NECO Timetable 2026 Is Out — Full SSCE Internal Exam Schedule for All Subjects (June 15 to July 23)
NECO 2026 Timetable — Full SSCE Internal Examination Schedule
The National Examinations Council has officially released the 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination Internal timetable. The examination runs from Monday 15th June 2026 to Thursday 23rd July 2026. Every candidate registered for the 2026 NECO SSCE must study this timetable carefully, confirm their subject dates, and prepare accordingly. Missing an exam date is not something NECO entertains — there are no make-up sessions for candidates who simply did not show up.
Important Rules Every Candidate Must Know Before the Exam Starts
Before going into the full subject timetable, these are the official rules released alongside the 2026 NECO timetable that every school and candidate must follow:
- Every candidate must have a photocard for identification during the examination. No photocard means no entry.
- Where the time on the question paper differs from the time on this timetable, follow the time on the question paper strictly.
- Physical Education Practical Paper I, French Paper IV, Music Paper IV, and Arabic Paper IV venues must be confirmed from NECO State Offices.
- Science and Computer Studies practicals may be conducted in sets where the number of candidates is large and equipment cannot go round.
- Visual Arts Paper IV Creative Design must be given to candidates at least one week before the examination date.
- Nigerian Languages — Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba — include the Literature aspect.
- Albino and blind candidates are allowed 30 extra minutes at the end of each subject.
- Blind candidates must use the NECO-supplied OBR customised Braille sheet for the examination.
- Scientific calculators are allowed.
- Bringing programmable calculators, mobile phones, iPads, tablets, smart wrist watches, smart glasses, and smart pens into the examination hall is strictly prohibited.
- Candidates who do not sit for Practicals (Paper I) will not have a result in that subject.
- Trade subject questions are hybrid in nature.
NECO 2026 Complete Timetable — All Subjects by Date
Practicals and Oral Papers (15th June to 19th June 2026)
These subjects have practical and oral components that will be conducted between Monday 15th June and Friday 19th June 2026. Actual dates and times for each will be communicated by the examination council or confirmed through NECO State Offices.
| Paper Code | Subject | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 2081 | Paper I: Practical — Physical Education | To be determined by subject demand |
| 2041 | Paper I: Practical — Foods and Nutrition | 3 hrs |
| 4061 | Paper I: Practical — Home Management | 3 hrs |
| 4101 | Paper I: Performance Test — Music Technology and Alternative To Music Technology | 1 hr 30 mins |
| 4104 | Paper IV: Aural Music | 50 mins |
| 4034 | Paper IV: Oral French | 1 hr |
| 4004 | Paper IV: Oral Arabic | 1 hr 20 mins |
| 5021 | Paper I: Practical — Fashion Design and Garment Making | 4 hrs |
| 5044 | Paper IV: Progressive Assessments — Livestock Farming | — |
| 5001 | Paper I: Practical — Beauty and Cosmetology | 3 hrs |
| 5011 | Paper I: Practical — Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs | 3 hrs |
| 4011 | Paper I: Practical — Catering Craft | 3 hrs |
Monday 22nd June 2026
| Paper Code | Subject | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2031 | Paper I: Practical — Computer Studies | 3 hrs | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm |
Tuesday 23rd June 2026
| Paper Code | Subject | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4031 | Paper I: Written Comprehension — French | 1 hr | 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm |
| 4032 | Paper II: Written Expression — French | 1 hr 45 mins | 3:00 pm – 4:45 pm |
Wednesday 24th June 2026
| Paper Code | Subject | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4103 and 4102 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Music | 2 hrs 30 mins | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm |
| 4003 and 4002 | Papers III and II: Objective, Essay and Literature — Arabic | 3 hrs 30 mins | 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm |
Thursday 25th June 2026
| Paper Code | Subject | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Paper I: Practical — Chemistry | 2 hrs | 10:00 am – 12:00 noon |
| 4053 and 4052 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Hausa | 3 hrs | 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
| 4073 and 4072 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Igbo | 3 hrs | 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
| 4133 and 4132 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Yoruba | 3 hrs | 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
Friday 26th June 2026
