Are you planning to register for the 2026 WAEC GCE (West African Examinations Council General Certificate in Education) examination?
This guide provides step-by-step registration instructions, requirements, fees, and all important deadlines you need to know.
The WAEC GCE is an important examination for Nigerian students who want to improve their O-level grades or complete their secondary education. With proper preparation and early registration, you can successfully secure your spot for the 2026 examination session.
Available Subjects You Can Write
The 2026 WAEC GCE offers more than 70 subjects across different categories:
Core Subjects (Compulsory):
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Civic Education
- One Nigerian Language (Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba)
Science Subjects:
- Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Agricultural Science
- Further Mathematics
- Computer Studies
- Technical Drawing
Commercial Subjects:
- Economics, Accounting, Commerce
- Business Studies
- Store Management
- Office Practice
Arts Subjects:
- Literature in English
- Government, History
- Geography, CRS/IRS
- Fine Arts, Music
Technical Subjects:
- Auto Mechanics, Building Construction
- Electrical Installation
- Metalwork, Woodwork
- Home Economics
You can register for a maximum of 9 subjects and a minimum of 5 subjects per sitting.
Choose your subjects carefully based on your career goals and university admission requirements.
How Much It Costs (And When To Start)
2026 WAEC GCE Registration Fees:
- 5 Subjects: ₦18,950
- 6 Subjects: ₦21,200
- 7 Subjects: ₦23,450
- 8 Subjects: ₦25,700
- 9 Subjects: ₦27,950
Additional Costs:
- Late registration penalty: ₦5,000 (after normal deadline)
- Change of subjects/bio-data: ₦2,500
- Duplicate registration slip: ₦1,000
When to Start Registration:
Registration usually opens in July and runs through September.
Early registration is strongly recommended to avoid late penalties and ensure your preferred examination center remains available.
Where To Pay
You can pay your WAEC GCE registration fees through any of these approved channels:
Bank Payment:
- Visit any commercial bank branch nationwide
- Present the WAEC payment slip
- Collect your payment receipt and PIN
Online Payment:
- Visit the official WAEC portal (www.waecdirect.org)
- Use the Interswitch payment platform
- You can also pay via bank mobile apps or USSD codes
WAEC State Offices:
- Visit any WAEC state office near you
- Make direct payment and collect your registration PIN immediately
Authorized Agents:
- Licensed WAEC registration centers
- School-based registration points
- Cyber cafés approved by WAEC
Always ensure you receive a valid PIN and payment receipt for successful registration.
How To Register: Full Guide
Step 1: Pay and Get Your PIN
Go to any authorized payment outlet with the following:
- Valid ID (National ID, Voter’s Card, or Passport)
- Registration fee amount
- Completed payment slip
After payment, you will receive:
- 10-digit registration PIN
- Serial number
- Payment receipt
Step 2: Visit the WAEC Portal
- Go to www.waecnigeria.org
- Click “GCE Registration”
- Select “First Time Registration” or “Re-Registration”
- Enter your PIN and serial number
- Proceed to fill out the online registration form
Step 3: Have Your NIN Handy
Your National Identification Number (NIN) is mandatory:
- Must be 11 digits
- Belongs to the candidate (not parent/guardian)
- Verify NIN before submission
- Contact NIMC if you don’t yet have one
Step 4: Special Needs Support
WAEC provides assistance to candidates with special needs:
- Visual impairment: extra time or braille papers
- Hearing impairment: sign language interpreter
- Physical disabilities: accessible centers
- Learning difficulties: extended exam time
Declare any special need during registration with medical proof.
Step 5: Complete Registration
Fill in your details accurately:
- Personal info (name, DOB, gender)
- Contact details (email, phone, address)
- Subject selection (5–9 subjects)
- Preferred examination center
- Upload a recent colored passport photograph
Review everything carefully before submission, print your registration slip, and keep it safe.
Useful WAEC Websites
- Main Portal: www.waecnigeria.org
- Results Checking: www.waecdirect.org
- Registration Portal: gce.waecnigeria.org
WAEC Contact Information
Customer Care: 0700-CALL-WAEC (0700-2255-9232)
Email: info@waecnigeria.org
WhatsApp: +234-903-000-0400
Regional Offices:
- Lagos Office: 8–10 Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja
- Abuja Office: Plot 6 Lome Street, Wuse Zone 1
- Port Harcourt Office: 23 Birabi Street, GRA Phase 1
Study Materials
- WAEC GCE Past Questions (2015–2024)
- WAEC Syllabus for all subjects
- Recommended textbooks list
- Online practice tests
Important Deadlines
2026 WAEC GCE Important Dates:
- Registration Opens: July 15, 2025
- Normal Registration Deadline: August 31, 2025
- Late Registration Deadline: September 15, 2025
- Registration Closes: September 30, 2025
- Examination Period: November – December 2025
- Results Release: January 2026
Key Reminders:
- Register early to avoid penalties
- Print your registration slip before closing date
- Confirm exam center and schedule
- Results are released 45 days after last paper
Missing any deadline means waiting for the next GCE series.
Basic WAEC Rules to Remember
Breaking WAEC rules can lead to result cancellation or a ban.
Here’s what to avoid:
Examination Malpractice:
- Bringing unauthorized materials (phones, notes)
- Copying or impersonation
- Communicating during exam
Penalty: Result cancellation + 2-year ban
Registration Violations:
- False information or using someone else’s NIN
- Multiple registrations
- Underage candidates (below 15 years)
Penalty: Registration cancellation + no refund
Conduct Issues:
- Misbehavior or disrespect to exam officials
- Refusal to follow instructions
- Disruption during exam
Penalty: Immediate ejection + result cancellation
Documentation Problems:
- Invalid or fake credentials
- Altered registration details
Penalty: Registration void + legal action possible
Late Arrival:
- Arriving more than 30 minutes late
- Missing exam without permission
Penalty: Disqualification from that subject
Follow all WAEC guidelines carefully to protect your registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I register for WAEC GCE without O-level results?
Yes. WAEC GCE is open to everyone — first-timers or those improving grades. You only need to be 15 years or older and have a valid NIN.
2. How many times can I write WAEC GCE in a year?
WAEC GCE is held twice yearly — First Series (Jan/Feb) and Second Series (Nov/Dec).
You may register for both, but each session requires separate payment.
3. Can I change my subjects after registration?
Yes, but only during the registration window and with a ₦2,500 fee.
No changes are allowed after the final deadline.
4. What if I miss my exam date?
Missing an exam means forfeiting that subject. WAEC doesn’t offer makeup exams except for emergencies, which must be supported with medical proof.
5. When will WAEC GCE results be released?
Results are released about 45 days after the last paper.
Check online at www.waecdirect.org using your exam number and PIN or through SMS.
Ready to Register for 2026 WAEC GCE?
Start your registration today and secure your chance to succeed in the 2026 WAEC GCE.
Gather all your required documents, select subjects carefully, and register before the deadline.
If this guide was helpful, kindly share it with your friends and classmates.
Good luck with your exams and see you in the hall of success!