Please note
Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with WAEC or NECO. In Nigeria, “GCE” means the WAEC GCE and NECO GCE for private candidates. Register and check results only on the official WAEC (waec.org.ng, waecdirect.org) and NECO (neco.gov.ng, results.neco.gov.ng) websites, and never enter your details on look-alike sites.
Confirm the official dates. The dates below are current as of September 2026 and can change — always confirm on waec.org.ng and neco.gov.ng.
WAEC GCE dates
WAEC runs the GCE in two series: the First Series around January/February, and the Second Series around October–December. For 2026, Second Series registration ran from 4 May to 31 July, with the exam expected in the October–December window. See WAEC timetable.
NECO GCE dates
The NECO GCE (SSCE External) holds once, in the Nov/Dec window. For 2026, registration ran to mid-November with the exam fixed for around 25 November–12 December. See NECO timetable.
Where to get the timetable
The official subject-by-subject timetable is released closer to the exam on the official WAEC/NECO sites and (for schools) your centre. Avoid unofficial timetables, which are often wrong.
How to read & plan
For each subject, note the paper(s), date, time and duration, and plan revision backward from each date.
CBT sessions
GCE objective papers are computer-based, so you may be scheduled in a morning or afternoon session — check your session and arrive early. Practise on screen with our CBT practice.
Getting the official timetable
Each exam body publishes its own official timetable for each series, so use the WAEC timetable for WAEC GCE and the NECO timetable for NECO GCE — and confirm you have the right series and year. Get it from the official portal, not an unofficial page, since copies circulating online sometimes contain errors. The subject-by-subject schedule is typically released ahead of the exam; check the official source for the confirmed version and any updates.
Reading it correctly
Read the timetable precisely. For each of your subjects, note the exact date, the paper(s), the start time and the duration — many subjects have multiple papers (objective, essay/theory, and sometimes practical/oral) that may run in the same or different sessions. If you're writing both bodies, cross-check the two timetables so nothing clashes. Turn the schedule into a revision plan, giving more time to early and weaker subjects, and re-check the night before each paper.
Be ready for how papers are delivered. The GCE has moved toward computer-based testing for parts of the exam — for example, objective papers may be fully CBT, while essay/theory (and practical) papers can follow a hybrid format (questions on screen, answers written in booklets). Formats can vary by body, subject and year, so confirm the current delivery method on the official portal and, if it's CBT, get comfortable with the interface beforehand. Knowing the format in advance removes a needless source of exam-day stress.
Frequently asked questions
When is the GCE 2026?
WAEC GCE runs two series (around Jan/Feb and Oct–Dec); NECO GCE holds once (Nov/Dec, around 25 Nov–12 Dec for 2026). Confirm exact dates on the official sites.
Where can I get the official GCE timetable?
From the official WAEC (waec.org.ng) and NECO (neco.gov.ng) websites, released closer to the exam. Avoid unofficial timetables.
How many times a year is the WAEC GCE?
Twice — the First Series (around Jan/Feb) and the Second Series (around Oct–Dec).
When is the NECO GCE?
Once a year, in the November/December window.
Is the GCE computer-based?
Yes — objective papers are computer-based, with essay/practical papers in a hybrid format.
Where do I get the GCE timetable?
From the official portal of the relevant body — the WAEC timetable for WAEC GCE, the NECO timetable for NECO GCE — confirming the right series and year. Use the official source, not unofficial pages, since online copies sometimes contain errors.
How do I read the GCE timetable?
For each of your subjects, note the exact date, the paper(s), the start time and duration. Many subjects have multiple papers (objective, essay/theory, sometimes practical/oral). If writing both bodies, cross-check the two timetables so nothing clashes, and build a revision plan from it.
Is the GCE computer-based?
It has moved toward computer-based testing for parts of the exam — objective papers may be fully CBT, while essay/theory and practical papers can follow a hybrid format (questions on screen, answers in booklets). Formats vary by body, subject and year, so confirm the current method officially.
How should I prepare for a CBT GCE paper?
Confirm which of your papers are CBT on the official portal, then get comfortable with the interface beforehand — practising with CBT-style questions removes a needless source of exam-day stress. Know the format in advance for each paper.
Can I use one timetable for both WAEC and NECO GCE?
No — each body publishes its own timetable, so use the WAEC timetable for WAEC GCE and the NECO timetable for NECO GCE. If writing both, cross-check the two so exam dates and sessions don't clash.