NSCDC Past Questions and Answers PDF (Updated) – Download Civil Defence CBT Study Pack

NSCDC Past Questions and Answers (2026): Free Practice Questions + Exam Guide.

If you are preparing for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) recruitment exam, this guide is for you. Below you will find free sample practice questions covering all four subjects tested in the Civil Defence CBT, complete with correct answers and explanations. You will also find a breakdown of the exam format, study tips, and a week-by-week preparation plan.

We have compiled this resource so that every candidate — regardless of financial ability — can access quality preparation material.

What Is the NSCDC CBT Exam?

The NSCDC Computer-Based Test (CBT) is the aptitude screening exam conducted by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) for candidates who applied to join the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The exam typically consists of 100 questions, to be answered in 60 minutes. Each question carries equal marks. There is no officially confirmed negative marking, but you should only mark answers you are confident about.

Subjects tested:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• Current Affairs and General Knowledge
• General Studies (Civic Education and Social Issues)

Section 1: English Language — Free Practice Questions

English Language questions test grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and sentence construction. Below are 10 practice questions at the level you should expect in the NSCDC CBT.

Question 1 Choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the word DILIGENT:

A) Lazy B) Careless C) Hardworking D) Slow

✅ Answer: C — Hardworking Explanation: “Diligent” means showing careful and consistent effort. “Hardworking” is the closest synonym. “Lazy” and “careless” are antonyms.Question 2 Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to TURBULENT:

A) Chaotic B) Stormy C) Calm D) Violent

✅ Answer: C — Calm Explanation: “Turbulent” describes disorder or agitation. Its antonym is “calm,” which describes a state of peace and stability.

Question 3 Select the option that correctly fills the blank: The officer was commended for his ________ in handling the crisis.

A) negligence B) promptitude C) laziness D) ignorance

✅ Answer: B — promptitude Explanation: “Promptitude” means acting quickly and efficiently. The sentence praises the officer, so a positive quality is needed. Negligence, laziness, and ignorance are all negative qualities.

Question 4 Identify the grammatically correct sentence:

A) The team have finished their duties yesterday. B) The team has finished their duties yesterday. C) The team finished their duties yesterday. D) The team were finishing their duties yesterday.

✅ Answer: C — The team finished their duties yesterday. Explanation: “Yesterday” signals simple past tense. Only option C uses the simple past correctly. Options A and B use “have/has” (present perfect), which conflicts with “yesterday.”

Question 5 What is the meaning of the idiom “bite the bullet”

A) To shoot someone B) To endure a painful or difficult situation with courage C) To eat something metallic D) To give up on a task

✅ Answer: B — To endure a painful or difficult situation with courage Explanation: “Bite the bullet” is an idiomatic expression meaning to tolerate pain or difficulty. It originated from the practice of patients biting on a bullet during surgery before anesthesia was available.

Question 6 Choose the correct spelling:

A) Necesary B) Neccesary C) Necessary D) Necesarry

✅ Answer: C — Necessary Explanation: The correct spelling has one “c” and two “s” characters: N-E-C-E-S-S-A-R-Y. A common memory trick is “one Collar, two Socks.”

Question 7 In the sentence below, identify the subject: “The diligent officers of the NSCDC patrol the streets every night.”

A) diligent B) officers C) patrol D) streets

✅ Answer: B — officers Explanation: The subject is who or what is performing the action (patrolling). “Diligent” is an adjective describing the officers. “Patrol” is the verb. “Streets” is the object.

Question 8 Choose the sentence with correct punctuation:

A) Nigerias capital is Abuja. B) Nigeria’s capital is Abuja. C) Nigerias’ capital is Abuja. D) Nigeria capital is Abuja.

✅ Answer: B — Nigeria’s capital is Abuja. Explanation: An apostrophe followed by “s” shows possession. Nigeria owns its capital, so “Nigeria’s” is correct. “Nigerias'” would incorrectly suggest a plural form.

Question 9 Read the passage and answer the question: “Civil defence organizations around the world are responsible for protecting citizens during emergencies such as floods, fires, and civil unrest. Their roles have expanded significantly in recent decades as the frequency of natural disasters has increased globally.”

