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 BECE and WASSCE Exam Dates Out -

Official GES Key Dates for 2025/2026 Academic Year: SHS Reopening, WASSCE & BECE Schedules.

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has published a list of key dates that will govern the 2025/2026 academic year for Senior High Schools (SHS) across the country. This official schedule provides a clear and reliable framework for students, parents, and educators to plan effectively for the academic term.

This announcement is vital not only for current SHS students but also for Junior High School 3 students preparing for their final examinations (2026 BECE). The schedule includes definitive periods for reopening, vacations, and the all-important dates for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

SHS Reopening and Vacation Schedule for 2025/2026

The academic year is structured with specific dates for reopening and breaks to ensure a smooth flow of teaching and learning.

Reopening for SHS 3: All final-year students are to report to school on Friday, $1 1^{t h}$ October, 2025.
Reopening for SHS 1 & 2: Continuing students and the new cohort of first-year students will reopen between Friday, $1 8^{t h}$ October and Sunday, $2 0^{t h}$ October, 2025.
Christmas Break: The entire student body will go on a Christmas break from Friday, $2 0^{t h}$ December, 2025, to Saturday, $4^{t h}$ January, 2026.
Vacation for SHS 3: Final-year students will have a short vacation/travel period from Thursday, $2 7^{t h}$ February to Saturday, $1^{s t}$ March, 2026, before returning to prepare for their final exams.
Reopening for SHS 1 & 2: First and second-year students will return to school for the next term between Sunday, $4^{t h}$ May and Tuesday, $6^{t h}$ May, 2026.
End-of-Year Vacation for SHS 1 & 2: The academic year for non-final year students concludes with a vacation period from Thursday, $2 1^{s t}$ August to Saturday, $2 3^{r d}$ August, 2026.

Official Dates for 2026 National Examinations (WASSCE & BECE) – 2026 BECE and WASSCE Exam Dates

For students preparing for national examinations, the GES has confirmed the following schedules:

2026 WASSCE Schedule

The crucial examination period for all final-year SHS students has been set. The 2026 WASSCE will take place from Monday, $2 0^{t h}$ April, 2026, to Friday, $2 0^{t h}$ June, 2026. This two-month window is the definitive period for the final assessment.

2026 BECE Start Date

Junior High School students preparing for the next BECE should take note. The 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) is scheduled to begin on Monday, $4^{t h}$ May, 2026. This announcement allows schools and candidates to align their preparation timelines accordingly.

Looking Ahead: Start of the 2026/2027 Academic Year

To further aid in long-term planning, the GES has also provided a provisional date for the subsequent academic year. The proposed start date for the 2026/2027 Academic Year is Monday, $1 1^{t h}$ September, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When are SHS 1 and 2 students reopening school for the 2025/2026 academic year? SHS 1 and 2 students are scheduled to reopen between Friday, $1 8^{t h}$ October, and Sunday, $2 0^{t h}$ October, 2025.

2. What are the official dates for the 2026 WASSCE? The 2026 WASSCE is officially scheduled to run from Monday, $2 0^{t h}$ April, 2026, to Friday, $2 0^{t h}$ June, 2026.

3. When will the 2026 BECE start? The confirmed start date for the 2026 BECE is Monday, $4^{t h}$ May, 2026.

4. When is the official Christmas break for SHS students? The Christmas break will be from Friday, $2 0^{t h}$ December, 2025, to Saturday, $4^{t h}$ January, 2026.

5. Is the start date for the 2026/2027 academic year confirmed? The GES has provided a proposed start date of Monday, $1 1^{t h}$ September, 2026. Stakeholders should look out for a final confirmation closer to the time.

About the Author – BECEPrep Educational Research Team

The BECEPrep Educational Research Team specializes in delivering authoritative education news, research, and insights on Ghana’s academic sector. Our mission is to provide credible and timely updates that meet standards, ensuring parents, students, and educators access reliable information.

Source: BECEPrep.com

2026 BECE and WASSCE Exam Dates Out