More than 600,000 candidates across Ghana are set to sit for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), scheduled to commence on May 4, according to the West African Examinations Council.
The nationwide examination, which serves as a key requirement for placement into senior high and technical institutions, will run from May 4 to May 11, 2026.
Education analysts estimate that at least 600,000 candidates will participate in this year’s exams, reflecting the scale and importance of the exercise within Ghana’s education system.
The BECE is taken by final-year Junior High School students and plays a crucial role in determining their progression to the next level of education.
Candidates will be examined in multiple subjects under the Common Core Curriculum, with papers spread over several days. The examination is expected to follow a structured timetable, beginning with core subjects such as English Language and Religious and Moral Education on the opening day.
The 2026 BECE also comes with key policy adjustments, including changes to the school selection process, as part of ongoing reforms aimed at improving fairness and efficiency in student placement.
Authorities have urged candidates to remain focused and adequately prepare as the examination date approaches, emphasizing the importance of integrity and adherence to examination regulations.
