WAEC GCE First Series 2026 Registration Now Open: Complete Guide

O’Level Examination News

The West African Examinations Council has officially opened registration for prospective candidates. The WASSCE for Private Candidates 2026 First Series is now accepting entries. Currently, the registration fee stands at Twenty-Seven Thousand Naira (N27,000). However, interested candidates must complete their registration before the deadline. Specifically, all entries close at 11:59 PM on Friday, January 30th, 2026. Therefore, candidates should read this comprehensive guide carefully to ensure successful registration for the 2026 GCE examination.

How to Register for the Examination

Online Registration Process

Registration for the WASSCE Private Candidates 2026 First Series is conducted entirely online. After obtaining your Registration PIN, candidates must visit www.waeconline.org.ng to complete their registration. Additionally, the registration system has been updated with biometric features. Consequently, these biometric data will be used for candidate validation at examination venues.

Furthermore, candidates should note an important development. All WAEC past questions are now accessible online. Both objective and theory questions, along with their solutions, have been made available digitally. Notably, this marks WAEC’s first implementation of Computer-Based Testing (CBT). As a result, candidates are strongly encouraged to prepare using specialized tools. The Myschool WAEC CBT software and Myschool WAEC CBT Mobile application are highly recommended. These platforms help candidates familiarize themselves with the CBT environment while covering past questions comprehensively.

Important Registration Dates

Registration Deadline

Normal registration closes on Friday, January 30, 2026. Therefore, candidates must submit their entries before this date. Missing this deadline will result in additional costs and limited options.

Payment Methods and Procedures

Registration Fee Structure

Candidates are required to pay Twenty-Seven Thousand Naira (N27,000) as registration fee. This payment can be made at designated bank branches or through accredited agents. Upon payment completion, candidates will receive their Registration PIN and information VCD.

Approved Banks for Registration

The following financial institutions have been authorized to process registrations:

• Access Bank Plc
• Ecobank Plc
• Fidelity Bank Plc
• First Bank of Nigeria
• First City Monument Bank Plc
• Guaranty Trust Bank Plc
• Heritage Bank Plc
• Jaiz Bank
• Polaris Bank Ltd
• Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc
• Standard Chartered Bank Plc
• Sterling Bank Plc
• Union Bank of Nigeria Plc
• United Bank for Africa Plc
• Unity Bank Plc
• WEMA Bank Plc
• Zenith Bank Plc

Moreover, an additional Five Hundred Naira (N500.00) commission will be charged by banks and accredited agents.

Cashless Payment Options

Alternatively, candidates can utilize various cashless payment channels. Credit and debit cards are accepted through these platforms:

• Bancwize Limited
• Bring Africa
• Broadshift Technologies Ltd
• Citiserve Ltd
• Xpress Payment
• Paga
• Palmpay
• Paycom
• System Specs Ltd
• Interswitch
• Coralpay
• Etranzact
• IQ Pay
• Cyberspace Ltd
• Fidelity Bank
• Itex
• Unified Payments
• UBA
• Capricorn Ltd
• Kudi

Late Registration: Walk-In Candidates

Special Provisions for Late Applicants

Candidates who miss the regular registration deadline may still register as “Walk-In Candidates.” However, certain conditions apply to this category. Registration must be completed at least twenty-four hours before the scheduled examination time. Additionally, the Walk-In Candidate fee is significantly higher at Forty-Five Thousand Naira (N45,000.00).

Registration for Candidates with Special Needs

Accessibility and Support

Candidates with special needs are accommodated through the same online registration platform. However, they must clearly indicate their specific impairments during registration. These may include visual impairment, low vision, spastic conditions, speech challenges, or hearing difficulties. Proper identification ensures appropriate examination accommodations are provided.

Registration Locations and Centers

Where to Complete Your Registration

Multiple registration points have been established for candidate convenience. These include:

• Accredited bank branches
• Cyber Cafes
• WAEC offices nationwide
• Designated “WAEC REGISTRATION POINTS”

Candidates should visit the nearest location for PIN purchase and registration completion.

Completing Your Registration Successfully

Registration Timeline and Requirements

Registration must be completed within two weeks of initial website access. During this period, candidates should verify all information carefully. Specifically, names, gender, passport photographs, dates of birth, and subject selections must be accurate. After successful registration, candidates must print their Admission Notice. This document serves as evidence of registration and identification during examinations. Additionally, the Result Checker PIN will be included on this notice.

Biometric Requirements

The acceptable fingerprint scanner is the UareU DigitalPersona fingerprint device. This biometric data collection is mandatory for all candidates.

Examination Format and Structure

Computer-Based Testing Implementation

The 2026 examination will be conducted using Computer-Based Testing methods. Objective papers will be fully administered through CBT platforms. Meanwhile, essay and practical examinations will follow a hybrid format. Questions will be displayed on screens while candidates write answers in provided booklets. Therefore, preparation using CBT platforms is crucial for success.

