Every year, thousands of Nigerians prepare for the National Examinations Council (NECO) alongside Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
If you’re planning to write the NECO exam in 2026, this guide walks you through how to register, what you’ll pay, and key deadlines you must know to avoid penalties.
Whether you are a school candidate or a private candidate (External/GCE), this step-by-step guide gives you the exact information you need to complete your registration correctly.
1. NECO 2026 Registration: Who Can Apply
Before starting your registration, confirm that you’re eligible:
School (Internal) Candidates
- You must be in Senior Secondary School Class 3 (SS3).
- Your school must be accredited by NECO.
- Your school handles most of your registration on your behalf.
Private (External / GCE) Candidates
- You must have completed secondary school or be eligible to sit for NECO outside the formal school system.
- You must have a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
- You need a clear passport photo, a functional phone number, and a valid email address.
2. Step-by-Step NECO 2026 Registration Process
A. For School Candidates
- Visit your school’s NECO registration point.
- Provide your biodata information and passport photo.
- Your school’s administrator will upload your details and pay your fees online on the NECO portal.
- After successful upload, your school prints your NECO Photo Card with your unique registration number.
B. For Private / External Candidates
- Open the official NECO registration portal (visit www.neco.gov.ng).
- Create and activate your account using your email or phone number.
- Choose your subjects and upload your passport photograph.
- Pay the registration fee online using your preferred payment method (ATM card, USSD, internet banking, or wallet).
- Visit a certified registration centre/cybercafé for biometric capture and final data upload.
- Print your NECO Photo Card and confirm all details are correct.
3. NECO 2026 Registration Fees Breakdown
Knowing all fees helps you budget properly. The costs vary depending on the type of candidate (school or external). Fees are non-refundable once paid.
NECO SSCE Internal (School Candidates)
| Fee Type | Amount (₦) |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | ₦22,250 |
| Photo Album (Pair) | ₦2,700 |
| Four-Figure Mathematical Table | ₦500 |
| Waterproof Certificate Jacket/Folder | ₦2,500 |
| Syllabus Booklet | ₦2,000 |
| Late Registration Penalty | ₦5,000 |
NECO SSCE External (GCE / Private Candidates)
- The core registration fee is also around ₦22,250, but total costs may go higher depending on service charges and portal fees from payment providers.
Note: Banks, Remita charges, and cybercafé service fees may apply separately on top of the standard amounts above.
4. NECO 2026 Registration Deadline You Must Meet
Missing the deadline can cost you extra money or prevent you from writing the exam, so here’s what to expect:
For School Candidates (SSCE Internal)
- Registration Opens: Usually early in the year (e.g., February / March 2026).
- Regular Registration Deadline: Around April or May 2026.
- Late Registration Window: A short window after the deadline with an extra charge (₦5,000).
- Final Closing Date: Same as the late registration cutoff.
For External / GCE Candidates
- Registration often starts later in the year (around September 2026) and closes in November 2026.
5. Smart Tips Before You Submit Your NECO Registration
a. Use a high-quality passport photo with a plain background.
b. Ensure your names, date of birth, and NIN are correct — errors cost you extra to fix later.
c. Choose at least 8 subjects to maximize options for further education.
d. Save your payment receipts and confirmation slips — you’ll need them if NECO ever asks.
- Late entries before the final closing date may attract additional fees.
Conclusion
Registering for NECO 2026 becomes easy when you follow the right steps and stay informed. Early preparation saves you from unnecessary stress, late fees, and last-minute mistakes. Confirm the correct fee, meet the registration deadline, and double-check your details before final submission.
With proper planning and attention, you set yourself up for a smooth examination process and a successful academic future. Start your registration on time and take one confident step closer to your goals.
