NCEE Eligibility & Requirements — Age Limit and Rules Explained
Every year, thousands of Nigerian pupils sit the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) — the official gateway into the country’s Federal Unity Colleges.
But before you register, it’s essential to confirm whether your child meets the eligibility criteria, including the official age limit, required documents, and other important rules set by the National Examinations Council (NECO) and the Federal Ministry of Education.
This guide from The Exam Coach explains everything parents need to know to ensure a smooth registration process for the 2025 NCEE — no surprises, no mistakes.
Who Can Apply
The NCEE is open to all Nigerian pupils who meet the following core criteria:
They are currently in Primary 6 (final year of primary school).
Pupils must have completed at least five years of formal primary education.They intend to seek admission into a Federal Unity College.
These include schools such as:Federal Government College, Ijanikin (Lagos)
Queen’s College, Lagos
King’s College, Lagos
Federal Government Girls College, Owerri
Federal Government College, Kwali (Abuja), and many others.
They are citizens or legal residents of Nigeria.
Children of Nigerian parents living abroad may also apply through approved overseas centres (see below).They register through an accredited NECO agent or the official portal.
Registration is done via https://neco.gov.ng, not through schools directly.
💡 Exam Coach Top Tip: Register early. Late entries often lead to allocation in distant exam centres or extra processing delays.
Age Limit
The official age range for NCEE candidates is:
✅ 10 to 13 years old as of the year of admission (2025).
This means:
A child turning 10 by September 2025 (the start of JSS1) is eligible.
A child older than 13 years by the same date may not be eligible for admission to a Unity College.
Why the Age Limit Exists
The Federal Government sets this rule to ensure:
Pupils are academically and emotionally ready for boarding life.
Consistency in age and maturity levels among JSS1 students.
Fair opportunity for all candidates within the same developmental stage.
Exceptions
In rare cases, a pupil slightly younger than 10 may be allowed if:
The school principal confirms the child’s readiness; and
The parent provides a signed undertaking to support adjustment.
⚠️ Important: Over-aged pupils (above 13) can still apply for private or state secondary schools, but Unity College admission will not be granted even if they pass the exam.
Documents Required for Registration
When registering for the NCEE, parents must provide accurate information and documentation.
Incorrect or missing details can delay or void the application.
Birth Certificate or Age Declaration – Confirms age eligibility (10–13 years).
Passport Photograph (JPEG format) – Used on the exam photocard.
Evidence of Primary School Attendance – Usually a school ID or report card.
Parent/Guardian Details – Contact phone and email for correspondence.
Preferred Exam Town – Determines exam venue allocation.
Payment Receipt or Token – Confirms successful registration on the NECO portal.
All details entered must match official records. Once registration closes, NECO rarely allows changes to names, ages, or exam towns.
🧾 Parent Reminder: Double-check spelling of names. Any mistakes can carry through to secondary school records.
Special Cases
Certain categories of pupils have specific registration procedures or exceptions.
1️⃣ Nigerian Pupils Living Abroad
Children of Nigerians residing overseas (e.g. UK, UAE, USA, Ghana) can still sit for the NCEE.
Registration is done through designated overseas NECO centres or Nigerian embassies.
Exam dates and time zones usually match Nigeria’s schedule.
Results are released simultaneously.
✈️ Exam Coach Tip: Overseas pupils can also prepare online through our NCEE Online English Tuition.
2️⃣ Candidates with Special Needs
NECO accommodates pupils with mild physical or learning disabilities.
Parents should:
Indicate the disability type during registration (e.g. visual impairment, mobility issue).
Request extra time or seating adjustments in advance.
Bring a medical or school letter if necessary.
Special exam halls are often available in major states, including Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
3️⃣ Transfer or Re-Entry Candidates
If a pupil was registered for a previous year’s NCEE but could not attend:
A new registration is required for 2025.
The old registration number cannot be reused.
Previous results do not transfer between years.
📍 Note: Admission is only valid for the same academic year the NCEE is taken.
FAQs
Q: Can a Primary 5 pupil sit the NCEE early?
A: Yes, but only if they will be at least 10 years old by September 2025 and their school recommends them as academically ready.
Q: My child will be 14 next year — can they still register?
A: They can sit the exam, but Unity College admission will not be granted due to the age cap.
Q: What if my child’s birth certificate shows a different age than school records?
A: NECO will use the birth certificate age for verification. Ensure documents match before registering.
Q: Do I need to register through the school?
A: No. Parents can register independently via the NECO portal using a payment token purchased online.
Q: Are private school pupils eligible?
A: Yes. The NCEE is open to all Nigerian pupils, whether public or private.
Q: What if we move states before the exam?
A: You can update the preferred exam town before the registration deadline. After that, venue changes are limited.
How to Register for the 2025 NCEE
Here’s a quick summary for parents preparing to apply:
1️⃣ Visit https://neco.gov.ng/ncee.
2️⃣ Purchase a registration token online or through a NECO-approved agent.
3️⃣ Complete the form with pupil and parent details.
4️⃣ Upload documents and photo.
5️⃣ Select your preferred exam town.
6️⃣ Print the exam photocard once registration is confirmed.
You’ll later use this card to:
Check venue details,
Confirm subject papers, and
Access results after the exam.
Understanding the NCEE eligibility rules saves time and avoids disappointment later. The key takeaway for 2025:
Pupils must be in Primary 6.
Aged 10–13 years by September 2025.
Registered correctly through NECO’s official system.
If your child fits these criteria, they’re ready to begin their journey toward Nigeria’s top Federal Unity Colleges.
At The Exam Coach, we help families prepare every step of the way, from eligibility checks and registration guidance to subject mastery and mock exams.
Ready to prepare with confidence?
