Starting your journey at the National Open University of Nigeria is exciting, but let's be real - it can also be pretty nerve-wracking. If you're a fresh 100 level student, you're probably wondering what these CBT exams everyone keeps talking about are really like. Maybe you've heard stories from older students, or maybe you're just worried about taking exams on a computer instead of writing on paper like you did in secondary school.
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Don't worry. This article is specifically for you - the 100 level student trying to figure out how to prepare for NOUN exams in 2026. We'll break down everything you need to know and give you access to updated mock exams that match the current question patterns.
Check out, how to pass NOUN CBT exam step by step
What to Expect as a 100 Level NOUN Student
Your first year at NOUN is mostly about foundation courses. These are general courses that every student takes regardless of their program. You'll be writing exams for courses like Use of English, Introduction to your major, basic mathematics or statistics, and some general education courses.
The good news is that 100 level courses are designed to ease you into university-level studying. The questions aren't usually as complex as what you'll face in 200 or 300 level. But that doesn't mean you should take them lightly. Your 100 level results set the foundation for your CGPA, and starting strong makes everything easier later.
As a 100 level student, you're probably juggling a lot. Many NOUN students work full-time jobs, have families, or have other responsibilities. The beauty of NOUN is that you can study at your own pace, but you still need a solid preparation strategy for exams.
Check out NOUN CGPA calculator and tracker
Understanding NOUN CBT Format for First Year Students
If you've never taken a computer-based test before, let me walk you through what it looks like.
When you arrive at your exam center, you'll be assigned a computer. After logging in with your exam number, you'll see your exam questions on the screen. There's a timer at the top showing how much time you have left. Most 100 level exams give you about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Questions appear on your screen with multiple options below them, usually labeled A, B, C, and D. You click on your chosen answer to select it. That's basically it. Simple, right?
But here's what trips up many first-timers. You can't see all questions at once like you would on paper. You need to click through them. There's a navigation panel showing question numbers - answered questions show in one color, unanswered in another. You can jump to any question by clicking its number.
The system has buttons for Previous, Next, Flag (to mark questions you want to revisit), and Submit. When time runs out, the system automatically submits whatever you've answered. No extensions, no "just one more minute." This is why practicing with our mock exam is so important - you get used to managing time and navigating the interface before the real thing.
Popular 100 Level Courses Covered in Our Mock Exam
Our 2026 updated mock exam system covers all the major 100 level courses across different faculties. Here's what's available:
GST 101 - Use of English is compulsory for everyone. This course tests your understanding of grammar, comprehension, summary writing, and essay techniques. Our mock exam includes questions on parts of speech, sentence construction, vocabulary, and reading comprehension passages just like the real exam.
GST 103 - Introduction to Logic and Philosophy is another general course most students take. The mock questions cover basic logical reasoning, arguments, fallacies, and philosophical concepts. Don't underestimate this course - the questions can be tricky if you don't practice.
GST 107 - The Good Study Guide teaches you how to study effectively at NOUN. While this might seem like an easy course, the exam asks specific questions about study techniques, time management, and distance learning strategies covered in the course material.
CIT 101 - Introduction to Computer Science is required for many programs. Our mock exam covers computer basics, hardware, software, number systems, and introduction to programming concepts.
For Business Administration students, we have mock exams for:
- BUS 101 - Introduction to Business covering business concepts, entrepreneurship basics, business environment, and Nigerian business context
- ACC 101 - Introduction to Financial Accounting with questions on accounting principles, double entry, basic financial statements, and accounting concepts
- ECO 101 - Principles of Economics including microeconomics and macroeconomics basics, demand and supply, market structures, and economic systems
For Education students, our coverage includes:
- EDU 111 - Introduction to Teaching Profession covering the teaching profession, teacher roles, educational system, and professional ethics
- EDU 112 - Philosophy of Education with questions on educational philosophies, aims of education, and philosophical foundations
- EDU 121 - Child Development including child growth stages, developmental theories, and learning processes
For Mass Communication students:
- MAC 111 - Introduction to Mass Communication covering media types, communication theories, mass communication process, and media functions
- MAC 121 - History and Philosophy of Mass Communication with questions on media history, development of communication, and philosophical foundations
For Computer Science students:
- CIT 102 - Introduction to Problem Solving covering algorithms, flowcharts, pseudocode, and problem-solving techniques
- MTH 101 - Elementary Mathematics I including algebra, trigonometry, and basic calculus concepts
For Public Administration students:
- PAD 112 - Introduction to Public Administration covering administrative theories, public sector management, and Nigerian public service
- POL 101 - Introduction to Political Science with questions on political concepts, government types, and political systems
For Sociology students:
- SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology covering sociological imagination, social institutions, culture, and society
- SOC 103 - Introduction to Social Work including social work practice, welfare systems, and helping professions
And many more courses across all faculties. The 2026 update means all these mock exams reflect the current curriculum and recent exam patterns.
