GCE Series Explained: First vs Second Series & When to Sit

WAEC’s two series

WAEC runs the GCE twice a year:

First Series — around January/February, with results usually by March/April.
Second Series — around October–December, with results toward the end of the year.

NECO’s single sitting

The NECO GCE (SSCE External) holds once, in the November/December window.

Which series should you sit?

If you need results early in the year (for example to meet an admission deadline), the WAEC First Series (Jan/Feb) is the fastest route. If you missed it, the Second Series and the NECO Nov/Dec are your later options.

Fitting the admission timeline

Plan around the JAMB/UTME admission cycle: sit a series whose results will be ready in time to upload to your JAMB profile and meet your institution’s deadline. Sitting both WAEC and NECO in the same year gives you two chances.

Tips

Register as soon as a series opens — windows are short.
Check current dates on the official sites.
Combine sittings if needed — see for admission.

Frequently asked questions

How many GCE series are there?

WAEC runs two series a year (First around Jan/Feb, Second around Oct–Dec); NECO GCE holds once, in Nov/Dec.

When is the WAEC GCE First Series?

Around January/February, with results usually by March/April.

When is the WAEC GCE Second Series?

Around October–December, with results toward the end of the year.

Does NECO GCE have series?

No — the NECO GCE (SSCE External) holds once a year, in the November/December window.

Which GCE series should I sit?

If you need results early, sit the WAEC First Series (Jan/Feb); otherwise the Second Series or NECO Nov/Dec. Fit it to your admission deadline.