According to the passage, why have civil defence roles expanded?

A) Because of population growth B) Due to increased frequency of natural disasters C) Because of budget increases D) Due to changes in government policy

✅ Answer: B — Due to increased frequency of natural disasters Explanation: The passage directly states that roles have expanded “as the frequency of natural disasters has increased globally.”

Question 10 Choose the option that has the correct use of subject-verb agreement:

A) Each of the recruits were tested individually. B) Each of the recruits was tested individually. C) Each of the recruits have been tested individually. D) Each of the recruits are tested individually.

✅ Answer: B — Each of the recruits was tested individually. Explanation: “Each” is a singular indefinite pronoun, so it always takes a singular verb. “Was” is correct, not “were,” “have been,” or “are.”

Section 2: Mathematics — Free Practice Questions

The NSCDC Mathematics section focuses on everyday calculations: percentages, ratios, simple interest, basic arithmetic, and logical reasoning. A calculator is not provided, so practice mental and written calculations.

Question 11 A candidate scored 75 marks out of 100 in an aptitude test. What percentage did the candidate score?

A) 70% B) 75% C) 80% D) 85%

✅ Answer: B — 75% Explanation: Percentage = (Score / Total) × 100 = (75 / 100) × 100 = 75%

Question 12 Divide ₦48,000 among three brothers in the ratio 3:2:1. What is the largest share?

A) ₦8,000 B) ₦16,000 C) ₦24,000 D) ₦12,000

✅ Answer: C — ₦24,000 Explanation: Total parts = 3+2+1 = 6. Largest share = (3/6) × ₦48,000 = ₦24,000. Second share = (2/6) × ₦48,000 = ₦16,000. Smallest = ₦8,000.

Question 13 If the simple interest on a sum of money at 5% per annum for 3 years is ₦3,000, what is the principal

A) ₦15,000 B) ₦20,000 C) ₦25,000 D) ₦30,000

✅ Answer: B — ₦20,000 Explanation: Simple Interest formula: SI = (P × R × T) / 100. Rearranging: P = (SI × 100) / (R × T) = (3,000 × 100) / (5 × 3) = 300,000 / 15 = ₦20,000.

Question 14 An officer earns ₦85,000 monthly and spends 60% of his income. How much does he save each month?

A) ₦34,000 B) ₦51,000 C) ₦42,500 D) ₦40,000

✅ Answer: A — ₦34,000 Explanation: Amount spent = 60% of ₦85,000 = ₦51,000. Savings = ₦85,000 − ₦51,000 = ₦34,000. The savings percentage is 40%.

Question 15 A patrol vehicle travels 240 km in 4 hours. At the same speed, how far will it travel in 7 hours?

A) 380 km B) 400 km C) 420 km D) 440 km

✅ Answer: C — 420 km Explanation: Speed = Distance / Time = 240 / 4 = 60 km/h. Distance in 7 hours = 60 × 7 = 420 km.

Section 3: Current Affairs and General Knowledge — Free Practice Questions

This section covers Nigerian history, the NSCDC itself, notable current events, and general geography. Candidates who read newspapers and follow Nigerian government announcements regularly tend to score well here.

Question 16 The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was established under which Act?

A) Act No. 5 of 2000 B) Act No. 2 of 2003 C) Act No. 7 of 2001 D) Act No. 12 of 2005

✅ Answer: B — Act No. 2 of 2003 Explanation: The NSCDC was established by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Act, 2003 (Act No. 2 of 2003), which officially created the Corps as a paramilitary organization under the Federal Ministry of Interior.

Question 17 Which ministry does the NSCDC fall under?

A) Ministry of Defence B) Ministry of Justice C) Ministry of Interior D) Ministry of Police Affairs

✅ Answer: C — Ministry of Interior Explanation: The NSCDC is supervised by the Federal Ministry of Interior, along with other agencies such as the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Nigerian Immigration Service.

Question 18 What is Nigeria’s emergency distress number for civil defence and security

A) 112 B) 911 C) 199 D) 119

✅ Answer: A — 112 Explanation: “Rescue 112” is Nigeria’s multi-agency emergency number operated in part by the NSCDC. Callers can reach civil defence, police, and other emergency services through this line.

