The National Examinations Council (NECO) has released the official timetable for the 2025 General Certificate Examination (GCE) for external candidates. This exam is for private candidates who want to obtain their Senior School Certificate. According to a recent update from Myschool.ng, the exams will run from Wednesday, 26th November 2025, to Saturday, 13th December 2025. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for the exams.
Exam Schedule and Key Dates
The NECO GCE is a month-long examination covering various subjects. The timetable outlines the specific dates and times for each subject to help candidates plan their study and exam schedules. Below are some key highlights:
- Start Date: The exams begin on 26th November 2025 with the French Paper IV (Oral) and Arabic Paper IV (Oral).
- End Date: The exams will conclude on 13th December 2025 with subjects like Geography and other final papers.
- Candidates should check the full timetable on the NECO official website for the complete list of subjects, dates, and times.
Registration Details
Registration for the 2025 NECO GCE is ongoing, and candidates are encouraged to complete their registration before the deadline. Here are the important details:
- Registration Cost: The registration fee is N30,000.
- Registration Deadline: The last day to register is Monday, 18th November 2025. NECO has emphasized that there will be no extension, so candidates should act fast.
- How to Register: Visit the official NECO portal at https://neco.gov.ng to complete your registration. After registering, candidates should print their photo card, which includes their exam number and schedule.
Important Notes for Candidates
To ensure a smooth examination process, NECO has provided some guidelines:
- Venue Confirmation: Candidates writing French and Arabic Oral Papers (Paper IV) must confirm their exam venues through their state’s NECO office.
- Exam Conduct: Candidates are advised to follow all NECO rules to avoid issues like exam malpractice. Arrive at the exam venue on time and bring your photo card.
- Preparation Tips: Start preparing early by studying the NECO syllabus and past questions. You can find helpful resources on the NECO website.
Why This Matters
The NECO GCE is an important opportunity for private candidates to earn their Senior School Certificate, which is required for higher education or job opportunities in Nigeria. With the timetable now available, students, parents, and educators can plan effectively to ensure success in the exams.
For the full timetable and more updates, the NECO official website. Don’t wait until the last minute, register now and start preparing for your exams!