The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced its full preparedness for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). The nationwide examination is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 4, 2026, and will conclude on Monday, May 11, 2026.
A total of 619,985 candidates from both public and private schools, including private entrants, are expected to participate in this year’s examination. Out of this number, 304,273 are male candidates, while 315,712 are female. The results of this examination will play a key role in determining students’ placement into the Free SHS programme in Ghana.
Speaking in an interview on Onua FM, as reported by 3news.com, WAEC’s Public Relations Officer, John Kapi, confirmed the details and assured the public of WAEC’s readiness.
Distribution of Examination Materials
WAEC has outlined plans to deliver examination materials ahead of time. According to the council, all necessary materials will be dispatched to metropolitan and district education offices across the country one week before the exams begin.
Government Yet to Settle Full Exam Cost
With the large number of candidates involved, the government is responsible for covering the examination costs for public school students. WAEC disclosed that 70% of the required budget has already been paid, while the remaining 30%—which will be used mainly for marking scripts—will be settled after the examinations.
Measures to Prevent Examination Malpractice
WAEC, in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service and security agencies such as the Ghana Police Service, will ensure strict supervision throughout the examination period. Security will be present before, during, and after each paper to maintain order and enforce regulations.
Candidates, invigilators, and supervisors have been strongly warned against engaging in any form of examination malpractice. Offenders will face strict sanctions under WAEC Act 719, as such practices undermine the credibility of the education system and distort fair assessment.
2026 BECE Timetable (May 4 – May 11)
Monday, May 4, 2026: English Language (Essay & Objective), Religious & Moral Education
Tuesday, May 5, 2026: Social Studies, Creative Arts & Design
Wednesday, May 6, 2026: Integrated Science, Career Technology
Thursday, May 7, 2026: Mathematics (Essay & Objective), Ghanaian Language & Culture
Friday, May 8, 2026: French, Computing
Monday, May 11, 2026: Arabic
Important Guidelines for Candidates
Candidates with visual or hearing impairments will be given an additional 50% of the total examination time. Also, both essay and objective sections for each subject will be written in one sitting without a break. In cases where there is a difference between the duration stated on the timetable and that on the question paper, candidates are advised to follow the time indicated on the question paper.
12 Acts of Examination Malpractice to Avoid
To prevent cancellation of results, candidates must strictly avoid the following:
- Participating in group answering or discussions during the exam
- Seeking or sharing leaked questions (“apor”) on social media
- Bringing unauthorized materials such as notes or textbooks into the exam hall
- Writing answers on body parts
- Carrying electronic devices like smartphones or smartwatches
- Allowing another person to write the exam on their behalf
- Exchanging answer booklets with others
- Tearing pages from official answer booklets
- Disrespecting or threatening invigilators
- Submitting multiple scripts under different identities
- Using special or disappearing ink pens
- Bringing pre-written answers into the exam hall
WAEC has warned that advanced biometric and AI-based systems will be used to detect malpractice. Candidates are therefore advised to rely on their preparation and avoid any form of cheating that could jeopardize their future.