NECO 2026/2027 Computer Studies Practical Questions & Answers with Step-by-Step Student Guide

2026 NECO Computer Studies Practical Questions and Answers Word Processing, Excel, Database & More (With Step-by-Step Guide) What This Guide Is For

If you are an SS3 student preparing for the NECO 2026 Computer Studies Practical examination, you are in exactly the right place. This guide was created by educators specifically for Nigerian secondary school students who want clear, honest, and practical preparation, not vague textbook theory, but real task-based practice that mirrors what NECO examiners actually set.

The Computer Studies Practical paper tests your ability to use software tools correctly under timed conditions. Unlike the theory paper, you are judged on what you do on the computer, not just what you know. That means every click, every saved file name, and every formatting choice either earns you marks or costs you them.

In this guide, we break down each 2026 NECO Computer Studies Practical question one at a time — rewriting every task in simple language a student can actually follow, then providing a detailed step-by-step answer with exact menu paths and keyboard shortcuts.

Key Exam Information

General Instructions to Candidates — Simplified

Before you begin any task on the computer, make sure you understand these rules. They apply to every question in the paper.

Answer all questionsDo not skip any question. Every question carries marks you cannot afford to lose.	Read before you typeRead the full question carefully before touching the keyboard.
Save with the exact file nameWrong file names cost marks — even one wrong letter or missing underscore matters.	Show your workingsWhere the question asks for workings, write them out. Do not just give the final answer.
Time: 2 hrs 30 minsDo not spend too long on one question. Move on and come back if needed.	Total: 100 marksEvery section contributes — attempt them all for the best score.

Question 1  —  Word Processing (Microsoft Word)     12 Marks

What Is This Question Really Asking?

This question tests whether you know how to open Microsoft Word, type a passage correctly, apply professional formatting, and save your work with exactly the right file name. It sounds simple — but many students lose marks on small details like the wrong font size, wrong file name, or forgetting to justify the paragraph. Pay close attention to every single instruction given.

Part A — Type This Passage Word for Word

Open a new Microsoft Word document and type the following passage exactly as it appears below. Do not change any words, add extra spaces, or skip any sentence.

The rapid growth of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has transformed modern education. Students can now access learning materials online, communicate with teachers remotely, and participate in virtual classrooms. ICT has also improved research, collaboration, and access to global information resources.

Note: The bold phrase above (Information and Communication Technology (ICT)) is the one you will need to make bold in your Word document. Everything else remains normal text.

Part B — Formatting Requirements

After typing the passage, apply each of the following formatting settings. Missing even one will cost you marks.

A  Font: Times New Roman	14  Font size: 14pt
≡  Line spacing: 1.5	▤  Alignment: Justified
B  Bold the ICT phrase only	☰  Title: Centered + Bold

Your document title must read exactly as shown below:

IMPORTANCE OF ICT IN EDUCATION

The title goes above the passage, is written in ALL CAPS, centered on the page, and bold.

Step-by-Step Answer — Exactly What to Do

Follow these steps in order. Do not skip any step.

1. Step 1: Open Microsoft Word on your computer. Click on Blank Document to start a fresh, empty file.
2. Step 2: Type the title: IMPORTANCE OF ICT IN EDUCATION. Use your Caps Lock key to type it all in capitals. Press Enter once to move down to a new line before typing the passage.
3. Step 3: Click on the title text to place your cursor there. In the Home tab, click the Center align button (or press Ctrl + E on your keyboard). Then click the Bold button (or press Ctrl + B). Your title is now centered and bold.
4. Step 4: Click below the title on the new empty line. Type the full passage exactly as shown. Do not try to correct any word you think looks wrong — type it precisely as given.
5. Step 5: Select all your text by pressing Ctrl + A. In the font name box on the Home tab, type Times New Roman and press Enter. Then click the font size box and type 14, then press Enter.
6. Step 6: With all the text still selected, go to Home tab and look for the Paragraph section. Click the small arrow icon at the bottom-right corner of the Paragraph group to open the full Paragraph settings. Under Line Spacing, choose 1.5 lines. Click OK.
7. Step 7: Still with all text selected, click the Justify button in the Paragraph group (it looks like four equal-width lines), or press Ctrl + J on your keyboard.
8. Step 8: Now scroll to find and carefully highlight only the words Information and Communication Technology (ICT) inside the passage text — not in the title. Once highlighted, press Ctrl + B to make only that phrase bold.
9. Step 9: Go to File → Save As. Choose a location on the computer. In the file name box, type the file name exactly as shown below. Make sure the file type shows .docx. Click Save.

