2025 NECO GCE Registration: Instructions & Guidelines

 

2025 NECO GCE Registration: Instructions & Guidelines


NECO has started registration for the 2025 Nov/Dec SSCE for private candidates. This piece breaks down what to do, how much to pay, and how the computer-based exam works.




Who Can Apply?

The 2025 NECO Nov/Dec SSCE External is for candidates who are not in regular school. That means if you’re a private candidate hoping to get your Senior School Certificate, this is your chance.

You can register either online or offline. The exam will be fully computer-based and will cover 16 subjects.


What You’ll Need

Before registration, make sure you have:A valid National Identification Number (NIN)
A passport photo not older than 6 months, on a white background
A fingerprint scanner at your café, because biometric capture is required

Your fingerprints will be used to verify your identity during the exam. If they don’t match, you could be flagged as an impersonator. No jokes.
Where To Register

Go to the official NECO registration site to begin.

You’ll be asked to create an account using your email or phone number.

Once your account is ready, you can:Buy your registration quota
Head to a trusted café for biometric data and passport upload
How Much?₦30,000 covers registration, a waterproof certificate folder, and a maths table
Extra charges for stamp duty and Remita may apply
If you register late (19–25 November), you’ll pay ₦5,000 extra
Walk-in registration is ₦43,000
How To Pay

After creating your account, pay through any of these:ATM card
Internet banking
USSD
Wallet
At a bank branch

Make sure your payment goes into the NECO TSA account.
Key DatesRegistration opens: 7 July 2025
Regular registration closes: 18 November 2025 (midnight)
Late registration: 19–25 November 2025
Exam runs: 26 November to 13 December 2025
Photo Card and Timetable

After registering:Print out your timetable
Collect one clear photo card with your passport on it
Your referee must sign and stamp this card

Who qualifies as a referee?Principal of a recognised school
Cleric (Pastor or Imam)
Military officer or police (Captain and above)
Civil servant (GL 14 and above)
Lawyer with 10+ years of experience

You no longer need to submit this card to any NECO state office.
Special Needs Candidates

Register like everyone else. Just tick the appropriate box online to indicate your needs.
Choose Your Centre

You’ll be assigned a centre based on the neighbourhood you choose during registration. You can’t change your centre after uploading your form, so pick carefully.
Subjects OfferedAgricultural Science
Biology
Chemistry
Civic Education
Christian Religious Studies
Commerce
Economics
English Language
Financial Accounting
General Mathematics
Geography
Government
Islamic Studies
Literature in English
Marketing
Physics
About the ExamThis is a Computer-Based Exam (CBE)
A mock exam will be arranged before the main one (you’ll be told when)
You can edit your details only once before the exam starts
You can only change one name or passport, not both
Your photo and NIN will appear on your certificate
Results for double registration will be cancelled
Dos and Don’tsDon’t arrive late. Get to the venue 30 minutes early
No phones or gadgets allowed
Come in plain clothes, no uniforms
Multiple registrations are not allowed
Read the rules and syllabus before the exam
Avoid shady cafés. If you make a mistake, NECO won’t fix it for you
Final Advice

Use a reliable café. Double-check every detail before hitting upload. If unsure, ask someone who knows the ropes.


To start your registration, visit the NECO External Portal.