NCEE Nigeria 2025: Dates, Eligibility, Registration, Exam Format & State Differences
NCEE Nigeria 2025: Dates, Eligibility, Registration, Exam Format & State Differences
A concise, parent-friendly guide to the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) for entry into Federal Unity Colleges.
- Exam date (2025): Saturday, 14 June 2025 (nationwide).
- Age rule: Pupil must be ≥ 10 years old by September 2025 and in final year of primary school.
- Fee:₦5,940, paid online on the NECO NCEE portal; print the photocard after registration.
What is the NCEE?
The National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) is the federal entrance exam for admission into JSS1 at Nigeria’s Federal Unity Colleges, conducted by NECO.
Who can apply? (Eligibility)
- Pupil is in the final year of primary school.
- Pupil is at least 10 years old by September 2025 (under-age candidates are not eligible).
Key dates (2025)
- Registration window: 11 Nov 2024 → 14 Jun 2025
- Portal closes: 9:00 a.m. on exam day (Sat 14 Jun 2025)
- Exam day: Sat 14 Jun 2025
Registration: step-by-step
- Create an account on the NECO NCEE portal (email + phone).
- Activate via email and log in.
- Pay the fee (₦5,940) using an approved option (card, bank branch, USSD, internet banking, wallet, eNaira). Avoid bank transfer.
- Enter candidate biodata and upload a recent passport photo.
- Print the photocard — it’s required at the exam centre.
Important: After final submission, exam centre, name and passport photo cannot be changed. Review carefully before you finalise.
Exam structure (papers & subjects)
- Paper I
- Part A: Mathematics; Basic Science & Technology
- Part B: English Studies; National Values Education
- Paper II
- Part A: Quantitative & Vocational Aptitude
- Part B: Verbal Aptitude
Choosing Unity Colleges
During registration, candidates select six (6) Federal Unity Colleges — one from each of the six geopolitical zones. If a chosen college is oversubscribed, a qualified candidate may be placed in an alternative Unity College based on capacity.
NCEE vs. State entrance tests (e.g., Lagos Placement)
- NCEE (Federal): Central exam by NECO for entry into Federal Unity Colleges; single national date; online registration on the NECO portal.
- State Placement/Common Entrance: Run by state exam boards (e.g., Lagos) for entry into state-owned JSS1; separate registration, timelines, fees and subjects.
Results & placement
Results are released centrally and accessed via the candidate’s NECO account. Placement into Unity Colleges depends on performance and available capacity.
Parent checklist
- Confirm age (≥10 by Sep 2025) and final-year status.
- Register early — do not wait for exam week (the portal closes at 9:00 a.m. on exam day).
- Use approved payment options; avoid bank transfers.
- Double-check name, photo, and exam centre before finalising.
- Print and bring the photocard to the exam centre.
FAQs
Can an under-10 pupil sit the NCEE?
No. Only candidates who are at least 10 years old by September 2025 are eligible.
Can I change the exam centre or photo after submitting?
No. After you finalise registration, the exam centre, name and passport photo cannot be changed.
What subjects should my child prepare for?
Mathematics, English, Basic Science & Technology, National Values, Quantitative & Vocational Aptitude, and Verbal Aptitude.
Is NCEE the same as Lagos State placement?
No. NCEE is a federal exam for Unity Colleges. Lagos (and other states) run separate placement/common-entrance tests for state schools with their own timelines and subjects.