The West African Examinations Council has officially released the final timetable for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates. After wrapping up the private candidates’ first series earlier in the year, the focus now shifts to final-year secondary school students across West Africa.

According to the schedule released on March 26, 2026, the examination will run for just over two months, beginning in early April and ending in mid-June.

Key Dates and Timeline

Start Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Project and Practical Phase: From April 7 to April 27, students will handle project work and practical assessments in subjects like Basketry, Ceramics, Leatherwork, and Performing Arts.
Main Theory Exams: The core written exams begin toward the end of April.
End Date: Friday, June 19, 2026

Important Subjects at a Glance

For many Nigerian students, these are some of the key dates to keep in mind:

English Language: Starts Wednesday, May 13, 2026, beginning with the Oral exam, followed by Essay and Objective papers on later dates.
General Mathematics: Scheduled around the middle of the exam period, typically in late May.
Science Practicals: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics practicals will take place throughout May.
Graphic Design: Monday, April 27, 2026
ICT (Elective): Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Key Guidelines for Candidates

WAEC has also shared important instructions to help students avoid confusion:

Time Adjustment: All times on the timetable are in GMT, so candidates in Nigeria should add one hour. For example, 8:30 GMT means 9:30 AM local time.
Follow Question Paper Timing: If there is any difference between the timetable and the question paper, the time on the question paper should be followed.
Practical Sessions: Students taking practical exams should confirm their assigned batch or session time from their schools, as these may be split into morning and afternoon groups.

Digital Support for Students

WAEC is encouraging candidates to make use of its digital learning tools:

e-Learning Platform: Students can review Chief Examiners’ Reports to understand common mistakes and improve their performance.
Digital Certificates: Once results are released, candidates will be able to access their certificates online through the WAEC Digital Office.

With the timetable now out, preparation enters its final stage for the Class of 2026. Schools across Nigeria are expected to intensify revision classes and mock exams as students get ready for one of the most important milestones in their academic journey.