry helps you focus your preparation wisely. Know where the marks are coming from—practical, theory, or objectives—and plan your studies accordingly.