How Much Is the NECO Exam in Nigeria? Cost Guide (April 2025)

NECO Exam Fees for School Candidates: June/July SSCE

For students enrolled in secondary schools taking the NECO SSCE during the June/July session, the official registration fee for the 2025/2026 academic year is set at ₦22,250. This amount, established by the National Examinations Council, covers the examination process, online registration, and administrative overheads. However, we’ve noted that the total cost often varies due to additional charges levied by schools or state governments, reflecting local policies and operational needs.

• Base Fee: The standard NECO fee of ₦22,250 applies nationwide, as confirmed by updates from educational platforms and NECO’s official channels in early 2025.
• Additional Charges: In states like Ogun, schools may add ₦1,000–₦2,000 for e-registration and logistics, bringing the total to ₦23,250–₦24,250. Private schools in urban hubs like Lagos or Abuja often charge up to ₦25,000–₦30,000, incorporating preparatory classes or administrative fees.
• Subsidized Regions: States such as Edo or Delta occasionally offer partial subsidies, reducing the cost to ₦15,000–₦20,000 for public school students, depending on government funding allocations.

This fee marks an increase from ₦17,800 in 2024, a shift attributed to Nigeria’s economic conditions, including an inflation rate exceeding 30% and rising operational costs.

NECO GCE Fees for Private Candidates

Private candidates, those not affiliated with secondary schools, register for the NECO GCE, held in two series: First Series (January/February) and Second Series (November/December). We’ve established that the standard fee for the 2025 NECO GCE is also ₦22,250, which includes the exam and a result checker token. Key details include:

• Standard Cost: ₦22,250, payable through banks, NECO offices, or accredited agents, with an additional ₦500 bank commission, totaling ₦22,750.
• Late Registration: For the 2025 First Series, late registrants faced a penalty, with fees rising to ₦23,250 if registered after the initial deadline (January 14, 2025), per NECO’s updated policy.
• Walk-In Candidates: Those registering less than 24 hours before their paper paid ₦30,000, a measure to deter last-minute entries.

The First Series registration closed on January 14, 2025, while the Second Series window typically opens in June, with fees expected to remain consistent barring unforeseen economic shifts.

Regional and Institutional Cost Variations

Nigeria’s vast geography and decentralized education system result in NECO exam costs fluctuating across regions. We’ve identified several factors driving these differences:

• State Policies: In Lagos State, public school students may pay ₦0–₦5,000 due to full or partial subsidies, a policy sustained in 2025 budgets. Conversely, states like Rivers or Kano rarely subsidize, leaving candidates to cover the full ₦22,250–₦25,000.
• Urban Premiums: Cities like Port Harcourt or Ibadan see private schools charging ₦25,000–₦30,000, reflecting higher operational costs and demand for additional services.
• Rural Savings: In areas like Zamfara or Ebonyi, fees often stay closer to ₦22,250–₦23,000, with fewer add-ons from schools or agents.

These variations emphasize the need to confirm costs with local schools or NECO offices, especially in fluctuating economic climates.

What Does the NECO Exam Fee Cover?

We’ve dissected the ₦22,250 fee to clarify its components, ensuring you understand its value:

• Exam Administration: Funds invigilation, question paper production, and logistics for over 20,000 exam centers nationwide.
• Digital Registration: Supports the online portal at mynecoexams.com, including biometric data capture (fingerprints and photos).
• Result Processing: Covers marking, verification, and certificate issuance, accessible via NECO’s result portal.
• Token Inclusion: For GCE candidates, a result checker token is bundled; school candidates may need an additional ₦500–₦1,000 post-exam.

This all-inclusive fee ensures a seamless examination experience, from registration to certification.

How to Register and Pay for the NECO Exam

We’ve outlined the registration process for both candidate types to guide you efficiently:

• School Candidates:
  • Schools collect fees and submit candidate details via NECO’s internal portal, typically by April 2025 for the June/July session.
  • Payment is made through designated banks (e.g., Zenith Bank, UBA) or school accounts, with deadlines set by individual institutions.
  • Biometric capture occurs at school centers, requiring a recent passport photo.
• Private Candidates:
  • Purchase a PIN for ₦22,250–₦22,750 from NECO offices, banks, or agents.
  • Register on mynecoexams.com, uploading photos and biometric data.
  • First Series 2025 closed January 14; Second Series registration opens around June 2025.

