The National Examinations Council has started the sale of forms for the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination.
This exam is for pupils in their last year of Junior Secondary School.It marks the move from JSS 3 to Senior Secondary School.Each state and the FCT handle their own version of the exam.NECO runs it for Federal Unity Colleges and selected approved schools.Private schools may take part if cleared by the State Ministry of Education.The BECE certificate now replaces the old first school leaving certificate.
Follow the BECE Grading System
The result format includes five grades.
A is Distinction
B is Upper Credit
C is Lower Credit
P is Pass
F is Fail
NECO has opened registration for the 2025 BECE meant for JSS 3 pupils in Nigeria and abroad. This post breaks down eligibility, how to register, fees, and deadlines. Read through to avoid mistakes and meet all requirements.
This exam is for pupils in their last year of Junior Secondary School.It marks the move from JSS 3 to Senior Secondary School.Each state and the FCT handle their own version of the exam.
NECO runs it for Federal Unity Colleges and selected approved schools.Private schools may take part if cleared by the State Ministry of Education.The BECE certificate now replaces the old first school leaving certificate. The exam is not open to private applicants.Only school-based candidates inside or outside Nigeria may take part.School heads and state ministries must make sure these rules are followed.
The process uses both offline and online formats.
Access the School Portal Schools already in the system must use their old loginIf there are login issues, use the forget password or dispute option
New schools must claim a portal using the official school email and numberDo not use personal or cybercafé emailsOnce correct details are given, a default password is sent to the school email Install the
Right Offline App
Remove the old registration appInstall the 2025 version from the NECO BECE registration pageFill in the full details of each pupilPhotos must show pupils in school uniformsThe manual for the steps is also on the siteAll pupils must be entered offline and later uploaded after paymentA pupil will only get a registration number after upload and payment
Understand All Fees
These are the charges for the 2025 BECE:₦10,875 per pupil for registration
₦15,625 for unviable centres
₦2,000 per syllabus copy
₦5,000 extra per pupil for late registration
₦3,750 per subject for re-sit
Stamp duty and Remita fees will apply.
No money will be returned after payment.Know What Makes a School ViableTo be marked viable, a school must register at least twenty pupils.Schools with less than twenty pupils must pay the unviable centre fee to hold the test on their grounds.Buy the NECO Syllabus
Each copy of the syllabus costs ₦2,000.Each school must keep four copies for use.
Stick to These Dates
Registration starts on Monday 11 November 2024
Normal registration ends Friday 2 May 2025
Late registration ends Tuesday 6 May 2025
Online portal closes at 11:59 pm on Tuesday 6 May 2025
Printed RRR receipt and validated list must reach NECO by Tuesday 6 May 2025
CAS 3 upload deadline is Friday 6 June 2025
Take Note of Key Instructions
Pupil data must be uploaded and paid for to complete registrationSchools are responsible for any errors made
Fix mistakes during validation before uploadDo not enter the same pupil twicePassport photos can be changed only before the deadlineIf paying in parts, start with twenty pupils to avoid extra chargesDo not use expired RRR codes for payments after deadline
Every pupil must have a printed photocardLate entries must be done between 5 and 6 May 2025, with extra ₦5,000 per pupilPrint CAS 3 upload proof from the school email