The timetable for the Junior WAEC examination is now available, giving schools and students a clear idea of how the exam period will run. With dates fixed, candidates can now organise their reading plans and prepare properly.
The National Examinations Council has released the official timetable for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), widely known as Junior WAEC. The examination is scheduled to run from Monday, 20 April to Thursday, 30 April 2026.
We have put together a breakdown of the timetable and key information to take note of. Also, you can download a PDF of the timetable below.
NECO BECE 2026 Exam Dates
The 2026 Junior WAEC will last for about ten days, covering core subjects and practical papers.
Start Date | End Date | Exam Name |
|---|---|---|
Monday, 20 April 2026 | Thursday, 30 April 2026 | NECO BECE (Junior WAEC) |
Students preparing for senior secondary exams should also keep track of major exam schedules, such as the WAEC timetable, to plan ahead.
2026 NECO BECE Timetable
Here is the detailed timetable showing subjects, duration, and exam time.
Date | Subject & Paper | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
Monday, 20 April | Business Studies Practical | 20 mins | 10:00 am – 10:20 am |
Tuesday, 21 April | BST Computer Practical | 45 mins | 10:00 am – 10:45 am |
Wednesday, 22 April | BST Drawing | 45 mins | 10:00 am – 10:45 am |
Wednesday, 22 April | Cultural & Creative Arts Practical | 1 hr | 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm |
Thursday, 23 April | History Objective (Paper I & II) | 1 hr each | 10:00 am – 12:00 noon |
Thursday, 23 April | Hausa/Igbo/Yoruba L1 & L2 | 1 hr each | 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm |
Friday, 24 April | CRS / Islamic Studies (Paper I & II) | 1 hr each | 10:00 am – 12:00 noon |
Saturday, 25 April | Mathematics (Objective & Essay) | 1 hr 20 mins / 40 mins | 10:00 am – 3:10 pm |
Monday, 27 April | Cultural & Creative Arts | 1 hr each | 10:00 am – 12:00 noon |
Monday, 27 April | Business Studies | 1 hr each | 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm |
Tuesday, 28 April | BST (Paper I & II) | 1 hr each | 10:00 am – 12:00 noon |
Tuesday, 28 April | Pre-Vocational Studies | 1 hr each | 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm |
Wednesday, 29 April | English Studies (All Papers) | Various | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm |
Wednesday, 29 April | Arabic Language | 1 hr each | 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
Thursday, 30 April | National Values Education | 1 hr each | 10:00 am – 12:00 noon |
Thursday, 30 April | French Language | 1 hr each | 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm |
Download the full NECO BECE 2026 timetable in PDF format.
Important Instructions for Schools and Candidates
NECO has issued several important guidelines that candidates must follow during the examination.
Every candidate must come with a valid photocard for identification
Where the time on the question paper differs from the timetable, follow the time printed on the question paper
Practical subjects like Business Studies and BST may be conducted in batches if equipment is limited
Practical sessions must not extend beyond 5:00 pm
Simple calculators are allowed where necessary
Electronic devices such as phones, tablets, and smartwatches are strictly prohibited
Failure to follow these instructions may affect participation in the examination.
Special Arrangements for Candidates with Needs
NECO has made provisions to support candidates who require additional assistance.
Albino and blind candidates will receive 30 minutes extra time in all subjects
Blind candidates must use the official NECO Braille sheet provided for the examination
These adjustments help ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all candidates.
How to Prepare Effectively for Junior WAEC
Preparing early makes a big difference during exams.
Create a reading timetable based on exam dates
Focus more on subjects scheduled earlier
Practise past questions regularly
Revise weak areas before the exam week
Get enough rest before each paper
With the timetable already released, this is the right time to begin serious preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the NECO BECE 2026 start?
A: The examination will begin on Monday, 20 April 2026.
Q: When will the NECO BECE 2026 end?
A: The examination will end on Thursday, 30 April 2026.
Q: Are calculators allowed in the NECO BECE exam?
A: Yes, simple calculators are allowed where required.
Q: What happens if exam time differs from the timetable?
A: Candidates should follow the time printed on the question paper.
Q: Are phones allowed in the NECO BECE exam hall?
A: No, phones and other electronic devices are strictly prohibited.
Q: Do blind candidates get extra time in NECO BECE?
A: Yes, blind candidates are given 30 minutes extra time in all subjects.
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