How to Access Your Free 100 Level Mock Exam
Getting started with your practice is straightforward. Scroll to the course selection section on this page. You'll see courses organized by faculty and department. Click on "100 Level Courses" or search directly for your course code.
Once you select a course, you'll see two options: Practice Mode and Exam Mode. If this is your first time, start with Practice Mode. This mode shows you the correct answer immediately after each question, helping you learn as you go.
When you feel more confident, switch to Exam Mode. This simulates the actual NOUN CBT exam - you answer all questions under timed conditions, then see your results at the end. This is crucial for building exam stamina and time management skills.
The mock exam works on any device - your phone, tablet, or computer. The interface adjusts automatically. However, I'd recommend practicing on a computer at least a few times since that's what you'll use in the actual exam center.
You don't need to register or create an account to start practicing. Just click and go. However, if you do create a free account, the system will save your progress and you can track your improvement over time.
100 Level Study Tips That Actually Work
As a first-year student, you're still figuring out how to study effectively at university level. Here are practical tips that work specifically for NOUN students.
Start early with your course materials. Don't wait until two weeks before exams to open your books. NOUN provides course materials online through your portal. Download them early and create a reading schedule. Even 30 minutes of reading daily makes a huge difference.
Join your course WhatsApp or Telegram groups. Your coursemates are valuable resources. In these groups, students share notes, discuss difficult topics, and support each other. Just search for your course code on social media and you'll find groups to join.
Attend tutorials if possible. NOUN organizes tutorials at various study centers. These sessions help clarify difficult concepts. If you can't attend physically, many centers now offer online tutorials via Zoom.
Break your study time into chunks. Don't try to read a whole course material in one sitting. Your brain can't process that much information at once. Study in 45-minute sessions with 15-minute breaks. This technique, called the Pomodoro method, really works.
Make your own notes. Don't just read passively. As you study, write down key points in your own words. This active engagement helps your brain remember better than just highlighting or reading.
Test yourself regularly. This is where our mock exam comes in. After studying a topic, take a practice test on it. This shows you what you actually remember versus what you think you know.
Study the areas you find difficult. It's tempting to keep practicing what you're already good at because it feels nice to get questions right. But real improvement comes from tackling your weak areas.
Form or join a study group. Find 3-4 serious students and meet weekly (online or in person) to discuss course materials. Teaching others is one of the best ways to learn.
Common Mistakes 100 Level Students Make
Learn from those who came before you. These are mistakes first-year students commonly make:
Underestimating 100 level courses. Some students think first-year courses are easy and don't study seriously. Then they're shocked when results come out. Every course deserves proper preparation.
Procrastinating on assignments. NOUN gives TMAs (Tutor Marked Assignments) throughout the semester. Some students wait until the last minute to submit. Don't do this. TMAs contribute to your final score and also help you understand the course better.
Not practicing with CBT format before exams. This is a huge one. Students who've never used CBT format waste precious time during the exam figuring out how the buttons work. Practice eliminates this problem completely.
Studying without past questions. Past questions show you exam patterns and the types of questions to expect. Our mock exam is based on these patterns, so you're essentially studying with guidance rather than shooting in the dark.
Poor time management during exams. Spending 40 minutes on 10 questions and rushing through the remaining 40 questions is common. Practice with timed mock exams teaches you to pace yourself properly.
Not reading questions carefully. In panic mode, students often misread "which is NOT correct" as "which is correct" and choose the wrong answer even though they know the material.
Skipping questions and forgetting to return to them. Always use the flag feature for questions you're unsure about. Before submitting, check that you've attempted every question.
Your 100 Level Exam Preparation Timeline
Having a timeline helps you stay organized. Here's a practical preparation schedule:
6-8 weeks before exams: Start reading your course materials systematically. Create a reading schedule covering all your courses. Join or form study groups.
4-6 weeks before exams: Begin taking mock exams in Practice Mode. After studying each topic, test yourself on it immediately. Review your mistakes and study those areas again.
3-4 weeks before exams: Switch to Exam Mode for your mock tests. Simulate real exam conditions. Time yourself strictly. Take at least one full mock exam per course per week.
2-3 weeks before exams: Focus on your weak areas identified through mock tests. Review all course materials again, paying special attention to topics you struggle with.
1 week before exams: Do final mock exams for all courses. Review past questions. Ensure you're familiar with the CBT interface. Prepare your exam materials (ID card, exam slip, etc.).
Day before exam: Light review only. Don't cram new information. Get good sleep. Prepare everything you need for the exam center.
Exam day: Arrive early. Stay calm. Remember all your practice. Trust your preparation.
Understanding 100 Level Grading at NOUN
Knowing how grading works helps you set realistic goals. NOUN uses a 5-point grading scale:
- A = 70-100 (Excellent) = 5 points
- B = 60-69 (Very Good) = 4 points
- C = 50-59 (Good) = 3 points
- D = 45-49 (Pass) = 2 points
- F = 0-44 (Fail) = 0 points
Your Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated using your scores and course units. TMAs usually contribute 30% while the final exam contributes 70% to your total score, though this can vary by course.
