Registration for the 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External has commenced for prospective candidates. The examination will be conducted in a dual mode, comprising both Hybrid Computer-Based Examination (CBE) and Pen and Paper Examination (PPE) in sixteen selected subjects.

To register, candidates are required to visit the National Examinations Council (NECO) corporate website at www.neco.gov.ng, and then proceed to the SSCE External link at ssceexternal.neco.gov.ng. They will need to create an account, purchase a registration quota, input their biodata, and then visit a reputable cybercafé for biometric capture and completion of the registration process.

• A passport-sized photograph is required for registration. The photograph should not be more than six months old and must have a white background. Candidates can also use a system camera to take the photograph at the point of registration if needed.
• Candidates must input their valid National Identification Number (NIN) during the registration process.
• Biometric fingerprints will be captured during the offline registration of each candidate.
• Candidates should note that there will be biometric verification during the examination.
• Candidates found to have mismatched passport photographs or fingerprints during verification will be deemed impersonators and will face sanctions according to the law.

1. Registration Website

The registration website is www.ssceexternal.neco.gov.ng.

2. Registration Fee and Other Materials

The registration fee is Thirty Thousand Naira (₦30,000.00), which includes a Four-figure Mathematical Table and a Waterproof Certificate Jacket/Folder.

Note that: i. Stamp Duty, Service, and Remita charges apply. ii. The registration fee is non-refundable once paid.

3. Mode of Payment

Candidates or registration points (cyber cafes) can visit www.ssceexternal.neco.gov.ng, create an account using either their email or phone number, activate the account, and pay into the NECO TSA through five payment options:

• ATM Card
• Internet Banking
• USSD
• Wallet
• Bank Branch

4. Registration Period

i. The registration period begins from 7th July 2026 and ends on 17th November 2026 at 12:00 midnight. ii. Late registration, which takes place from 18th to 24th November 2026, will attract an additional payment of Five Thousand Naira (₦5,000) only. iii. Walk-in registration will cost Forty-Three Thousand Naira (₦43,000.00) per candidate.

5. Examination Period

The examination will take place from Wednesday, 25th November to Saturday, 12th December 2026.

6. Attestation/Photo Cards and Examination Time Table

After completing the registration process, each candidate must obtain the following from the cybercafé: i. A timetable for the examination. ii. At least one clear copy of the NECO Photocard, which will be used to admit the candidate into the Computer-Based Examination Centre/Examination Hall.

• The Referee’s Attestation section of the Photocard must be signed and stamped by any of the following:

a) The Principal of a recognized Secondary School. b) An ordained clergyman or a Chief Imam. c) A commissioned officer of the Nigerian Armed Forces or the Police, not below the rank of Captain or its equivalent. d) A senior civil servant, not below GL. 14. e) A legal practitioner with not less than ten years of experience.

• Candidates are no longer required to submit their Attestation/Photo Cards at the NECO State Office for stamping.

7. Candidates with Special Needs

Candidates with special needs should register like everyone else but indicate their specific needs when making entries of their biodata online during registration.

8. Examination Centres

The examination centres for each state have been grouped into neighborhoods. Candidates should select a neighborhood within the state where they intend to sit for the examination. They should reprint their Photocard no later than two weeks before the examination to confirm their examination centre.

9. Available Subjects for the Examination

The available subjects are:

• Agricultural Science
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Civic Education
• Christian Religious Studies
• Commerce
• Economics
• Financial Accounting
• General Mathematics
• Geography
• Government
• Islamic Studies
• Literature-in-English
• Marketing

1. Introduction

The National Examinations Council has commenced the registration process for the 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External.

2. Mock Examination

Candidates interested in taking the mock examination will be scheduled and communicated by the Council before the main examination.

3. General Information

• The registration fee is non-refundable once paid.
• The 2026 SSCE External Examination will be in dual mode, comprising hybrid computer-based examination (CBE) and pen and paper examination (PPE).
• Walk-in candidates can register not less than three hours to the subject they intend to write.
• Examination neighbourhood cannot be edited after upload.
• Candidates or cybercafé operators should carefully follow the SSCE External link on www.neco.gov.ng for instructions on the registration procedure before embarking on the registration exercise.
• The use of a reputable cybercafé is highly recommended as the Council will not be liable for registration errors committed by candidates.
• Candidates should ensure that they cross-check all entries made by cybercafes on their behalf before allowing their data to be uploaded online.
• Candidates are entitled to one-time correction to be done before the examination commences, after upload.

a. Complete change of name will not be entertained. b. Only one of these two: name (either surname, first name or middle name) or passport can be corrected in addition to other registration data.

• Change of passport photograph can only be effected before the commencement of the examination.
• Candidates should study the rules and regulations as well as the syllabus before the examination.
• Candidates should note that the photograph uploaded during registration and their NIN will be embossed and inscribed respectively, on their certificates.
• Smoking, bringing into the examination centre electronic communication gadgets (programmable calculators, mobile phones, iPad, tablets, smart wrist watches/glasses/pens etc) is strictly prohibited.
• Candidates should dress in mufti and no one will be allowed entry into the examination hall with arms.
• Multiple registration is not allowed. Candidates who register more than once will have their entire results cancelled.
• Candidates are expected to be seated 30 minutes before the commencement of each subject/paper. Please note that no candidate shall be allowed into the examination centre after the commencement of examination.

Signed

Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi

Registrar/Chief Executive