WAEC Registration Closing Date 2026: Deadline & Late Entry Info
I know why you’re here. Your heart beats a little faster whenever someone mentions the “WAEC deadline.” You are terrified of missing it and having to explain to your parents why you’re sitting at home for another year.
Relax. As your tutor who has seen this drama unfold year after year, I’m here to give you the straight facts about the WAEC registration closing date 2026. Let’s ensure you get registered smoothly so you can focus on what actually matters: studying to crush those exams.
What is the Official WAEC Registration Closing Date 2026?
Let’s be real for a second. As of today, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has not officially announced the exact specific day in 2026 when registration closes. It is simply too early.
Any blog post telling you a specific date right now is just guessing.
However, based on how WAEC has operated for the last decade, we can make a very strong prediction. Registration for school candidates typically opens in January of the exam year. The closing date usually falls between late March and mid-April.
For example, in previous years, the deadline hovered around the first or second week of April. Your best bet is to have everything ready by the end of March 2026.
Actionable tip: Your school principal or examination officer is always the first person to know the exact date. Stay close to them. You should also check the official WAEC Nigeria website occasionally for formal announcements.
Is There a Grace Period or Late Registration?
Yes, there almost always is. But listen to me closely: Do not plan your life around late registration.
WAEC usually opens a “late entry” window for about two weeks after the initial WAEC registration closing date 2026 has passed. The catch? You will pay a penalty fee.
It is usually significantly higher than the normal price. Why waste your parents’ hard-earned money just because you were procrastinating? It’s not worth the extra stress or the cash. Aim for the main deadline.
How Much is WAEC Registration Fee for 2026?
While waiting for the official date, you need to have your money ready. Prices tend to increase slightly every few years due to inflation.
Currently, the official fee hovers around ₦27,000 to ₦30,000 for school candidates. Keep in mind that your school might add administrative charges for mock exams, practicals, or “processing fees.” It is safer to budget around ₦35,000 to avoid last-minute running around.
Common Mistakes Students Make During Registration
I’ve seen brilliant students crying in the exam hall, not because the paper was hard, but because of silly registration errors. Don’t let that be you.
Here are the pitfalls to avoid:
1. Name Arrangement: Ensure your names are arranged exactly as they appear on your birth certificate or NIN. If you mix up your surname and first name, it’s a massive headache to fix later, especially when you want to register for JAMB or university admission.
2. Wrong Subject Combination: Double-check your registered subjects before final submission. I once knew a Science student who accidentally registered for Commerce instead of Chemistry because they clicked the wrong box at the cyber cafe. Stay alert.
3. Bad Passport Photograph: Don’t use a selfie with filters. WAEC rejects photos that don’t meet their specific size and background requirements (usually a red background). Go to a proper photographer.
Final Checklist Before You Submit
Before your school submits your data to the WAEC portal, demand to see the final printout for verification. Check these three things obsessively:
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Is your name spelled correctly?
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Is your date of birth accurate?
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Are all your nine (or eight) required subjects listed correctly?
Knowing the deadline is good, but being ready for the exam is better. Once your registration is sorted, throw your energy into studying. Dig into your past questions, attend tutorials, and focus. You’ve got this.
