The West African Examinations Council has officially started registration for the 2026 WASSCE for Private Candidates, Second Series, popularly known as WAEC GCE. Thousands of candidates across Nigeria use this examination every year to gain admission, improve grades, or complete missing O Level requirements.
For the 2026 edition, WAEC announced that the examination will be conducted through the Computer Based Test format. Candidates are therefore advised to prepare early and become familiar with CBT before the examination begins.
See the latest announcement: 2026 WASSCE Second Series Registration Now Open for Private Candidates
Registration is currently ongoing, and interested applicants are expected to complete their biometric capture and online registration before the deadline. Candidates should also ensure that every detail entered during registration is correct to avoid issues later.
WAEC GCE 2026 Registration Period
Activity | Date |
|---|---|
Registration Begins | Sunday, 4 May 2026 |
Closing Date for PIN Generation | Friday, 31 July 2026 |
Deadline for Biometrics and Online Registration | Sunday, 2 August 2026 |
WAEC GCE Registration Fee 2026
Candidates are required to pay:
Payment Type | Amount |
|---|---|
Registration Fee | ₦37,000 |
Bank or Agent Commission | ₦500 |
Walk In Candidate Fee | ₦45,000 |
Approved Banks for WAEC GCE Registration
Candidates can obtain their registration PIN from approved banks, including:
Access Bank
Ecobank
Fidelity Bank
First Bank
FCMB
GTBank
Heritage Bank
Jaiz Bank
Polaris Bank
Stanbic IBTC
Standard Chartered Bank
Sterling Bank
Union Bank
UBA
Unity Bank
WEMA Bank
Zenith Bank
Available Online Payment Platforms
Candidates can also purchase registration tokens through approved online payment channels such as:
Paga
PalmPay
Interswitch
Etranzact
CoralPay
Unified Payments
Bancwize
Xpress Payment
IQ Pay
Paycom
Kudi
Who Can Apply for WAEC GCE 2026?
The examination is open to:
School leavers
Candidates rewriting failed subjects
Workers needing O-level qualifications
JAMB candidates lacking admission requirements
Individuals upgrading previous results
Mature candidates seeking educational advancement
How to Register for WAEC GCE 2026
Follow these steps carefully:
Purchase the WAEC registration PIN from an approved bank or payment platform
Visit the official WAEC registration portal at https://www.waeconline.org.ng/
Log in using the purchased PIN
Fill in your personal information correctly
Select your examination subjects carefully
Choose your preferred examination town
Capture your biometric details and fingerprint
Upload a clear passport photograph with a plain contrasting background
Review all details before final submission
Print your Admission Notice and registration slip after successful registration
Important Registration Guidelines
Candidates should take note of the following:
Registration must be completed within two weeks of first accessing the portal
The examination will be computer based
Objective questions will be fully CBT
Essay and practical questions will be displayed on screen, while answers will be written in answer booklets
Candidates must provide valid phone numbers and email addresses
Candidates should print and keep their Admission Notice safely
Registration fees are not refundable
WAEC GCE CBT Examination Format
WAEC confirmed that the 2026 private candidates' examination will follow the CBT format.
Examination Section | Format |
|---|---|
Objective Questions | Fully CBT |
Essay Questions | Questions displayed on screen, answers written in a booklet |
Practical Tests | Hybrid format |
An online mock examination will also be organised for interested candidates before the main examination.
Candidates With Special Needs
Candidates with disabilities can also register online, but must clearly indicate their condition during registration.
Examples include:
Visual impairment
Low vision
Hearing impairment
Speech difficulty
Spastic condition
Walk In Candidates
Candidates who miss the normal registration period may still register as walk in candidates, provided registration is completed at least 24 hours before the scheduled paper.
The walk in registration fee is ₦45,000.
Important Examination Rules
Candidates must note the following rules carefully:
Mobile phones and electronic gadgets are prohibited in examination halls
Candidates caught in malpractice may have all results cancelled
Multiple centre registration can lead to result cancellation
Candidates must come with their original Admission Notice
Smoking is prohibited inside examination halls
No professional uniforms are allowed during the examination
Documents Needed for Registration
Applicants should prepare:
Valid phone number
Functional email address
Passport photograph
Means of identification
Payment funds
Personal details
WAEC GCE Preparation Tips
Candidates are advised to:
Practise CBT regularly
Study WAEC past questions
Use the official WAEC syllabus
Improve computer navigation skills
Start preparation early
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is WAEC GCE registration for 2026 ongoing?
A: Yes. Registration for the 2026 WAEC GCE Second Series is currently ongoing.
Q: How much is the WAEC GCE registration fee for 2026?
A: The registration fee is ₦37,000, excluding additional bank or agent charges.
Q: When will WAEC GCE registration close?
A: PIN generation closes on Friday, 31 July 2026, while biometric capture and online registration end on Sunday, 2 August 2026.
Q: Is the 2026 WAEC GCE examination CBT?
A: Yes. WAEC confirmed that the examination will be computer based.
Q: Can I combine WAEC GCE with NECO or NABTEB?
A: Yes. Most institutions allow candidates to combine O Level results, depending on their admission policy.
Q: What happens if I miss the registration deadline?
A: Candidates who miss the deadline may register as walk in candidates or wait for the next examination cycle.
Q: Is biometric capture compulsory for WAEC GCE registration?
A: Yes. Biometric registration is compulsory for all candidates.
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