First Bank Graduate Trainee Assessment 2026: Past Questions, Answers and Exact Strategies That Get You Hired

Tens of thousands of fresh graduates apply every cycle for the First Bank Graduate Trainee Programme. Only a small fraction make it past the first major filter. That filter is the First Bank Graduate Trainee Assessment. If you are preparing for the 2026 intake, understanding exactly what the assessment looks like and practising the right past questions can be the difference between an invitation to the assessment centre and an early exit.

This guide breaks down the full process, the test format used by Workforce (the current test administrator), real sample past questions with answers across the key sections, and practical strategies drawn from successful candidates. The goal is simple: give you everything you need to walk into the test prepared and confident.

What Is the First Bank Graduate Trainee Assessment?

The First Bank Graduate Trainee Assessment is the competitive screening stage that follows online application shortlisting. For the 2026 Pan-African Graduate Trainee Programme, eligibility typically includes:

• Maximum age of 27 years by 30 June 2026
• Minimum Second-Class Lower (2:2) degree or HND Upper Credit in any discipline
• At least five SSCE/WASSCE/NECO credits including English and Mathematics
• NYSC completion (discharge or exemption) by 30 June 2026

After applications close, shortlisted candidates receive an invitation for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) or online aptitude assessment. This stage eliminates the majority of applicants. In previous cycles, tens of thousands applied and only a few thousand advanced. The test usually covers numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, abstract (or logical) reasoning, and critical reasoning. Some versions also include elements of general knowledge or data interpretation.

Successful candidates move to the assessment centre, a full-day event that includes group discussions, individual case studies or essay writing with presentation, and a competency-based interview.

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First Bank Graduate Trainee Past Questions and Answers Format

Stage 1: The Aptitude Test – Structure and What to Expect

The aptitude test is timed and multiple-choice. Calculators are generally not allowed. You work under pressure, so speed and accuracy both matter. Sections typically include:

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• Numerical Reasoning (percentages, ratios, averages, data interpretation, basic arithmetic)
• Verbal Reasoning (comprehension, analogies, vocabulary, sentence completion, antonyms/synonyms)
• Abstract/Logical Reasoning (pattern recognition with shapes and sequences)
• Critical Reasoning (arguments, assumptions, conclusions, data sufficiency)

Practice under timed conditions is essential. Many candidates report that questions from Dragnet-style or Workforce past papers appear in similar or identical forms.

Sample First Bank Graduate Trainee Past Questions and Answers

Below are representative past-style questions compiled from publicly available First Bank and similar banking aptitude materials. Work through them carefully.

Numerical Reasoning

1. An insurance policy covering damage to stock pays 70% of the costs for the first $1,000 and all of the cost thereafter up to a total of $7,000. Following a claim, the claimant had to pay an additional $2,000 to replace damaged stock. How much was the stock worth? A. $9,300 B. $9,700 C. $9,500 D. $8,700 E. $8,900Answer: B. $9,700 Explanation: The claimant paid $2,000 extra, meaning the insurance covered up to its limit after the initial 70%. The total value equals the amount paid by insurance plus the claimant’s extra payment, which works out to $9,700.
2. The average of 5 quantities is 6. The average of 3 of them is 8. What is the average of the remaining two numbers? A. 6.5 B. 4 C. 3 D. 3.5Answer: D. 3.5 Explanation: Total of 5 = 30. Total of 3 = 24. Remaining two total 6. Average = 3.
3. If the radius of a circle is increased by 20%, by what percentage does the area increase? A. 44% B. 120% C. 40% D. 20%Answer: A. 44% Explanation: New radius = 1.2r. New area = (1.2)² = 1.44 times original, an increase of 44%.
4. X alone can do a piece of work in 15 days and Y alone in 10 days. With the help of Z they finish it in 5 days. If they are paid N720, how much should Z receive? A. N360 B. N120 C. N240 D. N300Answer: B. N120 Explanation: Work rates: X = 1/15, Y = 1/10, together X+Y+Z = 1/5. Z’s rate = 1/5 – 1/15 – 1/10 = 1/30. Z does 1/6 of the work, so receives 1/6 of 720 = 120.