| Paper Code | Subject | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Paper I: Practical — Biology | 2 hrs | 10:00 am – 12:00 noon |
Monday 29th June 2026
| Paper Code | Subject | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 and 2012 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Biology | 2 hrs 30 mins | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm |
| 4063 and 4062 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Home Management | 2 hrs 30 mins | 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm |
Tuesday 30th June 2026
| Paper Code | Subject | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4023 and 4022 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Christian Religious Studies | 2 hrs 30 mins | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm |
| 4083 and 4082 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Islamic Studies | 2 hrs 30 mins | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm |
| 2071 | Paper I: Test of Practical — Health Education | 1 hr 30 mins | 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm |
| 2073 and 2072 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Health Education | 2 hrs | 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm |
Wednesday 1st July 2026
| Paper Code | Subject | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1023 | Paper III: Objective — General Mathematics | 1 hr 45 mins | 10:00 am – 11:45 am |
| 1022 | Paper II: Essay — General Mathematics | 2 hrs 30 mins | 12:00 noon – 2:30 pm |
Thursday 2nd July 2026
| Paper Code | Subject | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2091 | Paper I: Practical — Physics | 2 hrs 45 mins | 10:00 am – 12:45 pm |
| 4113 and 4112 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Nigerian History | 3 hrs | 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
Friday 3rd July 2026
| Paper Code | Subject | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4093 and 4094 | Papers III and IV: Objective and Prose — Literature in English | 2 hrs 15 mins | 10:00 am – 12:15 pm |
Monday 6th July 2026
| Paper Code | Subject | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4043 and 4042 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Government | 2 hrs 40 mins | 10:00 am – 12:40 pm |
| 2083 and 2082 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Physical Education | 2 hrs | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm |
Tuesday 7th July 2026
| Paper Code | Subject | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2093 and 2092 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Physics | 3 hrs | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm |
| 2043 and 2042 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Foods and Nutrition | 2 hrs 30 mins | 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm |
Wednesday 8th July 2026
| Paper Code | Subject | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4124 | Paper IV: Creative Design — Visual Arts | 3 hrs | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm |
| 4121 | Paper I: Drawing — Visual Arts | 3 hrs | 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
Thursday 9th July 2026
| Paper Code | Subject | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2053 | Paper III: Objective — Further Mathematics | 2 hrs | 10:00 am – 12:00 noon |
| 2052 | Paper II: Essay — Further Mathematics | 2 hrs 30 mins | 12:00 noon – 2:30 pm |
| 4123 and 4122 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Visual Art | 3 hrs | 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
Friday 10th July 2026
| Paper Code | Subject | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2103 and 2104 | Papers III and IV: Objective and Drawing — Technical Drawing | 2 hrs 30 mins | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm |
Monday 13th July 2026
| Paper Code | Subject | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2033 and 2032 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Computer Studies | 3 hrs | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm |
| 3013 and 3012 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Commerce | 2 hrs 40 mins | 2:00 pm – 4:40 pm |
Tuesday 14th July 2026
| Paper Code | Subject | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 and 2022 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Chemistry | 3 hrs | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm |
| 2101 | Paper I: Practical — Technical Drawing | 3 hrs | 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
| 4092 | Paper II: Drama and Poetry — Literature in English | 1 hr 40 mins | 2:00 pm – 3:40 pm |
Wednesday 15th July 2026
| Paper Code | Subject | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1013 | Paper III: Objective — English Language | 1 hr | 10:00 am – 11:00 am |
| 1012 | Paper II: Essay — English Language | 1 hr 45 mins | 11:15 am – 1:00 pm |
| 1014 | Paper IV: Test of Orals — English Language | 45 mins | 1:15 pm – 2:00 pm |
Thursday 16th July 2026
