100+ Free PSC Entrance Exam Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: PSC Entrance Exam Exam

100

Exam Questions

PSC

2 hours

Time Limit

PSC

Free

Exam Fee

PSC

2024

Latest Code Version

Civil Service Code and Rules

5 regions

Provinces/Areas

Administrative divisions

1961

Year of Independence

Sierra Leone History

The Sierra Leone Civil Service Entrance Examination (PSC) is a 2-hour competitive exam consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions. It is administered by the Public Service Commission of Sierra Leone and is free to take. The exam covers four key areas: English grammar & official writing, quantitative reasoning, Sierra Leone geography & history, and public service ethics & rules (under the Civil Service Code and Rules 2024). A competitive merit-based pass rate of approximately 35% is required to advance to the interview stage.

Sample PSC Entrance Exam Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your PSC Entrance Exam exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Choose the option that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the word 'IMPARTIAL'.

A.Biased

B.Objective

C.Neutral

D.Disinterested

Explanation: Impartial means treating all rivals or disputants equally, or showing no bias. The opposite of impartial is biased, which means showing an unfair tendency to favor one group or point of view. Objective, neutral, and disinterested are related to or synonyms of impartial.

2Choose the option that is most nearly identical in meaning to the word 'REDUNDANT'.

A.Superfluous

B.Essential

C.Deficient

D.Sparse

Explanation: Redundant means not or no longer needed, or useful, and superfluous is its closest synonym, meaning unnecessary or more than enough. Essential is an antonym, meaning absolutely necessary. Deficient and sparse describe a lack or shortage, which is the opposite of redundancy.

3Complete the sentence with the grammatically correct word: 'Neither the Minister nor his directors ___ present at the cabinet meeting.'

A.were

B.was

C.is

D.has been

Explanation: When subject parts are connected by 'neither... nor', the verb must agree with the part of the subject closest to it. Since 'his directors' is plural and is closest to the verb, the plural verb 'were' is correct. 'Was', 'is', and 'has been' are singular verbs and would violate grammatical concord rules.

4What is the meaning of the common English idiom 'to burn the midnight oil'?

A.To work late into the night

B.To waste resources needlessly

C.To start a fire accidentally

D.To wake up early in the morning

Explanation: The idiom 'to burn the midnight oil' historically refers to using oil lamps to read or work late into the night. It is widely used to describe working or studying intensely during late-night hours. The other options are incorrect literal or unrelated interpretations.

5In administrative and official correspondence, which component of a formal memorandum specifies the main subject or purpose of the document?

A.Subject line

B.Salutation

C.Reference number

D.Enclosure block

Explanation: The subject line (often preceded by 'SUBJ:' or 'RE:') is a concise statement indicating the topic or purpose of the memorandum. It helps readers identify the issue immediately and assists in filing. Salutations are omitted in formal memos, reference numbers identify the file, and enclosure blocks list attachments.

6Complete the sentence: 'The permanent secretary is responsible ___ the Minister for the administration of the department.'

A.to

B.for

C.with

D.by

Explanation: In administrative hierarchies, an officer is responsible 'to' a superior authority (e.g. the Minister) 'for' a duty (e.g. the administration of the department). Therefore, the preposition 'to' is grammatically correct. The other prepositions do not establish the correct relationship of accountability.

7Choose the option that is most nearly identical in meaning to the word 'ABOLISH'.

A.Nullify

B.Establish

C.Promote

D.Support

Explanation: To abolish means to formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution. 'Nullify' is the closest synonym, meaning to make legally null and void. Establish, promote, and support are antonyms or unrelated positive actions.

8What is the term for the official record of the discussions, decisions, and action items from a formal meeting?

A.Minutes

B.Agenda

C.Memorandum

D.Circular

Explanation: Minutes are the written record of a meeting, detailing what was discussed, what decisions were made, and who is responsible for subsequent actions. The agenda lists what will be discussed before the meeting. A memorandum is an internal message, and a circular is a policy letter sent to many offices.

9Complete the sentence with the correct verb form: 'The delegation, along with their advisors, ___ arrived in Freetown.'

A.has

B.have

C.are

D.were

Explanation: Parenthetical expressions introduced by 'along with', 'as well as', or 'together with' do not change the number of the singular subject ('The delegation'). Since 'delegation' is a singular collective noun in this context, the singular auxiliary verb 'has' is required. 'Have', 'are', and 'were' are plural and grammatically incorrect.

10Choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the word 'EXPEDITE'.

A.Delay

B.Accelerate

C.Facilitate

D.Hasten

Explanation: To expedite means to make an action or process happen sooner or be accomplished more quickly. The opposite is delay, which means to make something slow or late. Accelerate, facilitate, and hasten are synonyms or positive associations of expedite.

