NECO 2026 BECE Timetable Released: Exams Run April 20 to April 30

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has released the official timetable for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). JSS3 candidates in federal unity colleges and other NECO-registered schools will sit for the exams from Monday, 20 April to Thursday, 30 April 2026.

Examination Period

The BECE will run over two weeks, covering all core junior secondary subjects including English Studies, Mathematics, Basic Science and Technology, Business Studies, Cultural and Creative Arts, Nigerian Languages, Religious Studies, Pre-Vocational Studies, and French.

Week One: April 20 to April 25, 2026

• Monday, April 20: Business Studies (Practical) – 10:00 AM
• Tuesday, April 21: Computer Practical (BST) – 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM
• Wednesday, April 22: Basic Science and Technology (Drawing); Cultural and Creative Arts (Practical)
• Thursday, April 23: History (Objective); Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba Languages (Papers I and II)
• Friday, April 24: Christian Religious Studies and Islamic Studies (Objective Papers I and II)
• Saturday, April 25: Mathematics (Objective Papers I and II, and Essay) – concludes 3:10 PM

Week Two: April 27 to April 30, 2026

• Monday, April 27: Cultural and Creative Arts (Objective); Business Studies (Objective)
• Tuesday, April 28: Basic Science and Technology (Objective); Pre-Vocational Studies (PVS)
• Wednesday, April 29: English Studies (Objective and Essay); Arabic Language
• Thursday, April 30: National Values Education (NVE); French Language

Important Rules for Candidates

• Photo identification is compulsory: Candidates must bring their photo card to every paper
• Check the paper time: If the time printed on the question paper differs from the timetable, follow the time on the paper
• Extra time for special cases: Albino and blind candidates receive an additional 30 minutes. Blind candidates must use the NECO-supplied OBR Customised Braille Sheet
• Simple calculators are permitted for Mathematics and other relevant papers

Prohibited Items

NECO has reiterated that the following items are strictly prohibited in the examination hall:

• Mobile phones and smartphones
• iPads, tablets, and laptops
• Programmable calculators
• Smart wristwatches and smart glasses
• Any other electronic communication device

Candidates caught with any of these items risk disqualification and cancellation of their results.

Preparation Tips for JSS3 Candidates

• Study the syllabus: Focus on the official NECO BECE syllabus to avoid wasting time on irrelevant topics
• Practise past questions: Past BECE papers give a clear picture of the exam format and commonly tested topics
• Manage your time: Solve papers under timed conditions so you can finish every section on the day
• Get enough rest: Avoid last-minute cramming the night before each paper
• Arrive early: Report to your examination centre at least 30 minutes before the paper begins

Where to Check Official Updates

Candidates, parents, and school administrators should monitor the official NECO website for any last-minute changes or clarifications. Schools should also verify their candidates’ attendance registers before the first paper to confirm registration status.