| Paper Code | Subject | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Paper I: Practical — Agricultural Science | 1 hr 30 mins | 10:00 am – 11:30 am |
| 2063 and 2061 | Papers III and I: Objective, Practical and Physical — Geography | 2 hrs 30 mins | 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm |
Friday 17th July 2026
| Paper Code | Subject | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2062 | Paper II: Essay — Human and Regional Geography | 2 hrs | 10:00 am – 12:00 noon |
Monday 20th July 2026
| Paper Code | Subject | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3023 and 3022 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Economics | 3 hrs | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm |
| 4013 and 4012 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Catering Craft | 2 hrs 30 mins | 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm |
Tuesday 21st July 2026
| Paper Code | Subject | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1003 and 1002 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Civic Education | 3 hrs | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm |
| 2003 and 2002 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Agricultural Science | 2 hrs 30 mins | 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm |
Wednesday 22nd July 2026
| Paper Code | Subject | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3003 and 3002 | Papers III and II: Objective, Theory and Practice — Accounting | 3 hrs 50 mins | 10:00 am – 1:50 pm |
| 5041 | Paper I: Practical — Livestock Farming | 1 hr 30 mins | 2:15 pm – 3:45 pm |
| 5013 and 5012 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs | 3 hrs | 2:15 pm – 5:15 pm |
| 5023 and 5022 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Fashion Design and Garment Making | 2 hrs 30 mins | 2:15 pm – 4:45 pm |
| 5003 and 5002 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Beauty and Cosmetology | 2 hrs 30 mins | 2:15 pm – 4:45 pm |
Thursday 23rd July 2026
| Paper Code | Subject | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3033 and 3032 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Marketing | 2 hrs 40 mins | 10:00 am – 12:40 pm |
| 5043 and 5042 | Papers III and II: Objective and Essay — Livestock Farming | 1 hr 30 mins | 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm |
NECO 2026 Timetable for Science Students — Quick Reference
Science students writing NECO 2026 have their core subjects spread across the exam period. Here is the quick reference specifically for science candidates:
| Subject | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry Practical | Thursday 25th June | 10:00 am – 12:00 noon |
| Biology Practical | Friday 26th June | 10:00 am – 12:00 noon |
| Biology (Objective and Essay) | Monday 29th June | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm |
| Health Education Practical | Tuesday 30th June | 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm |
| Health Education (Objective and Essay) | Tuesday 30th June | 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm |
| General Mathematics (Objective) | Wednesday 1st July | 10:00 am – 11:45 am |
| General Mathematics (Essay) | Wednesday 1st July | 12:00 noon – 2:30 pm |
| Physics Practical | Thursday 2nd July | 10:00 am – 12:45 pm |
| Further Mathematics (Objective) | Thursday 9th July | 10:00 am – 12:00 noon |
| Further Mathematics (Essay) | Thursday 9th July | 12:00 noon – 2:30 pm |
| Technical Drawing (Objective and Drawing) | Friday 10th July | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm |
| Technical Drawing Practical | Tuesday 14th July | 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
| Chemistry (Objective and Essay) | Tuesday 14th July | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm |
| Physics (Objective and Essay) | Tuesday 7th July | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm |
| Agricultural Science Practical | Thursday 16th July | 10:00 am – 11:30 am |
| Geography (Objective, Practical and Physical) | Thursday 16th July | 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm |
| Geography (Essay) | Friday 17th July | 10:00 am – 12:00 noon |
| Agricultural Science (Objective and Essay) | Tuesday 21st July | 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm |
| Computer Studies Practical | Monday 22nd June | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm |
| Computer Studies (Objective and Essay) | Monday 13th July | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm |
NECO 2026 Timetable for Arts Students — Quick Reference
| Subject | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| French Written Comprehension | Tuesday 23rd June | 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm |
| French Written Expression | Tuesday 23rd June | 3:00 pm – 4:45 pm |
| Music (Objective and Essay) | Wednesday 24th June | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm |
| Arabic (Objective, Essay and Literature) | Wednesday 24th June | 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm |
| Hausa (Objective and Essay) | Thursday 25th June | 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
| Igbo (Objective and Essay) | Thursday 25th June | 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
| Yoruba (Objective and Essay) | Thursday 25th June | 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
| Christian Religious Studies | Tuesday 30th June | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm |
| Islamic Studies | Tuesday 30th June | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm |
| Nigerian History (Objective and Essay) | Thursday 2nd July | 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
| Literature in English (Objective and Prose) | Friday 3rd July | 10:00 am – 12:15 pm |
| Government (Objective and Essay) | Monday 6th July | 10:00 am – 12:40 pm |
| Visual Arts Creative Design | Wednesday 8th July | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm |
| Visual Arts Drawing | Wednesday 8th July | 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
| Visual Art (Objective and Essay) | Thursday 9th July | 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
| Literature in English (Drama and Poetry) | Tuesday 14th July | 2:00 pm – 3:40 pm |
| English Language (Objective) | Wednesday 15th July | 10:00 am – 11:00 am |
| English Language (Essay) | Wednesday 15th July | 11:15 am – 1:00 pm |
| English Language (Test of Orals) | Wednesday 15th July | 1:15 pm – 2:00 pm |
| Civic Education | Tuesday 21st July | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm |
NECO 2026 Timetable for Commercial Students — Quick Reference
| Subject | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| General Mathematics (Objective) | Wednesday 1st July | 10:00 am – 11:45 am |
| General Mathematics (Essay) | Wednesday 1st July | 12:00 noon – 2:30 pm |
| Computer Studies (Objective and Essay) | Monday 13th July | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm |
| English Language (Objective) | Wednesday 15th July | 10:00 am – 11:00 am |
| English Language (Essay) | Wednesday 15th July | 11:15 am – 1:00 pm |
| English Language (Test of Orals) | Wednesday 15th July | 1:15 pm – 2:00 pm |
| Economics (Objective and Essay) | Monday 20th July | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm |
| Civic Education | Tuesday 21st July | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm |
| Accounting (Objective, Theory and Practice) | Wednesday 22nd July | 10:00 am – 1:50 pm |
| Commerce (Objective and Essay) | Monday 13th July | 2:00 pm – 4:40 pm |
| Marketing (Objective and Essay) | Thursday 23rd July | 10:00 am – 12:40 pm |
NECO 2026 Timetable for Vocational and Technical Students — Quick Reference
| Subject | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fashion Design Practical | 15th – 19th June | Set by Council |
| Beauty and Cosmetology Practical | 15th – 19th June | Set by Council |
| Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs Practical | 15th – 19th June | Set by Council |
| Catering Craft Practical | 15th – 19th June | Set by Council |
| Livestock Farming Progressive Assessments | 15th – 19th June | Set by Council |
| Physical Education Practical | 15th – 19th June | Set by Council |
| Catering Craft (Objective and Essay) | Monday 20th July | 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm |
| Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs (Objective and Essay) | Wednesday 22nd July | 2:15 pm – 5:15 pm |
| Fashion Design and Garment Making (Objective and Essay) | Wednesday 22nd July | 2:15 pm – 4:45 pm |
| Beauty and Cosmetology (Objective and Essay) | Wednesday 22nd July | 2:15 pm – 4:45 pm |
| Livestock Farming Practical | Wednesday 22nd July | 2:15 pm – 3:45 pm |
| Livestock Farming (Objective and Essay) | Thursday 23rd July | 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm |
| Foods and Nutrition (Objective and Essay) | Tuesday 7th July | 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm |
| Home Management (Objective and Essay) | Monday 29th June | 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm |
| Physical Education (Objective and Essay) | Monday 6th July | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm |
| Technical Drawing (Objective and Drawing) | Friday 10th July | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm |
| Technical Drawing Practical | Tuesday 14th July | 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
Download the NECO 2026 Timetable PDF
To save this timetable and share it with your classmates, teachers, and parents, you can download the official NECO 2026 SSCE Internal timetable PDF directly:
Download NECO 2026 Timetable PDF
Print it out, pin it somewhere you will see it every day, and start preparing for each subject on time. The examination starts on 15th June 2026 and runs through 23rd July 2026. That is your window. Use it well.