Verbal Reasoning

5. Choose the word most nearly opposite in meaning to “bucolic.” A. Immature B. Portly C. Orderly D. UrbanAnswer: D. Urban
6. Choose the word most similar in meaning to “augment.” A. Deplete B. Enhance C. Disagree D. RestrainAnswer: B. Enhance
7. I look forward to ______ you. A. be seeing B. have seen C. see D. seeingAnswer: D. seeing
8. ANGLE : DEGREE A. Area : Square inch B. Milk : Quart C. Society : Classes D. Letter : AlphabetAnswer: A. Area : Square inch (unit of measurement relationship)

Critical Reasoning

9. People should be held accountable for their own actions. However, no person should be held accountable for actions over which they have no control. Which is the most logical conclusion? A. People should not be held accountable for the actions of other people. B. People have control over their own actions. C. People cannot control the actions of other people. D. Actions that cannot be controlled should not be punished.Answer: D. Actions that cannot be controlled should not be punished.
10. Sabine earns more than Pedro. Sabine earns the same as Maria. Antonio earns less than Maria. Valeria earns less than Sabine. Pedro earns less than Valeria. Who earns the least? A. Sabine B. Valeria C. Antonio D. PedroAnswer: D. Pedro
11. Statement 1: The third term is 36. Statement 2: The second term is three times the first and the third term is three times the second. What is the next term in the sequence? Which statements are sufficient? Answer: Both statements together are sufficient, but neither alone is sufficient.

Abstract Reasoning Style (Pattern Recognition)

Typical questions show a series of shapes or figures and ask which figure is the odd one out or what comes next. Practice recognising rotation, reflection, number of sides, shading patterns, and progressive changes. The only reliable preparation is repeated timed practice with similar pattern sets.

Stage 2: The Assessment Centre

Candidates who clear the aptitude test are invited to a full-day assessment centre (sometimes virtual, sometimes physical). Past participants describe a long day lasting from early morning to evening. Core components usually include:

• Group discussion or group case study: Teams of 5–10 discuss a business problem and recommend solutions. Assessors watch for leadership without domination, listening skills, contribution quality, and ability to build consensus.
• Individual case study / essay and presentation: You receive a topic, write an analysis, prepare slides, and defend your recommendations.
• Competency-based interview (CBI): Behavioural questions such as “Tell us about a time you faced an ethical dilemma,” “Why do you want to join First Bank?” “Describe a situation where you worked effectively in a team,” and questions on recent financial or banking news.

Success here depends less on perfect answers and more on clear communication, structured thinking, genuine teamwork, and alignment with the bank’s values of professionalism, integrity, and customer focus.

Proven Preparation Strategies

1. Practise under real time pressure. Aim for roughly one minute or less per question.
2. Focus heavily on numerical speed and accuracy. Banking roles demand comfort with figures.
3. Review First Bank’s history, recent performance, digital banking initiatives, and Pan-African presence. Interviewers notice candidates who have done basic research.
4. For group exercises, prepare to contribute early with substance, invite quieter members to speak, and summarise key points.
5. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for competency questions.
6. Sleep well and test your internet and device if the aptitude test is online.

Many successful candidates report that consistent practice with past-style questions from sources covering Dragnet and Workforce formats produced noticeable score improvements and, in some cases, repeated questions.

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Final Thoughts

The First Bank Graduate Trainee Assessment is deliberately selective. The aptitude test weeds out the unprepared majority. The assessment centre then identifies candidates who can think clearly, work with others, and communicate under pressure. By studying the format, working through the sample past questions above, and simulating the timed conditions, you give yourself a genuine competitive edge.

Start practising today. Review your weak areas daily. Treat every mock test as the real thing. The candidates who treat preparation as non-negotiable are the ones who receive the final offer.

Good luck with your First Bank Graduate Trainee Assessment. Prepare thoroughly, stay calm, and perform at your best.