The WAEC GCE 2025 (Second-Series) registration and timetable are two critical components every private candidate must get right if they plan to succeed in the upcoming examination. Whether you’re a school leaver aiming to improve your grades or a working-class adult finally getting around to completing your secondary education certification, the second series of the General Certificate Examination (GCE) provides a second chance to meet academic goals without the constraints of school enrollment.
Unlike the May/June diet, this second-series exam is designed for individuals who are not currently enrolled in any secondary school program, giving flexibility in preparation and scheduling.
Over the years, the WAEC GCE Second-Series has gained immense popularity in Nigeria and across West Africa, largely due to the flexibility it offers. Candidates have more control over their preparation schedules and the chance to retake crucial subjects they may have failed previously.
In 2025, the importance of the WAEC GCE 2025 (Second-Series) is even more pronounced due to the rising competition for tertiary institution admission, local and international scholarships and even job opportunities that require minimum educational qualifications. A single subject passed or failed in this examination could be the game-changer for thousands of aspirants.
But it’s not just about showing up to write the exams. The real deal begins with understanding the WAEC GCE 2025 (Second-Series) registration process, the associated fees, biometric data capturing requirements and the timetable structure. Missing even one detail in this tightly timed process can ruin a candidate’s chance of writing the exam for the year. From the moment the registration portal opens to the final day of the exam, staying informed is your strongest weapon. That’s why this exists – to walk you through every necessary step so you don’t miss anything important.
Additionally, the timetable for WAEC GCE 2025 (Second-Series) is a valuable document that should not be taken lightly. It not only outlines exam dates and paper durations but also helps you create a personal study calendar. When properly used, the timetable can drastically improve how well you prepare for the papers.
Knowing when you have a gap between papers or when two difficult subjects fall on the same day allows you to adjust your revision strategy in advance. Hence, this article doesn’t just stop at showing you the timetable – it shows you how to use it wisely for success.
The WAEC GCE, or West African Senior School Certificate Examination for Private Candidates, is conducted in two series annually. The Second-Series, often referred to as the Nov/Dec series, caters to individuals who wish to improve their grades or those who couldn’t participate in the school-based exams.
Registration Details for WAEC GCE 2025 (Second-Series)
Registration Period
Registration for the WAEC GCE 2025 (Second-Series) typically opens in July and closes in August. For this year, the registration commenced on Monday, July 8th, 2025 and will conclude on Friday, August 9th, 2025.
Registration Fee
The registration fee is ₦17,000, payable at designated banks or accredited agents. An additional ₦500 is charged as a commission.
How to Register
- Obtain Registration PIN: Visit any of the approved banks or accredited agents to pay the registration fee and receive your Registration PIN.
- Online Registration: Log on to the WAEC registration portal at https://registration.waecdirect.org/ and complete the registration form using your PIN.
- Biometric Data Capture: Ensure you complete the biometric data capture as it’s a mandatory part of the registration process.
- Print Admission Notice: After successful registration, print your Admission Notice/Photo Card, which contains essential details like your examination number and center.
Walk-in Candidates
If you miss the regular registration period, you can still register as a “Walk-in Candidate” at least 24 hours before the scheduled time of the paper you intend to write. The fee for walk-in candidates is ₦45,000.
WAEC GCE 2025 (Second-Series) Timetable Overview
The WAEC GCE 2025 (Second-Series) examinations are scheduled to commence on Friday, November 12th, 2025 and conclude on Wednesday, December 22nd, 2025.
Key Subjects and Dates
- English Language: Saturday, December 9th, 2025
- Paper 2 (Essay): 9:30 am – 11:30 am
- Paper 1 (Objective): 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
- Paper 3 (Test of Orals): 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
- Mathematics: Saturday, November 25th, 2025
- Paper 2 (Essay): 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
- Paper 1 (Objective): 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
- Biology: Friday, December 8th, 2025
- Paper 2 (Essay): 9:30 am – 11:10 am
- Paper 1 (Objective): 11:10 am – 12:00 pm
- Paper 3 (Alternative to Practical Work): 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Chemistry: Tuesday, December 12th, 2025
- Paper 2 (Essay): 9:30 am – 11:30 am
- Paper 1 (Objective): 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
- Paper 3 (Alternative to Practical Work): 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
- Physics: Thursday, December 7th, 2025
- Paper 2 (Essay): 9:30 am – 11:00 am
- Paper 1 (Objective): 11:00 am – 12:15 pm
- Paper 3 (Alternative to Practical Work): 2:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Note: Candidates are advised to consult the official timetable for the complete schedule and any updates.
Preparation Tips for WAEC GCE 2025 (Second-Series)
- Early Preparation: Start your revision early to cover all topics thoroughly.
- Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the WAEC syllabus for each subject to know the areas of focus.
- Practice Past Questions: Regularly practicing past questions can help you understand the exam pattern and improve your time management.
- Join Study Groups: Collaborating with peers can provide new insights and aid in better understanding of complex topics.
- Seek Guidance: Don’t hesitate to ask teachers or mentors for clarification on topics you find challenging.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About WAEC GCE 2025 (Second-Series) Registration & Timetable
- When will the WAEC GCE 2025 (Second-Series) registration start and end?
The WAEC GCE 2025 (Second-Series) registration is expected to start in early July 2025 and close by the second week of August 2025. Candidates are strongly advised to register early to avoid late registration penalties and to secure their preferred examination centers.
- How much is the registration fee for WAEC GCE 2025 (Second-Series)?
The registration fee for the WAEC GCE 2025 (Second-Series) is ₦17,000. An additional bank or service charge of ₦500 may apply when paying at accredited outlets or online platforms. Walk-in candidates, who register 24 hours before their exam, will pay a significantly higher fee of ₦45,000.
- How do I register for WAEC GCE 2025 (Second-Series)?
To register, candidates must first obtain a registration PIN from any WAEC-approved bank or agent. Then, using the PIN, visit the official WAEC GCE registration portal at https://registration.waecdirect.org, fill out the online form, upload required documents and complete the biometric capture at any authorized center.
- When will the WAEC GCE 2025 (Second-Series) exam take place?
The WAEC GCE 2025 (Second-Series) exam is scheduled to run from Friday, November 12th, 2025, to Wednesday, December 22nd, 2025. However, candidates should monitor the official WAEC website or their registration dashboard for updates or changes to the timetable.
- Where can I find the official timetable for the WAEC GCE 2025 (Second-Series)?
The official timetable will be available on WAEC’s website and will also be printed on candidates’ photo cards after registration. It’s advisable to also follow reputable education blogs and news platforms, but always verify the timetable details from your WAEC portal to avoid misinformation.