The NECO registration deadline for 2025/2026 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) is one of the crucial things to keep in mind. Because, if you miss this deadline, there are lots of consequences you may face. In some serious cases, you may even not be allowed to sit for the exam.
The same thing is applicable to WAEC. Missing out on the registration closing date can potentially leads to missing the entire exams or having to pay late registration fees. Because of the common mistakes candidates do doing exams registration, I decided to compile this article so that it can guide them from avoiding registration mistakes completely. You can check the article here.
However, in the case for NECO SSCE, I have detailed the guide in this same post. Al you need to do is read through to the end so that you can get all the details in full. I have compiled the complete details on the NECO registration deadline, how to register in time, and what to do if the registration is closed.
NECO Registration Deadline For 2025 SSCE Extended
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has extended registration closing date for 2025 SSCE. The deadline was postponed to twelve (12) midnight on Saturday, 14th June 2025. However, it's important to note that this registration and deadline are applicable to SSCE Internal Exams only.
The External Exams, on the other hand, are for private candidates who are not enrolled in secondary schools, such as adult learners or those who missed the internal exams. The registration deadline for the 2025 NECO SSCE External Exams is scheduled to November 6, 2025. There's still a lot of time for private candidates.
However, for Internal Exams candidates, all that are concerned are beseeched to make use of this extended period to complete their NECO SSCE registration before the extended deadline. It's wise to keep in mind that no further extensions may be granted once this date passed.
Missed NECO Registration Deadline: What To Do
If you miss the NECO SSCE registration deadline, you may be:
- Asked to pay late registration fee.
- Denied of choosing your preferred exams centre.
- Denied access to upload Biometric data.
- Unable to register for exams until next section.
It's important to keep tab of the registration closing date because late registration periods, especially for school candidates, may not always be available. So, early registration is strongly advised at all time and in anything you do.
How to Complete Registration
It's wise to complete your NECO SSCE registration before the closing date as mandated by the board overseeing the examinations. Follow these steps to complete your registration before the closing date to avoid missing the enrollment deadline date.
For Internal Candidates
For school/internal candidates, their schools are always responsible for keeping up with the registration date and deadlines. All you need to do is submit your personal details and passport photograph to your school admin, and endeavor to pay the exam fees on time as requested by your school.
Once those are sorted out. You then need to request confirmation from your school admin to confirm your Biometric data are accurately uploaded correct. If not, make any update/change to it before the registration deadline. Once that is done, request a printed copy of your registration slip.
For Private Candidates
The registration process is a bit complex for private candidates as they have to do it by themselves unless they have a tutorial centre where the head helps in carrying out the tasks.
As a private candidates, you'll need to visit the official NECO SSCE External portal at ssceexternal.neco.gov.ng. On the page, register an account using your working email address and valid mobile number. Next, you need to visit any NECO accredited centre to upload your Bio-data and capturing.
Once you're done with Bio-data and capturing, you'll be required to pay a one-time payment registration fee which is ₦27,000 for 2025/2026 NECO SSCE External Exams. Once the payment is successful, complete your registration and print out your examination slip.
RELATED: WAEC Terminates Licenses of 574 Schools in Nigeria Due to Examination Malpractices.
NECO SSCE 2025/2026 Registration Fees
| Item | Amount (₦) - External | Amount (₦) - Internal | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | 22,250.00 | 27,000.00 | This is a mandatory fee for both candidates. |
| Stamp Duty | 50.00 | - | Applicable only to external candidates. |
| Waterproof Jacket | 2,500.00 | - | Applicable only to external candidates. |
| Four Figure Table | 500.00 | 500.00 | Per copy, mandatory for both candidates. |
| Photo Album | - | 2,700.00 | Mandatory for internal candidates, per pair |
| Syllabus | - | 2,000.00 | Per copy, applicable to internal candidates |
| Late Registration | 2,000.00 | 5,000.00 | Per candidate, if registration deadline is closed, late registration period will be applied. |
| Unviable Centre Fee | - | 70,000.00 | This fee is applicable to internal candidates for centres with fewer than 20 candidates. |
| Late Submission of CAS 3 Form | - | 40,000.00 | This fee will be charged if CAS 3 Form is submitted after the official deadline window for CAS submission is passed. This is applicable for internal candidates. |
| Total (Basic) | 25,300.00 | 32,200.00 | Excludes late registration, unviable centre, or late CAS 3 fees |
Notes:
- Payments for both external and internal candidates must be made into the NECO Treasury Single Account (TSA) via the respective NECO portals.
- External candidates can opt for walk-in registration at ₦28,000. This is available up to a day before the first subject/paper starts.
- Late registration for external candidates will cost additional ₦2,000, while internal candidates will face a ₦5,000 late fee if registration is closed.
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