NECO 2025 Nov/Dec SSCE Registration for Private Candidates – Everything You Need to Know
NECO has officially opened registration for the 2025 November/December Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External for private candidates. If you’re planning to sit for the exam, here’s the complete guide on who can apply, requirements, fees, registration process, timetable, and exam rules.
This breakdown will save you from costly mistakes and get you fully prepared.
Who Can Apply?
The NECO 2025 Nov/Dec SSCE External is strictly for private candidates who are not currently in regular school. If you’re hoping to earn your Senior School Certificate outside the school system, this exam is for you.
You can complete your registration online or offline, and the exam will be fully computer-based, covering 16 subjects.
What You’ll Need for NECO Registration
Before you start, make sure you have:
- A valid National Identification Number (NIN)
- A recent passport photo (not older than 6 months, white background)
- Access to a fingerprint scanner at your registration centre (biometric verification is compulsory)
👉 Your fingerprints will be used to confirm your identity during the exam. If they don’t match, you risk being flagged for impersonation.
Where to Register for NECO 2025
All registrations must be done via the official NECO portal: https://ssceexternal.neco.gov.ng
Steps:
- Create an account using your email or phone number.
- Purchase a registration quota.
- Visit a trusted café to capture biometrics and upload your passport photo.
NECO 2025 Registration Fees
- ₦30,000 – covers registration, a waterproof certificate folder, and a mathematical set/table.
- Extra charges: Stamp duty and Remita fee.
- Late registration (19–25 November 2025): ₦35,000 (₦5,000 extra).
- Walk-in registration: ₦43,000.
How to Pay for NECO Registration
After creating your account, payment can be made through:
- ATM card
- Internet banking
- USSD
- Wallet
- Bank branch
⚠️ Make sure all payments go directly into the NECO TSA account.
NECO 2025 Key Dates
- Registration opens: 7 July 2025
- Regular registration closes: 18 November 2025 (midnight)
- Late registration: 19–25 November 2025
- Exams run: 26 November – 13 December 2025
Photo Card and Timetable
Once registered:
- Print your exam timetable
- Collect your photo card with your passport photo
- Have it signed and stamped by an approved referee:
- Principal of a recognized school
- Cleric (Pastor/Imam)
- Military/Police officer (Captain and above)
- Civil servant (Grade Level 14 and above)
- Lawyer (10+ years experience)
👉 You no longer need to submit this card at any NECO office.
Special Needs Candidates
Special candidates should register normally but tick the “special needs” box during registration to ensure necessary provisions are made.
Choosing Your Centre
You’ll be assigned a centre based on the neighbourhood you select during registration. Once you submit, you cannot change centres, so choose carefully.
Subjects Offered in NECO 2025 Nov/Dec SSCE
The exam covers 16 subjects, including:
- English Language
- General Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Agricultural Science
- Commerce
- Economics
- Government
- Geography
- Civic Education
- Literature in English
- Christian Religious Studies
- Islamic Studies
- Financial Accounting
- Marketing
About the Exam
- The exam is 100% Computer-Based (CBE).
- A mock exam will be scheduled before the main one (date to be announced).
- Candidates can only edit details once before the exam starts.
- You can change either your name or passport photo, not both.
- Your NIN and photo will appear on your certificate.
- Double registrations = automatic cancellation of results.
NECO Exam Rules – Dos and Don’ts
✅ Do:
- Arrive at your centre at least 30 minutes early
- Read the official rules and syllabus
- Use a reliable café for registration
❌ Don’t:
- Bring phones or gadgets into the exam hall
- Wear uniforms (plain clothes only)
- Register multiple times
- Depend on unverified cafés – NECO won’t fix registration mistakes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About NECO 2025 Nov/Dec
1. When will NECO 2025 results be released?
NECO results are usually released within 60–90 days after the last paper. Expect the 2025 Nov/Dec SSCE results by February 2026.
2. How do I check my NECO result?
You can check your result online by visiting the NECO result portal at https://results.neco.gov.ng and entering your exam number, exam year, and token.
3. Can I register without NIN?
No. The National Identification Number (NIN) is mandatory for NECO 2025 registration. Candidates without NIN will not be allowed to sit for the exam.
4. Is the NECO exam computer-based?
Yes. Starting from 2025, the NECO SSCE External exam is fully Computer-Based (CBE). A mock exam will be held before the main exam to help candidates prepare.
5. Can I change my exam centre after registration?
No. Once you upload and submit your form, your centre is fixed and cannot be changed.
6. What happens if I register twice?
If you register more than once, your results will be cancelled automatically.
7. How many subjects can I register for in NECO 2025?
Candidates can sit for up to 16 subjects, depending on their study needs.
8. Is there late registration for NECO 2025?
Yes. Late registration is from 19–25 November 2025, but it comes with an additional ₦5,000 fee.
Final Advice
Double-check every detail before submitting your form. Use only trusted cafés to avoid errors, and keep your photo card safe—it’s your official exam ID.
Ready to register? Start here: NECO External Portal
