NECTA Announces Registration Dates and Fees for 2026 CSEE and FTNA Private Candidates
The National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA) has formally announced the registration timetable, procedures, and applicable fees for individuals intending to sit for the 2026 Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (CSEE) and the Form Two National Assessment (FTNA) as private candidates. The announcement provides clear guidance on registration windows, fee structures for early and late applicants, and the mandatory steps candidates must complete before final enrollment.
This update is particularly significant for private candidates preparing to register independently for national examinations in 2026, as NECTA has emphasized strict adherence to the stipulated timelines and procedures.
Overview of Registration for Private Candidates
According to NECTA, the registration exercise applies exclusively to private candidates who plan to sit for either the CSEE or FTNA in 2026. The Council outlined two distinct registration periods standard registration and late registration each with its own fee requirements.
NECTA stated that the registration system will close immediately after the final deadline, urging all applicants to complete the process early to avoid penalties or disqualification.
Registration Dates and Fees for 2026 CSEE and FTNA Private Candidates
1. Standard Registration Period
- Registration opens: 1 January 2026
- Registration closes: 28 February 2026
During this period, private candidates are required to pay the standard registration fees outlined below:
- CSEE (Form Four Examination): TZS 50,000
- FTNA (Form Two National Assessment): TZS 10,000
NECTA confirmed that candidates who complete registration within this timeframe will not incur any additional charges.
2. Late Registration Period (With Penalties)
- Late registration period: 1 March 2026 to 31 March 2026
Candidates who fail to register within the standard period will be allowed to register late, subject to increased fees that include penalties:
- CSEE: TZS 65,000 (inclusive of penalty)
- FTNA: TZS 15,000 (inclusive of penalty)
NECTA cautioned that late registration is strictly limited to this period and that no registrations will be accepted once the late window closes.
Mandatory Registration Procedure for Private Candidates
Before completing online registration, NECTA has outlined several compulsory steps that every private candidate must follow:
Obtaining a Reference Number
Applicants are required to visit their chosen examination centre to obtain a reference number. NECTA clarified that these reference numbers are issued free of charge.
Payment of Examination Fees
After obtaining the reference number, candidates must proceed to make payment through a bank using a Control Number. This control number is used to process the official examination fees in line with NECTA’s payment system.
Online Registration by Centre Heads
NECTA specified that final registration on the system is conducted by the Head of the Examination Centre, not the candidate directly. Only candidates who have fulfilled all preliminary requirements reference number acquisition and fee payment will be registered online.
Summary: Key Points at a Glance
- Registration is open from 1 January to 28 February 2026 at standard fees
- Late registration runs from 1 March to 31 March 2026 with higher charges
- Reference numbers are obtained free of charge from examination centres
- Payments must be made via bank using a Control Number
- Final online registration is conducted by Centre Heads
- No registration will be accepted after the late registration deadline
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