Accuracy in data entry and timely payment are crucial to avoid complications.

NECO vs. WAEC: A Cost Comparison

We’ve compared NECO with its counterpart, WAEC, to highlight pricing differences in 2025:

• NECO SSCE: ₦22,250, with total costs up to ₦30,000 in some cases.
• WAEC WASSCE: ₦27,000, often reaching ₦30,000–₦35,000 with extras, as per WAEC’s 2025 fee structure.
• NECO GCE: ₦22,250–₦23,250, versus WAEC GCE’s ₦27,000–₦28,000.
• Scope: NECO is Nigeria-specific, while WAEC serves five West African countries, influencing operational costs.

NECO’s lower base fee offers a budget-friendly alternative, though total costs converge with WAEC in practice.

Why NECO Fees Are Rising

We’ve traced the factors behind the fee hike from ₦17,800 in 2024 to ₦22,250 in 2025:

• Economic Inflation: With inflation above 30%, costs for paper, printing, and staff have surged.
• Currency Depreciation: The naira’s rate of ₦1,600–₦1,700 per USD in April 2025 raises expenses for imported materials.
• Scale of Operations: NECO’s 1.3 million+ candidates annually demand robust funding for logistics and technology.

Despite the increase, NECO remains a cost-effective option compared to regional peers.

Read also: How Much Is the WAEC Exam in Nigeria? Cost Guide (April 2025)

Tips to Minimize NECO Exam Costs

We’ve gathered strategies to help you save:

• Subsidized Schools: Enroll in public schools in states like Lagos or Osun, where fees can drop to ₦0–₦15,000.
• Early Registration: Pay by initial deadlines (e.g., January 14 for GCE First Series) to avoid penalties like ₦30,000 for walk-ins.
• Direct Purchase: Buy PINs from NECO offices at ₦22,250, bypassing agent markups of ₦500–₦1,000.
• Group Discounts: Schools or communities can negotiate bulk payments, reducing costs by ₦500–₦1,000 per candidate.

Proactive planning maximizes affordability.

Additional Expenses Beyond Registration

We’ve identified hidden costs to budget for:

• Result Checker: School candidates pay ₦500–₦1,000 post-exam for a token, unlike GCE’s bundled option.
• Travel: Reaching registration or exam centers in cities like Kano or Benin may cost ₦1,000–₦3,000.
• Study Resources: Past questions, textbooks, and tutorials range from ₦2,000–₦10,000, depending on quality.
• Corrections: Fixing registration errors (e.g., name or subject) costs ₦2,500, per NECO’s policy.

These extras can add ₦5,000–₦15,000 to your total expenditure.

Is the NECO Exam Worth the Investment?

At ₦22,250–₦30,000, the NECO exam delivers significant value. It’s accepted by Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and employers, with over 60% of candidates annually securing credits in English and Mathematics—key admission benchmarks. Its 76-subject offerings cater to diverse career paths, from sciences to humanities, making it a versatile credential in Nigeria’s competitive education system.

Where to Verify NECO Exam Fees

We recommend these reliable sources for current pricing:

• NECO Website: neco.gov.ng for official updates.
• School Authorities: Principals or exam officers provide localized breakdowns.
• Banks: UBA, First Bank, and NECO agents confirm PIN costs.
• State Ministries: Check for subsidies or additional fees by region.

Cross-referencing ensures accuracy amid economic flux.

Read also: How Much is JAMB 2025 Form in Nigeria?

Conclusion: How Much Should You Budget for the NECO Exam?

In April 2025, the NECO exam in Nigeria costs ₦22,250 at its core, with total expenses ranging from ₦15,000 (subsidized) to ₦30,000 for school candidates and ₦22,750–₦30,000 for GCE candidates, depending on timing and extras. Whether you’re in Lagos, Enugu, or rural areas, this investment unlocks academic and career doors. For precise budgeting, consult your school or NECO’s portal—your future deserves a well-planned start.