2026 BASIC EDUCATION CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION (BECE) – NATIONAL EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL (NECO)

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially released the comprehensive schedule for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). This examination is a critical transition point for students moving from Junior Secondary to Senior Secondary education. In accordance with the official calendar, the examination is slated to run from Monday, April 20th to Thursday, April 30th, 2026.

Schools, parents, and candidates are urged to study the timetable below and adhere strictly to the regulations set by the Council to ensure a hitch-free examination period.

I. EXAMINATION SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS

The 2026 BECE is structured over two intensive weeks. Candidates should pay close attention to the distinction between practical and objective papers.

Week One: Monday, April 20 – Saturday, April 25

• Monday, April 20: Business Studies (Practical) kicks off the examination season at 10:00 am.
• Tuesday, April 21: Computer Practical (BST) sessions are scheduled from 10:00 am to 10:45 am.
• Wednesday, April 22: Basic Science and Technology (Drawing) in the morning, followed by Cultural and Creative Arts (Practical) in the afternoon.
• Thursday, April 23: A language-intensive day featuring History (Objective) and various Nigerian Languages (Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba L1 & L2).
• Friday, April 24: Religious Studies day, covering both Christian Religious Studies and Islamic Studies (Objective Papers I & II).
• Saturday, April 25: Mathematics day, featuring Objective Papers I & II and the Essay paper, concluding at 3:10 pm.

Week Two: Monday, April 27 – Thursday, April 30

• Monday, April 27: Cultural and Creative Arts (Objective) in the morning, followed by Business Studies (Objective) in the afternoon.
• Tuesday, April 28: Basic Science and Technology (Objective) followed by Pre-Vocational Studies (PVS).
• Wednesday, April 29: English Studies (Objective & Essay) and Arabic Language papers.
• Thursday, April 30: The final day covers National Values Education (NVE) and French Language.

II. MANDATORY GUIDELINES FOR CANDIDATES

Under the direction of Dr. Charles E. Udoh (Director of Registration), the Council has outlined several strict protocols for all participating schools:

• Identification: Every candidate must be in possession of a valid photocard. Candidates without photocards will be denied entry into the examination hall.
• Time Discrepancies: In instances where the time printed on a question paper differs from this timetable, the time specified on the question paper must be strictly followed.
• Special Provisions: To ensure inclusivity, Albinos and Blind candidates are granted an additional 30 minutes for all subjects. Blind candidates are required to use the NECO-supplied OBR Customised Braille Sheet.
• Calculators: Only simple calculators are permitted. Scientific or programmable calculators are prohibited.

III. PROHIBITED ITEMS AND MALPRACTICE WARNING

NECO maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward examination malpractice. The following items are strictly prohibited in the examination hall:

• Mobile phones, iPads, and tablets.
• Programmable calculators.
• Smart wristwatches and smart glasses.
• Any electronic communication gadget.

> Note: Possession of any prohibited item in the examination hall will lead to immediate disqualification and the cancellation of the candidate's entire result.

IV. ADVISORY TO SCHOOL PRINCIPALS

Principals and School Heads are advised to:

1. Conduct a final orientation for candidates regarding the use of OMR sheets.
2. Ensure that all practical materials are ready 48 hours before the scheduled time.
3. Verify that all invigilators and supervisors are briefed on the 2026 conduct regulations.

CONCLUSION: PREPARING FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

The Basic Education Certificate Examination is a bridge to the future. Candidates are encouraged to utilize the remaining days for intensive revision and to arrive at their examination centers at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.

Signed:
Management
National Examinations Council (NECO)