Mock Examination Opportunity

An online Mock examination will be available for registered candidates. This practice test helps candidates familiarize themselves with the testing environment. Dates and procedures will be communicated through SMS, email, and social media platforms.

Critical Regulations and Guidelines

Non-Refundable Fees

Candidates must understand that registration fees are non-refundable under any circumstances. Therefore, careful consideration is necessary before registration.

Examination Timetable

Candidates should regularly check the official website for timetable updates. The examination schedule will be published as the examination dates approach.

Passport Photograph Requirements

Entries must be uploaded with digitally captured passport photographs. The Microsoft HD 3000 camera specification is recommended. Photographs must meet specific standards:

• Format: JPEG files only
• Dimensions: 275 by 314 pixels
• Resolution: 72 dpi
• Quality: High-quality black and white or color
• Background: Contrasting and clear
• Obstruction: No items blocking the face

Poor quality or defaced photographs will automatically invalidate candidate entries.

Study Materials and Resources

Candidates should thoroughly study Regulations and Syllabuses for their chosen subjects. These documents can be downloaded from www.waeconline.org.ng using the Registration PIN. Additionally, detailed information is available at www.waecnigeria.org.

Examination Hall Conduct Rules

Dress Code Requirements

Candidates must attend examination halls in plain clothes (mufti). Professional uniforms of any kind are strictly prohibited. Furthermore, candidates must not bring arms or weapons into examination venues.

Center Restrictions

Candidates who sit for examinations at multiple centers will have their entire results cancelled. Therefore, attendance at assigned centers only is mandatory.

Prohibited Items

Smoking is strictly forbidden within examination halls. Additionally, mobile phones and electronic gadgets are completely banned. Any candidate found with such devices will have all results cancelled immediately.

Valid Documentation

Original Admission Notices must be presented at examination halls. Candidates without proper documentation will not be allowed entry.

Anti-Malpractice Measures

Examination malpractice carries severe consequences. Offending candidates will not only have results cancelled but may face prosecution. Therefore, academic integrity must be maintained throughout examinations.

Registration Data Accuracy

Candidate Responsibility

Candidates must ensure all entry information is correct before final submission. The Council will not accept responsibility for errors in voluntarily provided information. Furthermore, amendment requests will NOT be entertained after registration completion.

Contact Information Verification

Valid email addresses and telephone numbers must be provided during registration. These contact details will be used for official communication throughout the examination process.

Conclusion

Thank you for taking the time to read this comprehensive guide on WAEC GCE 2026 First Series registration. We hope this information has provided clarity on the registration process and requirements. If you have any questions or concerns about anything covered in this article, please feel free to ask in the comments section below. Your success in this examination is important to us. Therefore, we encourage you to share this valuable information with friends and colleagues who may benefit from it. We wish you the very best of luck in your preparations and examinations. May your hard work yield excellent results!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: When does WAEC GCE 2026 First Series registration close?

Registration closes at 11:59 PM on Friday, January 30, 2026. All candidates must complete their entries before this deadline.

Q2: How much is the WAEC GCE 2026 registration fee?

The normal registration fee is Twenty-Seven Thousand Naira (N27,000). Additionally, candidates pay N500 commission to banks or accredited agents.

Q3: Can I register after the normal registration deadline?

Yes, late registration is possible as a “Walk-In Candidate.” However, the fee increases to Forty-Five Thousand Naira (N45,000). Registration must occur at least 24 hours before your scheduled examination.

Q4: Is the WAEC GCE 2026 examination computer-based?

Yes, objective papers will be fully Computer-Based Testing (CBT). Essay and practical examinations will be hybrid format with questions displayed on screens.

Q5: Where can I register for WAEC GCE 2026?

Registration can be completed at accredited banks, Cyber Cafes, WAEC offices, and designated “WAEC REGISTRATION POINTS” nationwide.

Q6: What are the passport photograph requirements?

Photographs must be JPEG format, 275 by 314 pixels, 72 dpi resolution. They should be high-quality black and white or color with contrasting background.

Q7: Are mobile phones allowed in the examination hall?

No, mobile phones and all electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited. Candidates found with such devices will have entire results cancelled.

Q8: How can candidates with special needs register?

Candidates with special needs register through the same online platform. However, they must clearly indicate their specific impairments during registration.

Q9: Is the registration fee refundable?

No, registration fees are non-refundable under any circumstances. Candidates should ensure they are ready before payment.

Q10: How can I prepare for the CBT format?

Use Myschool WAEC CBT software or Mobile application. These platforms help you familiarize yourself with the CBT environment and practice past questions.

Q11: What payment methods are accepted?

Payments can be made through approved banks or various cashless channels. Credit/debit cards are accepted through platforms like Interswitch, Paga, Palmpay, and others.

Q12: Can I amend my registration information after submission?

No, amendment requests will NOT be entertained. Candidates must verify all information is correct before final submission.