Save file as: ICT_EDUCATION.docx

Common Mistake to Avoid: Students often type “ICT Education” or “ict_education” instead of “ICT_EDUCATION”. The file name must use underscores (not spaces), and must be in ALL CAPITALS exactly as written. A wrong file name costs marks even when the content and formatting are perfect.

Question 2 (Spreadsheet) – 14 Marks

Task

Enter the following data into a spreadsheet:

Student	Test	Exam
Musa	25	60
Ada	18	55
Emeka	20	70
Mary	22	65
David	28	58

Perform the following:

(a) Create a Total column.

(b) Calculate Total Score.

(c) Create an Average column.

(d) Calculate Average Score.

(e) Save as RESULT_SHEET.xlsx

Answer

Student	Test	Exam	Total	Average
Musa	25	60	85	42.5
Ada	18	55	73	36.5
Emeka	20	70	90	45
Mary	22	65	87	43.5
David	28	58	86	43

Formula:

Total:

=B2+C2

Average:

=D2/2

Save as:

RESULT_SHEET.xlsx

Question 3 (Database Management) – 12 Marks

Task

Create a database table named STUDENTS with the following fields:

Field Name	Data Type
Reg_No	Text
Name	Text
Gender	Text
Class	Text

Enter the following records:

Reg_No	Name	Gender	Class
CS001	Musa	Male	SS3
CS002	Ada	Female	SS3
CS003	James	Male	SS2

Save as:

SCHOOL_DB

Answer

Table successfully created with:

• Reg_No
• Name
• Gender
• Class

Three records entered correctly.

Question 4 (Presentation Package) – 12 Marks

Task

Create a PowerPoint presentation with three slides on:

COMPUTER VIRUSES

Slide 1:

• Title Slide

Slide 2:

• Meaning of Computer Virus

Slide 3:

• Prevention of Computer Virus

Apply:

• Appropriate design theme
• Slide transitions
• Bullet points

Save as:

VIRUS_PRESENTATION.pptx

Answer

Expected Content:

Meaning

A computer virus is a malicious program designed to damage, disrupt or gain unauthorized access to computer systems.

Prevention

• Install antivirus software
• Avoid suspicious downloads
• Update software regularly
• Scan external storage devices

2026 NECO Practical-Computer Studies Questions and Answers

Question 5 (Internet and Email) – 10 Marks

Task

(a) State four uses of the Internet.

(b) State four advantages of Email.

Answer

Uses of Internet

1. Research and learning
2. Online communication
3. E-commerce
4. Entertainment

Advantages of Email

1. Fast delivery
2. Low cost
3. Global communication
4. Ability to send attachments

Question 6 (HTML Web Design) – 14 Marks

Task

Type and save the following HTML code as:

index.html

<html>
<head>
<title>My School</title>
</head>
<body>
<h1>Welcome To My School</h1>
<p>Computer education is important in today's world.</p>
</body>
</html>

Answer

When opened in a browser, the page displays:

Welcome To My School

Computer education is important in today’s world.

Question 7 (Computer Hardware Identification) – 12 Marks

Task

Identify the following devices and state one function of each:

(a) Keyboard

(b) Monitor

(c) Printer

(d) Scanner

(e) UPS

(f) Mouse

Answer

Device	Function
Keyboard	Used for entering data
Monitor	Displays output
Printer	Produces hard copy
Scanner	Converts hard copy to digital form
UPS	Provides backup power
Mouse	Controls pointer movement

Question 8 (Computer Appreciation and Networking) – 14 Marks

Task

(a) Define Computer Network.

(b) State four networking devices.

(c) Differentiate between LAN and WAN.

Answer

(a) Definition

A computer network is a system of interconnected computers that share resources and information.

(b) Networking Devices

1. Router
2. Switch
3. Hub
4. Modem

(c) Difference Between LAN and WAN

LAN	WAN
Covers small area	Covers large geographical area
Faster	Relatively slower
Lower cost	Higher cost
Usually within one organization	Connects multiple organizations

NECO Examiner’s Notes

Topics most likely to appear in Computer Studies Practical include:

• Microsoft Word formatting
• Spreadsheet calculations
• Database creation
• PowerPoint presentation
• Internet and Email
• HTML webpage design
• Hardware identification
• Networking concepts

Candidates should practice practical operations on Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and basic HTML coding, as these form the core areas of NECO Computer Studies Practical examinations.