NECO has provided an official NECO Syllabus for Technical Drawing to help students focus on the key areas that matter most. In this article, we will break down the 2025 NECO Syllabus for Technical Drawing, including the exam structure, important topics to study, and recommended textbooks so you can prepare smart and increase your chances of success.
Technical Drawing tests your knowledge of geometric principles, engineering and architectural designs, and drawing techniques. To do well, you must be confident in topics like plane and solid geometry, mechanical and building drawings, and understand how to use drafting tools correctly.
NECO Technical Drawing Exam Structure
The NECO Technical Drawing exam consists of three papers (1, 2 & 3).
Paper 1 (Objective – 40 Marks, 1 Hour)
- Section A (30 Questions): General principles of plane and solid geometry.
- Section B (10 Questions): Candidates choose either Building Drawing or Mechanical Drawing.
Paper 2 (Essay – 60 Marks, 1¾ Hours)
- 5 Questions on plane, solid, and vector geometry (answer any three).
Paper 3 (Practical – 100 Marks, 2¾ Hours)
- Section A (30 Marks, 45 mins): Freehand sketches of tools, symbols, and components (1 compulsory + 1 optional question).
- Section B (70 Marks, 2 Hours): Building Drawing or Mechanical Drawing (choose one).
Topics in the NECO Syllabus for Technical Drawing
Below is a list of the topics in the NECO Syllabus for Technical Drawing candidates to focus on and what they are expected to understand:
1. Plane Geometry
- Drawing materials and equipment (A2 ISO board, set squares, protractor, T-square)
- Lines, lettering, and dimensioning (Types of lines, lettering styles per BS 1192/BS 308A)
- Division of lines (Equal parts/proportional division)
- Scales (Plain/diagonal scales, scale of chords)
- Angles (Types and constructions)
- Triangles, quadrilaterals, and polygons (Regular/irregular shapes)
- Circles (Parts, properties, constructions)
- Tangents and tangency (Applications in tools like spanners)
- Inscribed/circumscribed figures
- Similar figures and areas (Enlargement/reduction)
- Loci (Construction of curves: ellipse, parabola, helix, cycloid, etc.)
2. Solid Geometry
- Lines in space and planes (True length, angle of inclination, traces)
- Pictorial drawing (Isometric, oblique, perspective)
- Orthographic projection (1st/3rd angle, multi-view)
- Auxiliary projections (Prisms, pyramids, cylinders)
- Sectional views and true shapes (Ellipse, parabola, hyperbola sections)
- Development of surfaces (Pyramids, cones, transition pieces)
- Intersection/interpenetration (Of solids like cylinders/cones)
3. Symbols and Conventions
- Standard symbols used in plane/solid geometry
4. Vector Geometry (For Ghana Candidates)
- Forces Co-planar, concurrent, parallel; resultant determination)
- Framed structures (Reactions, internal forces)
- Shearing force and bending moment diagrams
- Centre of gravity (Simple shapes)
5. Building Drawing (BS 1192 Standards)
- Freehand sketching (Building tools in orthographic/pictorial)
- Foundations and floors (Types/parts)
- Openings (Doors, windows, arches)
- Stairs (Parts/types of staircases)
- Roofs (Types/parts)
- Construction details (Walls, beams, columns)
- Working drawings (Orthographic/sectional views)
- Building materials and symbols (Electrical/plumbing fittings)
6. Mechanical Drawing (BS 308A Standards)
- Freehand sketching (Mechanical tools)
- Dimensioning (Tolerances, limits/fits)
- Screw threads and fasteners (Conventional representation)
- Sectioning (Full/half/offset sections)
- Pictorial drawing (Isometric/oblique)
- Working/assembly drawings
- Symbols and conventions (Welding, electrical symbols)
Studying with the NECO Syllabus for Technical Drawing is important because it provides a clear structure of the topics, exam format, and what is expected from students. It helps you focus your preparation on the right areas and avoid wasting time on irrelevant topics.
The NECO Syllabus for Technical Drawing is also aligned with WAEC standards, making it useful for students preparing for both exams. This makes it a reliable reference for mastering key concepts and understanding how to approach the exam confidently.
List of Recommended Textbooks
- Technical Drawing for School Certificate & G.C.E, by J.N. Green (Spectrum Books)
- Engineering Drawing with Worked Examples 1 & 2 (3rd Ed.) by M.A. Parker & F. Pickup (Nelson Thornes)
- Geometric and Engineering Drawing by K. Morling
- Geometric and Technical Drawing by A. Yarwood (ELBS/Nelson)
- Foundation of Technical Drawing by A. Parkinson
- Technical Drawing with Mechanical Engineering Option by W.E. Kudor
Tips for Success in your NECO Technical Drawing Exam
Master freehand sketching as it is very important for Paper 3’s practical section.
Practice past questions regularly, with special attention to orthographic projections and loci constructions.
Follow standard conventions such as BS 1192 (for Building Drawing) and BS 308A (for Mechanical Drawing).
Ensure all your drawing tools like the board, T-square, set squares, and compass are complete and functional.
More NECO Updates:
- NECO Timetable 2025 for June/July Examination [SSCE Internal]
- How Much Is NECO Registration Fee 2025: See Answer Here
Preparing with the NECO syllabus for Technical Drawing gives you a structured guide to all the topics you need to study, outlines the exam format, and helps you use your study time effectively. Since the syllabus aligns with WAEC standards, it remains relevant for most Nigerian students. Make it a habit to sketch and draw regularly to boost both your speed and accuracy.
Reading through past NECO/WAEC questions is one of the best ways to understand the question patterns. If any topic confuses you, don’t hesitate to ask your teacher or join a study group. Bookmark our website for updates and drop your questions in the comment section we’re always here to assist.