The National Examinations Council (NECO) will conduct the 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External, also called NECO GCE, from Wednesday, 4 November to Saturday, 21 November 2026.
Key dates and fees
| Registration opened | 7 July 2026 |
|---|---|
| Normal registration deadline | 26 October 2026 (midnight) |
| Late registration | 27 October to 3 November 2026, with an extra ₦5,000 |
| Registration fee | ₦30,000 (includes mathematical tables and a certificate folder; stamp duty, service and Remita charges apply) |
| Walk-in registration | ₦43,000 per candidate |
| Examination | 4 to 21 November 2026 |
| Format | Dual mode: computer-based in 16 subjects plus pen-and-paper |
Requirements
- A valid National Identification Number (NIN).
- A passport photograph with a white background, not more than six months old.
- Biometric fingerprint capture during registration, and verification during the exam.
- A photocard attested by an approved referee (for example, a school principal, clergyman, imam, senior civil servant on grade level 14 or above, or a lawyer with at least ten years’ experience).
Candidates no longer need to take their photocards to NECO state offices for stamping.
Exam rules to note
- Be seated 30 minutes before each paper. Late candidates are not admitted once the exam starts.
- Electronic devices are banned in the exam centre.
- Multiple registration leads to cancellation of all results.
- You can make a one-time correction of your name or passport photograph before the exam.
Frequently asked questions
Can I combine NECO GCE with my WAEC result?
Most universities accept a combination of two sittings for most courses. Some competitive courses require one sitting.
When will NECO GCE results be out?
NECO usually releases external results some weeks after the exam ends. We will publish the date when NECO announces it.