IPS (UNIPORT) Aptitude Test Past Questions And Answers

Welcome to the most comprehensive guide you will find on the IPS (UNIPORT) Aptitude Test. If you are reading this, you are likely an ambitious engineering or science graduate looking to break into the elite tier of the Nigerian Oil and Gas sector.

My name is Dr. Manny. I have dedicated years to guiding students through the rigorous admission processes of Nigeria’s top postgraduate institutes. The Institute of Petroleum Studies (IPS), now officially known as the Institute of Petroleum and Energy Studies (IPES), is arguably one of the most competitive and rewarding pathways for petroleum engineers in Nigeria.

“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.” – Bobby Unser

Getting into IPS is not just about having a First Class or a Second Class Upper degree; it is about passing the Aptitude Test and the subsequent Oral Interview. This article is designed to be your roadmap. We will cover everything from the location of the institute to a deep dive into the questions you should expect.

What is IPS (IPES) UNIPORT?

The Institute of Petroleum and Energy Studies (IPES), formerly known as the Institute of Petroleum Studies (IPS), was established in 2003. It was born out of a strategic collaboration between the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) and the IFP School in Paris, France.

This partnership is unique because it bridges the gap between the theoretical knowledge taught in universities and the practical, hands-on skills required by the International Oil Companies (IOCs). The program is heavily sponsored and supported by the NNPC/TotalEnergies Joint Venture, which ensures that the quality of education is world-class.

The institute offers a M.Sc. in Petroleum Engineering and Project Development. This is an intensive, industry-focused program that runs for 12 calendar months.

Key Features of the Institute:

• International Certification: Graduates receive a joint Master’s degree from UNIPORT and IFP School, France.

• Industry Lecturers: Courses are taught by experts from UNIPORT, IFP School France, and seasoned professionals from the Oil & Gas industry.

• Software Training: Students gain proficiency in industry-standard software like ECLIPSE, PETREL, PROSPER, and GAP.

Location and Facilities

Understanding where you will be studying is crucial. IPS is located in the heart of the Niger Delta, the hub of Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

Specific Location: The Institute is situated at: East-West Road, P.M.B. 2, Uniport Post Office, Choba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

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Facilities: The learning environment at IPS is designed to mimic a professional corporate setting rather than a typical Nigerian lecture hall.

• Virtual Library: Full access to international journals and technical papers.

• Dedicated Workstations: Every student is typically assigned a computer with full internet access.

• Power Supply: There is a near-constant power supply to ensure research and studies are not interrupted.

• The Hostel: The program is residential. Students live in standard accommodation that fosters teamwork—a critical soft skill in the oil and gas sector.

Why Choose the IPS Masters Programme?

Before we get to the past questions, you need to understand the value of what you are fighting for. This will fuel your motivation to study.

Admission Requirements and Eligibility

The bar for entry is high. To sit for the aptitude test, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Academic Qualifications:

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree, Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in any branch of Engineering.

• Note: Candidates with a Second Class Lower (2.2) may be considered if they have at least 5 years of relevant experience in the upstream oil and gas sector and a high CGPA (usually above 3.00 on a 5.0 scale).

2. NYSC:

• You must have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.

3. Sponsorship:

• While the program has sponsors, it is a tuition-paying program. Candidates often need to secure their own funding or rely on competitive scholarships offered after admission.

The IPS Aptitude Test Format

The IPS aptitude test is a Computer Based Test (CBT). It is designed to test speed, accuracy, and fundamental knowledge. Unlike JAMB or basic recruitment tests, this exam assesses your engineering logic and your awareness of the industry.

Breakdown of Sections:

• Part 1: Numerical Reasoning / Mathematics: Calculus, Algebra, Probability, and Statistics.

• Part 2: Verbal Reasoning: Reading comprehension, analogies, and logic.

• Part 3: General Knowledge & Current Affairs: Focuses heavily on the Oil & Gas industry (OPEC, NNPC, Ministers, Global Oil Prices) and general Nigerian current affairs.

• Part 4: Basic Sciences: Physics and Chemistry questions relevant to engineering principles.

Duration: The test is usually fast-paced. You might have roughly 60 to 100 questions to answer in under 2 hours. Speed is your greatest asset here.

Sample Past Questions and Answers

Disclaimer: These questions are curated based on previous years’ patterns to help you practice. They are educational simulations of the actual exam content.

Section A: Numerical Reasoning & Mathematics

Mathematical logic is the backbone of engineering. Expect questions that test your ability to calculate without a calculator (sometimes) or use basic mental math quickly.

Q1. A drilling pipe of length $L$ expands by $0.5\%$ when heated. If the new length is $10.05$ meters, what was the original length? A) 9.95m B) 10.00m C) 9.50m D) 10.50m Answer: B) 10.00m Explanation: NewLength=OriginalLength×(1+100Percentage​) $10.05=L\times (1.005)$ $L=10.05/1.005=10m$

Q2. If the probability of a dry well is $0.4$, what is the probability of striking oil in at least one of two independent drilling attempts? A) 0.16 B) 0.60 C) 0.84 D) 0.36 Answer: C) 0.84 Explanation: Probability of Dry Well ($P(D)$) = 0.4. Probability of Oil ($P(O)$) = 1 – 0.4 = 0.6. Probability of getting oil in at least one = 1 – (Probability of getting NO oil in both). $P(NoOil)=0.4\times 0.4=0.16$. $1-0.16=0.84$.

Q3. Integrate the function f(x)=3x2 from $x=0$ to $x=2$. A) 4 B) 6 C) 8 D) 12 Answer: C) 8 Explanation: ∫3x2dx=x3. Evaluating from 0 to 2: (2)3−(0)3=8.