As a 100 level student, aim for at least a 3.5 GPA. This gives you a strong foundation and makes maintaining good grades easier in higher levels. Our mock exams help you gauge where you're likely to score so you can adjust your preparation accordingly.
Special Advice for Mature Students
Many NOUN students are mature students who've been out of school for years. If this is you, don't feel discouraged. You bring life experience and motivation that younger students often lack.
However, you might need extra practice with the computer interface if you're not used to technology. Spend more time with the mock exams getting comfortable with clicking, navigating, and reading from a screen.
Your study approach might be different too. You probably can't pull all-nighters like younger students. Instead, study consistently in shorter sessions that fit your schedule. Quality beats quantity.
Don't compare yourself to fresh secondary school leavers who might remember certain concepts better. You have better focus and understanding of why you're learning. Use that to your advantage.
Technical Tips for CBT Exam Day
Beyond knowing the material, these technical tips help on exam day:
Arrive at least 30 minutes early. This gives you time to sort out any registration issues and calm your nerves before the exam starts.
Bring backup writing materials. Though it's CBT, centers usually provide rough paper for calculations. Bring your own pen and paper just in case.
Check your computer before starting. Make sure the mouse works, the screen displays clearly, and the keyboard functions. If anything seems off, tell the supervisor immediately.
Don't panic if the system logs you out. Sometimes technical glitches happen. Your answers are usually saved. Just call the supervisor and they'll help you log back in.
Read the instructions on screen carefully. Before starting, the system usually shows instructions. Don't skip these even if you think you know everything.
Use the rough paper strategically. For calculation courses, work things out on paper first before selecting your answer on the screen.
Why Our 2026 Updated Mock Exam Matters
You might wonder what makes the 2026 update important. Here's why it matters for you as a current student.
NOUN regularly reviews and updates course materials. Questions that appeared five years ago might not match current curriculum emphasis. Our 2026 update reflects the latest course content and exam patterns.
We've also incorporated feedback from students who wrote exams in 2024 and 2025. They've told us which topics appeared frequently, which question styles were common, and where they felt unprepared. We've used this information to make our mock exams more relevant.
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The interface update matches the current NOUN CBT system. If the actual system changed certain features or button placements, our mock exam reflects those changes so you practice with what you'll actually see.
Question difficulty calibration has been adjusted based on recent exam trends. Some courses have become more application-based rather than theoretical. Our questions reflect this shift.
Getting the Most From Your Mock Exam Practice
Simply taking mock exams isn't enough. Here's how to maximize their value:
Take your first mock exam cold. Before studying anything, take one mock exam per course to see your baseline. This shows you exactly where you're starting from.
Study between mock exams. Don't take five mock exams back-to-back. Take one, identify weak areas, study those topics, then take another. This cycle of testing-learning-testing is most effective.
Review every single question. Even questions you got right. Understanding why the correct answer is right deepens your knowledge. For wrong answers, don't just memorize the correction - understand the concept.
Track your progress visually. Keep a simple spreadsheet or notebook showing your scores on each mock exam. Seeing improvement from 45% to 55% to 68% is incredibly motivating.
Practice at different times of day. Your actual exams might be morning, afternoon, or evening. Practice at various times to ensure your brain performs well regardless of when you're tested.
Simulate distractions. Real exam centers aren't always perfectly quiet. Practice with some background noise occasionally so you can focus even when conditions aren't ideal.
Balancing Multiple Courses
As a 100 level student, you're probably registered for 6-8 courses. Preparing for all of them can feel overwhelming. Here's how to manage:
Create a rotation schedule. Don't study the same course every day. Rotate through your courses so each one gets attention regularly.
Prioritize based on difficulty. Give more time to courses you find harder. If you're strong in one course, that one needs less intensive preparation.
Group similar courses together. If you're taking multiple education courses or multiple business courses, study them on the same days. The knowledge often overlaps and reinforces itself.
Use waiting time efficiently. Have mock exam questions on your phone for times you're waiting somewhere. Five minutes here and there adds up significantly.
Your Path to Success Starts Now
Being a 100 level student at NOUN is the beginning of an important journey. The study habits and exam strategies you develop now will carry you through your entire degree program.
This free mock exam system gives you everything you need to prepare properly. No need to spend money on expensive materials or coaching classes. Just consistent practice with these updated questions.
Remember that everyone feels uncertain at first. Even students who eventually graduate with first-class honors were once confused first-years trying to figure things out. The difference between students who succeed and those who struggle often comes down to preparation and practice.
You have the tools now. The mock exams are ready. Your course materials are available. What matters next is your commitment to preparing consistently.
Start with one course today. Take your first mock exam and see where you stand. Then create your study plan and stick to it. Before you know it, you'll be walking into that exam center feeling confident and prepared.
Welcome to NOUN. Your success story begins with the first practice question you attempt. Select your course above and start preparing now. Good luck!