What are serialised papers in WAEC exams?

Serialised papers are examination question papers with the same set of questions but arranged in different orders for each candidate. This method is used to reduce cheating during exams.

What mistake did WAEC Nigeria make in the 2025 WASSCE?

WAEC Nigeria mismatched question numbers and answer keys during the marking of serialised papers. This caused correct answers to be marked as wrong, leading to mass failures and grading discrepancies.

Did WAEC Ghana use serialised papers in the 2025 BECE?

Yes. WAEC Ghana used serialised papers in subjects such as Religious and Moral Education and Science during the 2025 BECE.

How can WAEC Ghana avoid Nigeria’s mistakes?

WAEC Ghana can prevent similar marking errors by: Training examiners thoroughly on handling serialised papers; ensuring correct mapping of answer keys to question numbers; and conducting rigorous quality control checks before result release.

What would happen if WAEC Ghana makes marking errors?

Mistakes in marking could delay the BECE results release, disrupt the school placement process, reduce public trust, and affect thousands of students’ academic progression.

When will the 2025 BECE results be released?

WAEC Ghana has not announced an official date yet, but results are typically released within 45–60 days after the last paper.

Who manages the BECE school placement process?

The BECE school placement is managed by the Ministry of Education through the Free SHS Secretariat, using the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).

2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE)

The 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) will be conducted by WAEC for final-year Junior High School students from 4th May to 11th May 2026. This examination will mark the 37th BECE since the first was held in 1990. The examination will take place in about 8 months from now.

The 2026 BECE will be the third to be administered based on the new Common Core Curriculum. Candidates will write a minimum of nine (9) and a maximum of ten (10) subjects out of the eleven (11) examinable subjects.

Who Qualifies to Write the 2026 BECE?

All students promoted to JHS 3 (Basic 9) in public and private schools.
Students who failed one or more subjects in previous examinations may resit as private candidates.
Students who have undergone home schooling can also register as private BECE candidates.
Exceptional Basic 8 students may be registered to write the exam early, upon parental and school approval.

Subjects for the 2026 BECE

Candidates will write 10 subjects – comprising 4 core subjects and a maximum of 6 electives.

Core Subjects

English Language – Failure or Grade 9 results in automatic disqualification from placement, regardless of other grades.
Social Studies
Mathematics – Failure or Grade 9 also leads to no school placement, irrespective of other grades.
Science

Elective Subjects

Computing
Religious and Moral Education (RME)
Career Technology (CT)
Creative Arts and Design (CAD)
Ghanaian Language
French
Arabic

READ: 2025-2026 BECE Home Mock Kicks Off Nationwide to Boost WAEC BECE 2026 Readiness

2026 BECE Registration Guide

WAEC will announce registration through the Ghana Education Service (GES).
Key points include:

Students retaking the exam must register as private candidates.
No paper will be administered under the old curriculum.
All school and private candidates will answer the same questions.
This BECE will be the first under the new government sworn in on January 7, 2025.

Likely Registration Procedure for 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination

Schools will receive registration guidelines from GES and WAEC.
Registration software will be provided for use in schools.
An online portal will be available for uploading candidate details.
Schools must:
- Collect biodata via forms completed by parents.
- Upload passport-sized photographs of all candidates (Phase 1).
- Upload continuous assessment records and school choices (Phase 2).

READ: How to check school placement on phone | www.cssps.gov.gh

Registration Fees

WAEC will announce official fees.
Public school candidates – exam fees covered by the government (excluding extra costs such as photographs, forms, and placement booklets).
Private school candidates – pay full WAEC fees plus additional service charges determined by schools.

2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination Home Mock as Key Preparation Strategy

Throughout this process, schools will organise several internal and external mock examinations.
Education-News Consult provides BECE Home Mock Services, helping candidates revise intensively with guidance from top examiners.