Q4. A reservoir has a porosity of 20% and a bulk volume of 500 cubic feet. What is the pore volume? A) 25 cu ft B) 100 cu ft C) 50 cu ft D) 200 cu ft Answer: B) 100 cu ft Explanation: $PoreVolume=BulkVolume\times Porosity$. $500\times 0.20=100$.

Section B: Verbal Reasoning

Q5. Which word is the Odd one out? A) Petroleum B) Coal C) Solar D) Natural Gas Answer: C) Solar Explanation: Petroleum, Coal, and Natural Gas are fossil fuels (non-renewable). Solar is a renewable energy source.

Q6. Choose the pair that best completes the analogy. DRILL : BORE :: _______ : _______ A) PAINT : BRUSH B) LIFT : DROP C) SIEVE : SIFT D) HAMMER : NAIL Answer: C) SIEVE : SIFT Explanation: Drill and Bore are synonyms (actions). Sieve and Sift are also synonyms.

Q7. Statement: All engineers are good at math. Some creative people are engineers. Conclusion: Therefore, some creative people are good at math. Is this conclusion valid? A) True B) False C) Cannot determine Answer: A) True Explanation: If the creative people who are engineers are included in “All engineers,” and all engineers are good at math, then those specific creative people must be good at math.

Section C: General Knowledge (Oil & Gas/Current Affairs)

This section separates those who just studied engineering books from those who follow the industry.

Q8. The acronym OPEC stands for: A) Oil Producing and Exporting Countries B) Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries C) Organization of Petrol and Energy Companies D) Overseas Petroleum Exporting Corporation Answer: B) Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries

Q9. Who is the current GCEO of NNPC (as of 2024/2025)? A) Mele Kyari B) Kachikwu Ibe C) Diezani Alison-Madueke D) Timipre Sylva Answer: A) Mele Kyari (Note: Always verify current appointments before the exam as these can change).

Q10. Which country has the largest proven oil reserves in the world? A) Saudi Arabia B) Russia C) Venezuela D) USA Answer: C) Venezuela

Q11. The “Upstream” sector of the oil industry refers to: A) Refining and Marketing B) Exploration and Production C) Transportation and Storage D) Sales to end users Answer: B) Exploration and Production

Q12. In Nigeria, the PIB stands for: A) Petroleum Investment Bill B) Petroleum Industry Bill C) Petrol Institute Bureau D) Public Independent Bureau Answer: B) Petroleum Industry Bill (Now the PIA – Petroleum Industry Act).

Section D: Basic Science (Physics & Chemistry)

Q13. Which of the following is an Alkane? A) C2​H4​ B) C2​H2​ C) C3​H8​ D) C6​H6​ Answer: C) C3​H8​ Explanation: Alkanes follow the formula Cn​H2n+2​. For $n=3$, $H=2(3)+2=8$.

Q14. The SI unit for Viscosity is: A) Pascal-second ($Pa\cdot s$) B) Newton ($N$) C) Joule ($J$) D) Watt ($W$) Answer: A) Pascal-second ($Pa\cdot s$)

Q15. According to Bernoulli’s principle, as the speed of a moving fluid increases, the pressure within the fluid: A) Increases B) Remains constant C) Decreases D) Fluctuates Answer: C) Decreases

Strategic Tips for Success

Preparing for the IPS UNIPORT aptitude test requires a “Manny Spark” strategy. Here is how you can gain an edge over other candidates.

1. Master Your Engineering Basics Go back to your Year 1 and Year 2 university notes. Focus on Calculus (Integration/Differentiation), Matrix Algebra, and Statistics. Review basic Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics.

2. Stay Updated on Industry News Read up on TotalEnergies, Shell, and NNPC. Know the current price of Brent Crude. Understand the basics of the Energy Transition and Climate Change, as this is a major focus of the new curriculum (IPES).

3. Speed and Accuracy You will not have time to waste. Practice mental math. If you get stuck on a question, skip it and come back.

4. English Proficiency Do not underestimate the Verbal Reasoning section. Many brilliant engineers fail here because they read too slowly. Practice reading editorials in newspapers like The Guardian or Vanguard to improve your reading speed.

5. Get the Full Past Questions Pack The samples above are just the tip of the iceberg. To truly prepare, you need a comprehensive compilation of past questions from the last 10 years.

The “Takeaway” from Manny Spark

Takeaway: The IPS admission is not just an exam; it is a recruitment process. They are looking for trainable, intelligent, and industry-ready minds. Treat the aptitude test like a job interview on paper.

How to Apply and Important Dates

• Application Portal: Applications are usually done online via the official website: www.ipes.uniport.edu.ng or www.ipsng.org.

• Application Fee: Typically around N20,000 to N30,000 (Subject to change).

• Timeline:

  • Forms Out: usually April/May.

  • Deadline: usually June.

  • Aptitude Test: usually July.

  • Interview: usually late July/August.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is the IPS Master’s degree recognized internationally? A: Yes. It is jointly awarded by IFP School, France, which is one of the most prestigious petroleum schools in the world.

Q: Can a HND holder apply? A: Generally, HND holders are not eligible for the MSc directly unless they have done a PGD (Post Graduate Diploma) in a relevant field and possess significant industry experience. However, there is a specific PGD program at IPES for HND graduates.

Q: Is the program free? A: No, but it is heavily subsidized. Many students secure scholarships from the PTDF or the Joint Venture sponsors after admission, but you should be prepared to fund it initially.

Q: Where can I get study materials? A: You can reach out to me, Dr. Manny, for guided study materials and past question packs.