BECE (Junior WAEC) Guide 2026: Registration, Result, Subjects & Grading

Please note

Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with NECO, WAEC or any State Ministry of Education. The BECE (Junior WAEC) is conducted by NECO (federal) and by State Ministries of Education. Register and check results only on the official channels (NECO: neco.gov.ng and results.neco.gov.ng; your state board or your school), and never enter details on look-alike sites.

BECE at a glance

What it is	The JSS3 exit exam (“Junior WAEC”) — certifies junior secondary & places you in SS1
Who conducts it	NECO (federal) & State Ministries of Education (state)
Result (NECO)	results.neco.gov.ng with a token; state via portal/school
Grading	A (Distinction), B, C, P (Pass), F (Fail)
To pass	Pass six subjects, including English & Mathematics

How the BECE works

The BECE is the exam JSS3 students write to finish junior secondary school and move up to SS1. It comes in two forms: the NECO BECE (federal) and the state BECE run by each State Ministry of Education. Your school registers you, you sit the papers per the timetable, and then you check your result — on results.neco.gov.ng for NECO, or through your state portal/school. You read it on the A–F grading scale, and with a pass you move on to SS1. If you have a deficiency in Maths or English, there is a re-sit.

Browse the guides

Understand the BECE

Register, sit & results

After the exam

Prepare & pass

Getting ready for the BECE? Build your speed with our free CBT practice and study by topic in the Study Centre. Looking ahead to senior secondary? See our WAEC, NECO and GCE guides.

Frequently asked questions

What is the BECE?

The Basic Education Certificate Examination — commonly called Junior WAEC — is the exit exam at the end of Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3). It certifies the end of junior secondary and is used for placement into Senior Secondary School (SS1).

Who conducts the BECE?

Two bodies: NECO conducts the federal BECE (for Federal Unity Colleges, Federal Science & Technical Colleges, Armed Forces schools and approved private schools), while each State Ministry of Education conducts the state BECE for state-owned public schools.

Why is it called Junior WAEC?

It sits at a junior level like the senior WAEC exam, so the nickname stuck — but WAEC itself does not conduct the BECE.

Is Belmadeng affiliated with NECO or the states?

No — Belmadeng is an independent study platform. Register and check results only on the official NECO or state channels, or through your school.

Independent guide, not affiliated with NECO, WAEC or any State Ministry of Education. Dates, fees and processes change each year and vary by state — always confirm on the official channels or with your school.