WAEC Mathematics Marking Scheme 2025/2026: A Complete Guide
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Is the WAEC Mathematics Marking Scheme?
- Exam Structure: Paper 1 & Paper 2 Breakdown
- How Paper 1 (Objective) Is Marked
- How Paper 2 (Theory/Essay) Is Scored
- Method Steps, Accuracy, Units, Presentation
- Behind the Scenes: How Examiners Mark Mathematics
- Method Marks (M), Accuracy Marks (A), Special Marks (B)
- How to Calculate Your Total Score and Grade
- Why Understanding the Marking Scheme Matters
- Pros and Cons: Structured Marking vs Guesswork
- Comparison Table: Papers, Marks, and Suggestions
- Real Student Examples and Scenarios
- Summary Table Before Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (10+)
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
Whether you’re preparing for WAEC 2025 or 2026 Mathematics, knowing how marks are awarded can help you score better. This guide explains everything—from multiple-choice to complex theory questions—in simple, warm language, perfect for young students aiming for success.
2. What Is the WAEC Mathematics Marking Scheme?
The marking scheme shows how WAEC awards marks in Mathematics:
- Paper 1: Multiple-choice (Objective)
- Paper 2: Written Theory/Essay
- Total marks: 150
- Final grade: Converted to percentage and assigned grades from A1 (Excellent) to F9 (Fail)
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3. Exam Structure: Paper 1 & Paper 2 Breakdown
Paper 1: Objective
- 50 multiple-choice questions
- 1 mark each = 50 marks total
- Covers algebra, geometry, number bases, trigonometry, statistics (turn0search4)
Paper 2: Theory
- 100 marks total
- Includes 10 structured questions; answer 5
- Section A: 5 compulsory questions × 10 marks = 50 marks
- Section B: Choose 4 of 6–7 questions × 12.5 marks = 50 marks
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4. How Paper 1 (Objective) Is Marked
- Each correct answer = 1 mark
- No negative marking—so guess if unsure!
- Answer all 50 questions to aim for a full mark.
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5. How Paper 2 (Theory/Essay) Is Scored
WAEC rewards not just final answers but also how you solve the problem:
| Mark Components | Marks | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Method or Steps | 10–14 | Marks for showing how you solved the question |
| Final/Correct Answer | 2–4 | Marks for the right result when correct method is used |
| Units/Labels | 1 | Marks for including units, diagram labels, variables, etc. |
| Presentation/Rounding | 1–2 | Marks for neat, logical work and proper rounding |
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6. Behind the Scenes: How Examiners Mark Mathematics
Examiners follow strict guidelines (“rubrics”) for fairness:
- M-marks: For correct method or steps
- A-marks: For the correct final answer (only if method is correct)
- B-marks: For diagrams or special parts like graphs
Errors in method or clarity reduce marks accordingly, but showing steps often still earns partial credit.
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7. How to Calculate Your Total Score and Grade
- Add your scores: Objective (max 50) + Theory (max 100) = Raw score (out of 150)
- Percentage = (Raw Score ÷ 150) × 100
- Grade scale:
- A1: 75–100% (Excellent)
- B2: 70–74% (Very Good)
- B3: 65–69% (Good)
- C4–C6: 50–64% (Credit)
- D7, E8: 40–49% (Pass)
- F9: 0–39% (Fail)
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8. Why Understanding the Marking Scheme Matters
- You know what to practice: steps, units, diagrams, etc.
- You earn marks even if your final answer is wrong.
- It builds confidence—knowing how to get partial credit.
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9. Pros and Cons: Structured Marking vs Guesswork
Pros:
- Encourages clear working
- Partial credit reduces stress
- Transparent for students
Cons:
- Time-consuming to show full steps
- Messy work may lose clarity
- Risk of losing marks for poor labels
10. Comparison Table: Papers, Marks, and Suggestions
| Paper | Marks | Tips to Score High |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 50 | Practice past MCQs; attempt all questions |
| Paper 2 | 100 | Show proper steps, units, neat work, label diagrams |
| Combined | 150 | Target ~112 (75%) for A1; practice full structure |
11. Real Student Examples
- Example A:
- Paper 1: 30/50
- Paper 2: 70/100
- Total: 100/150 = 66% → B3 (Good)
- Example B:
- Paper 1: 40/50
- Paper 2: 80/100
- Total: 120/150 = 80% → A1 (Excellent)
12. Summary Table Before Conclusion
| Key Area | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Practice MCQs, answer all, avoid guess panic |
| Paper 2 | Show steps, label, include units, neat layout |
| Diagram/Graph | Spend time drawing neat diagrams for bonus marks |
| Overall Score | Aim for 112/150+ to get a top grade |
13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Are there marks for method even if final answer is wrong?
- Yes, you can get method marks without correct answer.(turn0search6)
- Does Paper 1 have negative marking?
- No, wrong answers don’t lose marks.(turn0search6)
- How many questions in Paper 1?
- 50 MCQs worth 50 marks.(turn0search6)
- Do I need a calculator?
- Yes, scientific calculators are allowed and useful.
- Will messy handwriting affect marks?
- It can; unclear work may be misunderstood.(turn0search6)
- Are diagrams marked?
- Yes, you can get special marks for clear diagrams or graphs.(turn0search0)
- What’s the date for retaking Maths if failed?
- Use the Nov/Dec GCE or next May/June session.
- Is 50% enough to pass?
- Yes—C6 is the lowest credit; many unis require at least this.
- Can you fail even with correct steps?
- Missing key steps or final answer might reduce your method marks.
- How to manage time in exam?
- Practice timed past papers; allocate based on weight.
- Where to find past questions?
- Websites like PastQuestions.com.ng have PDFs and booklets.(turn0search5)
14. Conclusion
Knowing the WAEC Mathematics marking scheme for 2025/2026 gives you a powerful boost. You now understand:
- Structure: 50 objective + 100 theory = 150 total marks
- Method marks matter—you earn for good steps, neat work, and labels
- Final grade is based on total percentage
Study smart, practice clearly, and show your work—then watch your marks rise! You’ve got everything you need to do great in WAEC Maths.
Good luck!
