The Department of State Services (DSS) — also known as the State Security Service (SSS) — is Nigeria’s top domestic intelligence agency.

If you're applying for DSS recruitment in 2025 or 2026, you’ll be required to write a recruitment exam before moving to the next stage.

This blog post contains:

• Real past DSS exam questions

• Correct answers

• What to expect during the test

• How to prepare and succeed

Let’s get you ready!

Overview of the DSS Recruitment Exam

The DSS exam is a paper-based aptitude test, and it covers a mix of subjects to test your intelligence, reasoning, and national awareness.

Common DSS Exam Subjects:

• English Language

• Mathematics

• Current Affairs

• General Knowledge

• Logical Reasoning

Sample Past Questions and Answers

Here are some past DSS questions with correct answers to help you prepare:

English Language Section

Q1. Choose the word that is nearest in meaning to: "Surveillance"
A. Destruction
B. Observation
C. Protest
D. Violence
✅ Answer: B. Observation

Q2. Choose the correct expression:
The man, together with his sons, ___ arrested.
A. were
B. are
C. was
D. is
✅ Answer: C. was

Mathematics Section

Q3. What is the value of 25% of 360?
A. 60
B. 72
C. 90
D. 100
✅ Answer: B. 90

Q4. A bag contains 3 blue, 2 red, and 5 green balls. What is the probability of picking a red ball?
A. 1/5
B. 2/10
C. 2/9
D. 3/10
✅ Answer: C. 2/9

Current Affairs Section

Q5. Who is the current Director-General of the DSS as of 2025?
✅ (Answer will be updated based on the most recent DG)

Q6. DSS was formerly known as?
A. CIA
B. NSO
C. NDLEA
D. EFCC
✅ Answer: B. NSO

Q7. In what year was the DSS created?
A. 1999
B. 2003
C. 1986
D. 1993
✅ Answer: C. 1986

Logical Reasoning Section

Q8. If some men are soldiers and some soldiers are brave, which of the following is correct?
A. All men are brave
B. Some brave people are soldiers
C. All soldiers are men
D. All brave people are soldiers
✅ Answer: B. Some brave people are soldiers

Q9. Complete the number series: 2, 4, 8, 16, ___
A. 20
B. 24
C. 32
D. 30
✅ Answer: C. 32

Bonus Question – General Knowledge

Q10. What is the motto of the DSS?
A. Peace and Justice
B. Vigilance for Safety
C. Loyalty, Vigilance, Verity
D. Honour and Truth
✅ Answer: C. Loyalty, Vigilance, Verity

How to Study for DSS Recruitment Exam (2025/2026)

Follow these tips to boost your success:

• Study regularly — 1–2 hours daily

• Practice past questions repeatedly

• Focus on logic, comprehension, and current affairs

• Watch national news (TV, radio, and online)

• Get a DSS exam prep pack (printed or soft copy)

DSS Exam Format Summary Table

Note: Timings and structure may vary slightly depending on the intake or security needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many questions are asked in DSS recruitment exams?

Usually 40–50 multiple choice questions.

2. Is the DSS exam difficult?

It’s moderately challenging. With preparation, you can pass it easily.

3. Can I get DSS past questions in PDF?

Yes. You can get them from trusted DSS prep centers or online platforms. Some are free, others are paid.

4. Is the DSS exam the same for all qualifications?

The content is similar, but graduate-level candidates may face more advanced questions in logic and current affairs.

Conclusion

Passing the DSS/SSS recruitment exam in 2025/2026 is all about preparation, focus, and discipline. With the right study material — especially verified past questions and answers — you stand a better chance of moving to the next stage.