ALLCBTs

NECO 2026 BECE Timetable Released: Key Dates and Exam Guidelines

Published on Apr 8, 2026 • Education

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially announced the schedule for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). For JSS3 students across the country, this "Junior WAEC" marks the critical transition from basic education to senior secondary school.

According to the council, the examination will run for two intensive weeks, starting from Monday, April 20th, and concluding on Thursday, April 30th, 2026.

2026 BECE Examination Highlights
The timetable is structured to cover core subjects and practicals within a ten-day window. Here is a breakdown of the key papers you need to prepare for:

Week One: The Foundation (April 20 – April 25)
Monday, April 20: The exam kicks off with Business Studies (Practical) at 10:00 am.

Tuesday, April 21: Computer Practical (BST) takes center stage.

Wednesday, April 22: A focus on technical and creative skills with Basic Science and Technology (Drawing) and Cultural and Creative Arts (Practical).

Thursday, April 23: A major day for History and Language papers (Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba L1 & L2).

Friday, April 24: Dedicated to Religious Studies (CRS and Islamic Studies).

Saturday, April 25: A massive day for Mathematics, featuring Objective Papers I & II and the Essay paper.

Week Two: The Final Push (April 27 – April 30)
Monday, April 27: Cultural and Creative Arts (Objective) followed by Business Studies (Objective).

Tuesday, April 28: Basic Science and Technology (Objective) and Pre-Vocational Studies (PVS).

Wednesday, April 29: The all-important English Studies (Objective & Essay) and Arabic Language.

Thursday, April 30: The finale, covering National Values Education (NVE) and French Language.

Mandatory Guidelines for Candidates
Under the direction of Dr. Charles E. Udoh, Director of Registration, NECO has released strict instructions to maintain the integrity of the exam:

Photocards are Compulsory: You will not be allowed into the hall without your official photocard for identification.

Follow the Paper’s Time: If the time printed on your question paper differs from the general timetable, always follow the time on the question paper.

Special Provisions: Blind candidates and Albinos are granted an additional 30 minutes. Blind candidates must use the official NECO-supplied OBR Customised Braille Sheets.

Permitted Items: Simple calculators are allowed.

Strict Bans: Mobile phones, iPads, tablets, smartwatches, and programmable calculators are strictly prohibited. Possession of these items will lead to immediate disqualification.

SEO Keywords
NECO BECE Timetable 2026, Junior WAEC 2026 dates, NECO JSS3 exam schedule, Download 2026 BECE Timetable PDF, NECO exam guidelines 2026, Basic Education Certificate Examination rules, JSS3 Mathematics exam date, BECE English Studies paper 2026, NECO registration instructions.