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.
Compulsory core subjects
Every BECE candidate takes core subjects, which include:
- English Studies / English Language
- Mathematics
- Basic Science
- Basic Technology
- Social Studies
- Civic Education
Other common subjects
Candidates also take a range of other subjects, typically including:
- Business Studies, Agricultural Science, Home Economics (Pre-Vocational Studies)
- Computer Studies / ICT
- Physical & Health Education (PHE)
- Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA)
- Christian or Islamic Religious Studies
- A Nigerian language (e.g. Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa) and often French or Arabic
How many & how to pass
The NECO BECE typically covers around 12 subjects. To be considered to have passed, a candidate generally needs to pass six subjects, including English and Mathematics. See the grading system.
It can vary
The exact subject list and number can vary slightly between the NECO BECE and each state BECE, so confirm your subjects with your school.
Tips
- Give extra time to English and Mathematics — they’re essential to pass.
- Study every registered subject — they all count.
The core subjects
The BECE covers the Junior Secondary curriculum, built around a set of core subjects every candidate takes. These typically include English Studies, Mathematics, Basic Science and Technology, National Values Education (covering areas like Civic, Social Studies and Security Education), Pre-Vocational Studies, Cultural and Creative Arts, and Business Studies. English and Mathematics matter most for progression, since SS1 placement generally requires passes including English and Maths. Core subjects form the backbone of the exam.
Other subjects and electives
Beyond the core, the BECE curriculum includes further subjects such as a Nigerian Language (e.g. Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba), Religious Studies (Christian or Islamic), History, French, Arabic, and Computer Studies/ICT. The exact list a student takes can vary by school and board. Many subjects have more than one paper — objective, essay/theory, and sometimes practical or drawing components — so preparation should match the paper structure of each subject.
How many subjects
BECE candidates typically sit a broad range of subjects (often around ten or more, depending on the board), reflecting the full Junior Secondary curriculum rather than a narrow selection. The school handles the subject registration, so the number and combination follow the official curriculum and the board's requirements. What matters for a student is solid performance across the board — especially English and Maths — since SS1 placement and streaming look at results across subjects. See the grading system for how passes are counted.
Frequently asked questions
What subjects are in the BECE?
Core subjects include English, Mathematics, Basic Science, Basic Technology, Social Studies and Civic Education, plus Business Studies, Agricultural Science, Home Economics, Computer Studies, PHE, CCA, a religious studies subject, a Nigerian language and often French.
How many subjects are in the NECO BECE?
The NECO BECE typically covers around 12 subjects.
How many subjects must I pass in the BECE?
Generally you must pass six subjects, including English and Mathematics.
Are English and Maths compulsory in the BECE?
Yes — both are compulsory and are required to pass overall.
Do BECE subjects vary by state?
The exact list can vary slightly between the NECO BECE and each state BECE — confirm your subjects with your school.
What subjects are in the BECE?
Core subjects every candidate takes — typically English Studies, Mathematics, Basic Science and Technology, National Values Education, Pre-Vocational Studies, Cultural and Creative Arts, and Business Studies — plus further subjects like a Nigerian Language, Religious Studies, History, French, Arabic and Computer Studies/ICT.
Which BECE subjects are most important?
English and Mathematics matter most for progression, since SS1 placement generally requires passes including English and Maths. The core subjects form the backbone of the exam, and results across subjects also influence streaming into Science, Commercial or Arts.
How many subjects are in the BECE?
Candidates typically sit a broad range (often around ten or more, depending on the board), reflecting the full Junior Secondary curriculum. The school handles subject registration, following the official curriculum and the board's requirements.
Do BECE subjects have multiple papers?
Many do — objective, essay/theory, and sometimes practical or drawing components, depending on the subject. Preparation should match the paper structure of each subject.
Is a Nigerian Language part of the BECE?
Yes — the BECE curriculum includes a Nigerian Language (such as Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba) among its subjects, alongside the core subjects and other electives like Religious Studies, History and Computer Studies. The exact list can vary by school and board.
Related BECE guides
Grading · How to pass · Registration · All BECE guides · Past questions · Timetable
Reviewed: 22 Sept 2026 · Author: Belmadeng Editorial. 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.