The National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially announced the timetable for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) for 2023. This essential guide is for candidates sitting for the examination, ensuring they are adequately prepared and informed about their respective subjects and examination slots.

Examination Duration: 20th November to 20th December 2023.

Monday 20th Nov.

• French Paper IV (Oral) – Actual date and time will be fixed by the Council
• Arabic Paper IV (Oral) – Actual date and time will be fixed by the Council

Tuesday 21st Nov.

• Arabic Paper III (Objective) – 2.00 pm – 3.30 pm
• Arabic Paper II (Essay & Literature) – 3.30 pm – 5.30 pm

Wednesday 22nd Nov.

• Chemistry Paper I (Alternative to Practical) – 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm

Thursday 23rd Nov.

• Christian Religious Studies Paper III & II (Objective & Essay) – 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm
• Islamic Studies Paper III & II (Objective & Essay) – 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm

Friday 24th Nov.

• Literature in English Paper II (Drama & Poetry) – 3.00 pm – 4.40 pm

Saturday 25th Nov.

• Financial Accounting Paper III (Objective) – 10.00 am – 11.20 am
• Financial Accounting Paper II (Theory & Practice) – 11.20 am – 1.50 pm
• Health Education Paper III & II (Objective & Essay) – 3.30 pm – 5.30 pm

Monday 27th Nov.

• Physics Paper I (Alternative to Practical) – 2.00 pm – 4.45 pm

Tuesday 28th Nov.

• Biology Paper I (Alternative to Practical) – 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm

Wednesday 29th Nov.

• Economics Paper III & II (Objective & Essay) – 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm

Thursday 30th Nov.

• Technical Drawing Paper I Practical – 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm
• Physical Education Paper I (Theory of Practice) – 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm

Friday 1st Dec.

• Agricultural Science Paper I (Alternative to Practical) – 3.00 pm – 4.30 pm

Saturday 2nd Dec.

• General Mathematics Paper III (Objective) – 10.00 am – 11.45 am
• General Mathematics Paper II (Essay) – 12.00 noon – 2.30 pm
• Health Education Paper I (Test of Practical) – 3.45 pm – 5.15 pm

Monday 4th Dec.

• Physics Paper III & II (Objective & Essay) – 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm
• Commerce Paper III & II (Objective & Essay) – 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm

Tuesday 5th Dec.

• Technical Drawing Paper III & IV (Objective & Drawing) – 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm
• Physical Education Paper III & II (Objective & Essay) – 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm

Wednesday 6th Dec.

• Chemistry Paper II & II (Objective & Essay) – 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm

Thursday 7th Dec.

• Data Processing Paper III & II (Objective & Essay) – 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm
• Store keeping Paper III & II (Objective & Essay) – 2.00 pm – 4.40 pm
• Marketing Paper III & II (Objective & Essay) – 2.00 pm – 4.40 pm
• Salesmanship Paper III & II (Objective & Essay) – 2.00 pm – 4.40 pm

Friday 8th Dec.

• Literature in English Paper III (Objective) – 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm
• Literature in English Paper IV (Prose) – 4.00 pm – 5.15 pm

Saturday 9th Dec.

• Further Mathematics Paper III (Objective) – 10.00 am – 12.00 noon
• Further Mathematics Paper II (Essay) – 12.10 pm – 2.40 pm
• History Paper III & II (Objective & Essay) – 10.00 am – 12.00 noon

Monday 11th Dec.

• Biology Paper III & II – 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm

Tuesday 12th Dec.

• French Paper I – 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm
• French Paper II – 3.00 pm – 4.45 pm

Wednesday 13th Dec.

• Geography Paper III & I – 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm

Thursday 14th Dec.

• Civic Education Paper III & II – 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm

Friday 15th Dec.

• Geography Paper II – 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm

Saturday 16th Dec.

• English Language Paper III – 10.00 am – 11.00 am
• English Language Paper II – 11.15 am – 1.00 pm
• English Language Paper IV – 1.15 pm – 2.00 pm
• Data Processing Paper I – 3.15 pm – 5.00 pm

Monday 18th Dec.

• Agricultural Science Paper III & II – 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm

Tuesday 19th Dec.

• Government Paper III & II – 2.00 pm – 4.40 pm

Wednesday 20th Dec.

• Hausa Paper III & II – 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm
• Igbo Paper III & II – 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm
• Yoruba Paper III & II – 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm

Noteworthy Instructions for Candidates

1. Candidates are advised to verify the specific venues for the Oral French and Arabic Paper IV at the NECO State Office, where they are registered to take the examination.
2. The Nigerian languages, specifically Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba, encompass the Literature component.
3. Blind candidates must take the examination at their respective NECO State Offices and utilise the provided Braille Sheets.
4. Both albino and blind candidates are entitled to an additional 30 minutes for all papers and subjects.
5. The use of a scientific calculator is permitted.
6. Bringing electronic communication devices into the examination hall (such as programmable calculators, mobile phones, iPads, tablets, smart watches/glasses/pens, etc.) is strictly forbidden.
7. For Technical Drawing I and IV, candidates are expected to bring their own drawing instruments and materials.
8. Candidates who do not attend the practical exams (Paper I & IV) will not receive a result for that subject.

Preparation Tips for Success

1. Plan Ahead: Use the timetable to plan your revision schedule. Prioritise subjects you find challenging.
2. Practice with Past Papers: Familiarise yourself with the question format and improve your time management skills.
3. Stay Updated: Always check for any changes or updates regarding the examination schedule.
4. Adhere to Instructions: Ensure you understand and follow all instructions provided.

Closing Remarks

The National Examinations Council wishes all candidates the best in their examinations. Adhering to the timetable and following the instructions provided will ensure a smooth examination process. Remember, preparation is key to success. Stay informed and best of luck!

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please consult the official NECO website or get in touch with the NECO State Office nearest to you.