Overview
The National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) is run by the National Examinations Council (NECO) for admission into Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS 1) in Nigeria's Federal Unity Colleges. Pupils in their final year of primary school take it.
Who can apply
Only final-year primary school pupils may sit the exam, and they must be at least 10 years old by September of the exam year (2026 cycle).
Exam pattern
The 2026 exam has two papers.
| Paper | Part A | Part B |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics and Basic Science and Technology | English Studies and National Values Education |
| Paper II | Quantitative and Vocational Aptitude | Verbal Aptitude |
Important dates
For 2026, the NCEE was scheduled for 6 June 2026. Registration ran from 5 January to 9:00 am on 6 June 2026.
Fees
For 2026, the registration fee was N5,940.
How to apply
Registration is online only, on the NECO NCEE portal. Create an account with an email address and phone number, activate it from your email, pay the fee on the NECO portal (card, USSD, wallet, bank branch, internet banking or eNaira; bank transfer should be avoided), enter the candidate's details including National Identification Number, upload a passport photograph and print the photocard. Candidates choose six Federal Unity Colleges, one from each geopolitical zone. Changes of exam centre, name or photograph are not allowed after registration.
After the exam
Qualified candidates who chose an oversubscribed college may be placed at another available college, depending on the carrying capacity of the Federal Unity Colleges.
Preparation tips
Prepare for both papers: Paper I covers Mathematics, Basic Science and Technology, English Studies and National Values Education, and Paper II covers the aptitude parts.
Choose your six colleges early and make sure each is in a different zone.
Register well before the final morning, since the portal closes at exam time.
Can I apply to more than one college?
Yes. You select six Federal Unity Colleges, one per geopolitical zone.