Over 600,000 Candidates to Sit for 2026 BECE – WAEC
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced that over 600,000 candidates will sit for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) across Ghana, confirming yet another large cohort for the national examination.
According to WAEC, a total of 619,985 candidates have registered for the 2026 BECE, highlighting a steady increase in the number of students transitioning from Junior High School (JHS) to Senior High School (SHS).
Examination Date and Structure
The 2026 BECE is scheduled to take place from May 4 to May 11, 2026, as part of Ghana’s academic calendar.
The examination will be conducted nationwide and will cover all core and elective subjects under the Common Core Curriculum, which has been in use in recent years.
Candidates are expected to write multiple papers over the examination period, with strict supervision to ensure fairness and integrity.
Steady Rise in Candidate Numbers
The 2026 figure continues a trend of high participation in the BECE. In 2025, over 603,000 candidates sat for the examination, making it one of the largest cohorts in Ghana’s education history.
This consistent rise reflects:
- Increased access to basic education
- Improved school enrolment nationwide
- The impact of government policies such as Free SHS
WAEC’s Assurance and Preparations
WAEC has assured the public that all necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth and credible examination process.
Key preparations include:
- Deployment of supervisors and invigilators across centres
- Strengthened measures against examination malpractice
- Adequate logistics and security coordination
The council has also urged candidates to adhere strictly to examination rules and avoid any form of malpractice.
Importance of the BECE
The BECE remains a crucial milestone in Ghana’s education system. It serves as:
- The final examination for JHS students
- A gateway to Senior High School placement
- A key determinant of students’ academic progression
Performance in the BECE plays a significant role in determining placement into second-cycle institutions under the national placement system.
Final Advice to Candidates
Candidates are encouraged to:
- Revise thoroughly and follow their timetable carefully
- Arrive early at examination centres
- Avoid malpractice and focus on honest effort
With over 600,000 candidates set to participate, the 2026 BECE is expected to be highly competitive, making preparation and discipline more important than ever.