Question 19 Nigeria gained independence on

A) October 1, 1960 B) January 15, 1966 C) October 1, 1963 D) May 29, 1999

✅ Answer: A — October 1, 1960 Explanation: Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960. On October 1, 1963, Nigeria became a Republic. May 29, 1999 marks the return to democratic civilian rule.

Question 20 The headquarters of the NSCDC is located in:

A) Lagos B) Kano C) Abuja D) Ibadan

✅ Answer: C — Abuja Explanation: The NSCDC national headquarters is located in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. Each state has its own state command office.

Section 4: General Studies — Free Practice Questions

Question 21 Which of the following is a fundamental human right guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution?

A) Right to free housing B) Right to dignity of human person C) Right to a university education D) Right to employment

✅ Answer: B — Right to dignity of human person Explanation: Section 34 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) guarantees the right to dignity of human person. Housing, education, and employment are desirable but are not constitutionally guaranteed fundamental rights.

Question 22 The primary role of the NSCDC is to:

A) Conduct elections B) Protect government revenue C) Protect critical national infrastructure and maintain internal security D) Regulate immigration

✅ Answer: C — Protect critical national infrastructure and maintain internal security Explanation: The core mandate of the NSCDC under its enabling Act is the protection of critical national infrastructure (pipelines, power lines, railways, etc.) and maintaining internal security in collaboration with other agencies.

Question 23 Which of the following best describes civic responsibility?

A) Paying for private security B) Fulfilling one’s duties and obligations to the community and government C) Joining the military D) Running for political office

✅ Answer: B — Fulfilling one’s duties and obligations to the community and government Explanation: Civic responsibility refers to actions that citizens take to participate in and contribute to their communities — such as voting, paying taxes, obeying laws, and engaging in community service.

Exam Format Summary

Note: The exact number of questions per subject may vary slightly per recruitment cycle. The above is based on patterns from previous CDCFIB CBT exams.

Recommended 3-Week Study Plan

Use this schedule to structure your preparation. Adapt it to your existing schedule.

Week 1: Foundation

• Days 1–2: Review NSCDC history, mandate, and structure
• Days 3–4: Grammar rules, vocabulary, and sentence construction
• Days 5–6: Basic arithmetic, percentages, and ratios
• Day 7: Rest and review notes

Week 2: Practice

• Days 8–9: Take a timed mock test using the questions above
• Days 10–11: Focus on your weakest subject (score yourself honestly)
• Days 12–13: Current affairs — read recent Nigerian newspapers or news apps
• Day 14: Review errors from mock tests

Week 3: Consolidation

• Days 15–17: Daily 30-minute timed mini-tests (20 questions each)
• Days 18–19: Revise national symbols, civic education, constitutional rights
• Day 20: Light revision only — no new material
• Day 21: Rest, prepare documents, get directions to your CBT center

On the Day of the CBT: Practical Tips

• Arrive at the CBT center at least 45 minutes early. Latecomers are typically not admitted.
• Bring your CBT slip, valid ID, and NIN slip. Without these you will be turned away.
• Read every question carefully before answering. Many marks are lost to careless misreading.
• For questions you are unsure about, eliminate obviously wrong options first, then choose the most likely answer.
• Do not leave any question unanswered — with no confirmed negative marking, an attempt is better than a blank.
• Once the timer starts, allocate roughly 35 seconds per question and keep moving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the NSCDC CBT exam difficult? For candidates who prepare adequately, the exam is manageable. The questions are set at a Senior Secondary Certificate level for English and Mathematics. The biggest challenge is time — 100 questions in 60 minutes requires speed and focus.

Can I use a calculator during the exam? No. CBT centres do not permit calculators. Practise doing calculations manually and improve your mental arithmetic.

Will the questions be exactly like the samples above? These are practice questions written in the style and difficulty level of past NSCDC CBT exams. The actual exam will have different specific questions, but the format, subject areas, and difficulty level are consistent.

What happens after the CBT? Candidates who pass the CBT will be invited for physical screening, document verification, and possibly a medical examination. Results are usually published on the official CDCFIB recruitment portal.

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