The truth remains that WAEC GCE Chemistry Jan/Feb remains one of the highest-failure yet highest-reward subjects in the WAEC GCE examination. Every year, thousands of private candidates fail Chemistry not because it is impossible, but because they prepare blindly, without understanding how WAEC actually sets Chemistry questions. WAEC GCE Jan/Feb Chemistry 2026 (Essay, Objective & Alternative to Practical Work) guide is here to explain what you need to know.
If you are sitting for WAEC GCE Chemistry Jan/Feb 2026, this guide will walk you through:
- The exact exam structure (Essay, Objective & Alternative to Practical)
- Repeated past questions and answers
- High-scoring strategies examiners look into
- Common mistakes that cost candidates easy marks
- Smart preparation methods used by top scorers and private candidates
- FAQs other candidates are actively searching for online
This article is written to help you pass Chemistry confidently, even if you are a working-class candidate, external candidate, or rewriting WAEC for admission, nursing school, or overseas studies.
WAEC GCE Chemistry Jan/Feb 2026
WAEC GCE Jan/Feb Chemistry 2026: Exam Structure Explained
WAEC GCE Chemistry for candidates is divided into three major papers, all written within the examination window.
Paper 1: Chemistry Objective (Multiple Choice)
- 50 questions
- 50 marks
- Tests speed, accuracy, and theory recall
- Often repeats concepts from previous WAEC years
- Options lettered from A-D in some cases
Paper 2: Chemistry Essay (Theory)
- Structured and free-response questions
- Requires explanations, equations, calculations, and reasoning
- Carries the highest marks
Paper 3: Alternative to Practical Work
- Tests practical chemistry knowledge without laboratory experiments
- Includes qualitative analysis, calculations, diagrams, and observations
Important Note: Many candidates fail Chemistry because they ignore Alternative to Practical, assuming it is “easy.” WAEC quietly awards huge marks here. So take note and give equal attention to the 3 section.
WAEC GCE Chemistry 2026 Objective Questions & Answers (Past Questions)
Objective questions are highly repetitive when it comes to WAEC GCE Chemistry Jan/Feb 2026. Below are frequently tested questions with correct answers.
Sample Objective Questions
1. Which of the following elements is a noble gas?
A. Oxygen
B. Nitrogen
C. Neon ✅
D. Chlorine
2. The pH value of a neutral solution is:
A. 0
B. 3
C. 7 ✅
D. 14
3. Which of the following is an example of a physical change?
A. Rusting of iron
B. Burning of paper
C. Melting of ice ✅
D. Fermentation
4. The process of converting a solid directly to gas is known as:
A. Condensation
B. Evaporation
C. Sublimation ✅
D. Freezing
5. Which gas turns damp blue litmus paper red?
A. Oxygen
B. Hydrogen
C. Carbon dioxide ✅
D. Nitrogen
👉 Pro tip: Candidates who practice at least 10 years of WAEC GCE Chemistry objectives Past questions drastically increase their chances of scoring 30+ out of 50.
WAEC GCE Chemistry Jan/Feb Essay Questions & Detailed Answers
Essay questions are where top scores are made or lost. WAEC rewards clarity, step-by-step explanations, and correct chemical equations. In this section, Candidates are required to give deep and accurate explanation of their answers which proves to the examiner that the Candidate really understands the question. Below are typical examples of Essay question with their required answers and method of approach:
Essay Question 1
Define acids and bases according to the Brønsted–Lowry theory.
Answer:
According to the Brønsted–Lowry theory:
- An acid is a substance that donates a proton (H⁺ ion).
- A base is a substance that accepts a proton (H⁺ ion).
For example, in the reaction:
HCl + H₂O → H₃O⁺ + Cl⁻
HCl acts as an acid, while water acts as a base.
Essay Question 2
Explain three differences between metals and non-metals.
Answer:
- Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity, while non-metals are poor conductors.
- Metals are malleable and ductile, while non-metals are brittle.
- Metals tend to lose electrons during chemical reactions, while non-metals gain electrons.
Essay Question 3
State and explain the law of conservation of mass.
Answer:
The law of conservation of mass states that matter is neither created nor destroyed during a chemical reaction, but only changes form.
This means the total mass of reactants before a reaction is equal to the total mass of products after the reaction.
The Answers provided gives a clear message that the Candidate really understands the question, this is exactly what the Examiners need from WAEC GCE Candidates.
WAEC GCE Chemistry Jan/Feb Alternative to Practical Work (2026 Guide)
This section tests whether you understand lab chemistry, even without touching equipment. Most Private Candidates find it difficult to pass in this section because of their failure to participate in the Alternative to Practical, but many has passed by reading past question from previous practical.
Common Topics Tested
- Qualitative analysis
- Identification of gases
- Simple titration calculations
- Observation and inference
- Safety precautions in the laboratory
Sample Alternative to Practical Question
A solution turns blue litmus paper red and produces effervescence with sodium carbonate. Identify the solution.
Answer:
The solution is an acid, most likely hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid.
Effervescence indicates the production of carbon dioxide gas, confirming an acid–carbonate reaction.
Sample Calculation Question
Calculate the number of moles in 22g of carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Molar mass of CO₂ = 44 g/mol
Number of moles = Mass ÷ Molar mass
= 22 ÷ 44
= 0.5 moles
READ ALSO:
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2026 WAEC GCE Jan/Feb Physics: (Essay & Objective) Answers
WAEC GCE Jan/Feb English Language 2026: (Essay, Objective & Test of Orals)
Smart Strategies to Score High in WAEC GCE Chemistry Jan/Feb 2026
These strategies are used by private tutors, exam coaches, and top candidates:
- Master chemical equations and balance them daily
- Memorize definitions exactly as WAEC expects
- Practice calculations without calculators (WAEC limits calculator use)
- Study qualitative analysis tables
- Use diagrams where possible in essay answers
- Avoid unnecessary explanations—WAEC marks precision
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is WAEC GCE Chemistry harder than May/June?
The syllabus is the same, but GCE questions are often more direct and calculation-focused. Visit WAEC Official website https://www.waeconline.org.ng/ for more Information
Can I pass Chemistry without practical experience?
Yes. Alternative to Practical tests theory-based lab knowledge, not physical experiments.
How many years of past questions should I study?
At least 10–15 years for maximum familiarity with repeated patterns. visit http://myschool.ng for an Online CBT Practice.
Is Chemistry compulsory for science-related courses?
Yes. Chemistry is required for Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Engineering, and many science programs.
Final Thoughts: Can You Pass WAEC GCE Jan/Feb Chemistry 2026?
Yes—with the right strategy.
Chemistry is not about cramming formulas blindly. It’s about understanding patterns, recognizing repeated questions, and presenting answers the WAEC examiner expects.
Candidates who combine:
- Past questions
- Concept mastery
- Smart exam techniques
…often outperform those who rely on guesswork.
Conclusion
The WAEC GCE Chemistry Jan/Feb 2026: (Essay, Objective & Alternative to practical work) is a handbook guide for GCE Candidates, the idea of the article is to give students a clue about their exam, format, structure and most repeated topics and questions.
We wish you Good luck as you prepare for the Exam, and do well to share this information with your friends, Also drop your comment anywhere you need help and our Team of Bloggers will help you with the Best information afterwards, cheers!!! to your success.
