The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the final timetable for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). This announcement comes as a significant relief to candidates, teachers, and parents across Ghana, providing the necessary roadmap for final preparations for this high-stakes junior high school exit exam.

According to the WAEC 2026 BECE timetable, the examination is scheduled to begin on Monday, 4th May 2026, and will run through Monday, 11th May 2026. This year’s schedule reflects the integration of the new curriculum, ensuring that students are assessed based on modern educational standards.

Key Highlights of the WAEC 2026 BECE Timetable

Candidates and school administrators should take note of the specific arrangements for core and elective subjects. The structure of the papers remains consistent, generally featuring an essay (Paper 2) followed by an objective (Paper 1) section.

• Monday, 4th May 2026: The exams kick off with Social Studies in the morning session. The afternoon session will feature Computing.

• Tuesday, 5th May, 2026 : English Language and Career technology

• Wednesday, 6th May 2026: This day is critical for science students, as Science (Essay and Objective) will be administered alongside Ghanaian Language papers.

• Thursday, 7th May 2026: One of the most anticipated days, candidates will sit for Mathematics (Paper 2 and Paper 1) as well as Religious and Moral Education.

• Friday, 8th May 2026: Students will be tested on French and Creative Art & Design.

Important Dates and Times

One striking feature of the WAEC 2026 BECE timetable is the extended duration for certain vocational and language subjects toward the end of the examination period. For instance, the final papers, including Arabic, are scheduled for Monday, 11th May 2026.

Candidates are strictly advised to arrive at their examination centers at least 30 minutes before each paper starts. Standard morning sessions begin at 9:00 a.m., while afternoon sessions typically commence at 1:00 p.m.

Expert Tips for Success

With the WAEC 2026 BECE timetable now in hand, students should transition from general reading to a more focused revision strategy.

1. Prioritize Weak Areas: Use the dates in the timetable to allocate more time to subjects that require extra effort before their scheduled date.

2. Practice Past Questions: Familiarize yourself with the WAEC questioning style, especially under the New Curriculum guidelines.

3. Time Management: Practice writing essays within the specific durations listed (e.g., 1 hour for Mathematics Paper 2).

Staying updated with the WAEC 2026 BECE timetable is the first step toward academic success. We wish all candidates the best of luck in their upcoming examinations!

Written by Ghana Education News Editorial Staff

The Ghana Education News Editorial Staff is comprised of seasoned education consultants, policy analysts, and verified journalists dedicated to providing accurate, timely, and credible updates on the Ghanaian GES curriculum, WAEC updates, and academic leadership.