About the PSC Entrance Exam Exam

The Sierra Leone Civil Service Entrance Examination is conducted by the Public Service Commission (PSC) to select qualified, merit-based candidates for entry into various administrative and professional cadres of the public service. The examination tests candidates across four main competencies: English Language and Communication, Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation, General Knowledge and Sierra Leone Affairs, and Public Administration and Civil Service Rules (specifically incorporating the Civil Service Code and Rules 2024). The exam serves as the initial screening gateway before candidates are invited for oral interviews.

Assessment

100 multiple-choice questions (divided into English, Quantitative, General Knowledge, and Civil Service Rules)

Time Limit

2 hours

Passing Score

Competitive merit-based passing score (typically 50% minimum cut-off)

Exam Fee

Free (Public Service Commission (PSC) of Sierra Leone)

PSC Entrance Exam Exam Content Outline

25%

English Language and Communication

Grammar, concord, verbal reasoning, idioms, and official communication standards (memorandums, circulars, minutes).

25%

Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation

Arithmetic operations, percentage changes, ratios, word problems, and data interpretation from charts.

25%

General Knowledge and Sierra Leone Affairs

Sierra Leone history, geography, economy, current affairs, key national institutions, and international affiliations.

25%

Public Administration and Civil Service Rules

Structure of government, role of the PSC/HRMO, the Civil Service Code and Rules 2024, General Orders, public financial management, and ethical standards.

How to Pass the PSC Entrance Exam Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Competitive merit-based passing score (typically 50% minimum cut-off)
Assessment: 100 multiple-choice questions (divided into English, Quantitative, General Knowledge, and Civil Service Rules)
Time limit: 2 hours
Exam fee: Free

Keys to Passing

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

PSC Entrance Exam Study Tips from Top Performers

1Review the Civil Service Code and Rules 2024 to understand the ethical guidelines, administrative procedures, and disciplinary protocols.

2Practice standard English grammar rules, focusing on subject-verb agreement (concord), prepositions, and official letter/memo/minutes writing formats.

3Brush up on basic quantitative reasoning: percentage increases, ratios, simple interest, and interpreting tables/charts.

4Study Sierra Leone's post-independence history, including the key political leaders (such as Sir Milton Margai and Siaka Stevens) and major constitutional milestones.

5Memorize key geographical facts, such as the 5 administrative regions, capitals of the provinces, major rivers (Sewa, Mano), and the highest peak (Mount Bintumani).

6Understand the basics of the 1991 Constitution, specifically the roles of the President, Parliament, the Speaker, and the Judicial branch.

7Learn the role of independent government bodies like the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the National Revenue Authority (NRA), and Audit Service Sierra Leone.

8Pace yourself during the exam: with 100 questions in 120 minutes, you have just over one minute per question.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sierra Leone Civil Service Entrance Examination?

It is a competitive entry-level examination administered by the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Sierra Leone to assess and screen candidates applying for administrative, professional, and technical positions within the civil service. The exam ensures recruitment is based strictly on merit.

Which topics are covered in the PSC Entrance Exam?

The exam is divided into four equal sections: 1) English Language and Communication (grammar, verbal reasoning, official letters/memos/minutes); 2) Quantitative Aptitude (arithmetic, numerical sequences, data tables); 3) General Knowledge (Sierra Leone history, geography, economy, and constitution); and 4) Public Administration (Civil Service Code and Rules 2024, public finance, procurement, and ethics).

What are the eligibility requirements for the exam?

Eligibility depends on the specific job advertisement published by the PSC. For the administrative cadre (Administrative Officer Class II), candidates typically must possess a recognized university degree. For other cadres, secondary school certificates (WASSCE/GCE) may be accepted. Candidates must also pass background and integrity checks.

How much does it cost to take the Sierra Leone PSC exam?

There is no official fee to take the examination. The Public Service Commission conducts recruitment exams free of charge as part of the public sector recruitment process. Candidates should only apply through official advertised vacancies.

How long is the exam and what is the format?

The examination is a paper-based test consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions. Candidates are given a time limit of 2 hours to complete the paper. The exams are conducted simultaneously at designated centers across the country (e.g. Freetown, Bo, Kenema, Makeni, Port Loko).

What is the passing score for the Civil Service Entrance Exam?

While a minimum score of 50% is generally expected, selection is highly competitive and merit-based. Only the top-performing candidates who meet the cut-off score for the available vacancies are shortlisted to proceed to the oral interview stage.

Which rules govern the conduct and discipline of civil servants?

Civil servants in Sierra Leone are governed by the Civil Service Code and Rules 2024, which outlines expectations for political neutrality, confidentiality (Official Secrets Act), conflict of interest, and general orders regarding leave, promotions, and disciplinary measures.