NECO 2026 Timetable — Frequently Asked Questions
When does NECO 2026 SSCE start and end?
The 2026 NECO SSCE Internal examination starts on Monday 15th June 2026 and ends on Thursday 23rd July 2026.
When is NECO 2026 Mathematics?
General Mathematics Objective paper is on Wednesday 1st July 2026 from 10:00 am to 11:45 am. The Essay paper follows same day from 12:00 noon to 2:30 pm.
When is NECO 2026 English Language?
English Language Objective is on Wednesday 15th July from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Essay is from 11:15 am to 1:00 pm. Test of Orals is from 1:15 pm to 2:00 pm.
When is NECO 2026 Biology?
Biology Practical is on Friday 26th June from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Biology Objective and Essay is on Monday 29th June from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm.
When is NECO 2026 Chemistry?
Chemistry Practical is on Thursday 25th June from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Chemistry Objective and Essay is on Tuesday 14th July from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
When is NECO 2026 Physics?
Physics Practical is on Thursday 2nd July from 10:00 am to 12:45 pm. Physics Objective and Essay is on Tuesday 7th July from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
When is NECO 2026 Economics?
Economics Objective and Essay is on Monday 20th July from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
When is NECO 2026 Government?
Government Objective and Essay is on Monday 6th July from 10:00 am to 12:40 pm.
When is NECO 2026 Literature in English?
Literature in English Objective and Prose is on Friday 3rd July from 10:00 am to 12:15 pm. Drama and Poetry is on Tuesday 14th July from 2:00 pm to 3:40 pm.
When is NECO 2026 Further Mathematics?
Further Mathematics Objective is on Thursday 9th July from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Essay follows same day from 12:00 noon to 2:30 pm.
When is NECO 2026 Accounting?
Accounting Objective, Theory and Practice is on Wednesday 22nd July from 10:00 am to 1:50 pm.
When is NECO 2026 Commerce?
Commerce Objective and Essay is on Monday 13th July from 2:00 pm to 4:40 pm.
Is NECO timetable 2026 out?
Yes. The NECO 2026 timetable for SS3 students has been released for the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) Internal.
NECO timetable 2026 for science students
Science students will write subjects such as Mathematics, English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Agricultural Science, and Further Mathematics according to the official NECO 2026 timetable.
Can I download NECO SSCE timetable 2026 PDF?
Yes. Candidates can download the official NECO SSCE timetable 2026 PDF online and print it for easy reference during examination preparation to Get the NECO 2026 Timetable PDF.
When will NECO 2026 start?
NECO 2026 examinations are expected to start in June 2026 based on the official examination schedule.
What is the NECO 2026 timetable release date?
The NECO 2026 timetable was released months before the examination to allow candidates prepare adequately for all subjects.
Which month is NECO starting in 2026?
NECO 2026 SSCE examinations will start in June 2026.
Is NECO 2026 CBT or not?
Some NECO examinations may include Computer-Based Tests (CBT) not offically confirmed yet, especially objective sections, while others remain paper-based depending on the subject and examination guidelines.
Is NECO harder than WAEC?
Both NECO and WAEC follow the Nigerian secondary school curriculum. Some students consider NECO easier because questions are often more direct, while others prefer WAEC due to wider international recognition.
Can I use NECO to enter university without JAMB?
NECO results alone cannot replace JAMB for regular university admission in Nigeria. However, some institutions may accept NECO for part-time, diploma, JUPEB, IJMB, or direct entry programs.
Is NECO accepted in the UK?
Yes. NECO results are accepted by some universities and institutions in the UK, especially when combined with additional qualifications or foundation programs.
What are the different types of NECO exams?
The major NECO examinations include: - NECO SSCE Internal - NECO SSCE External (GCE) - NECO BECE - National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE)
Are calculators allowed in NECO 2026?
Yes. Scientific calculators are allowed. However programmable calculators, mobile phones, iPads, tablets, and smart devices are strictly prohibited.
Where can I download the NECO 2026 timetable PDF?
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