The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the Final International Timetable for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates, 2026 – First Series. This timetable provides the official dates, times, and duration for all papers scheduled for the examination series.

Download the Final International Timetable for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates, 2026 – First Series.

Examination Period at a Glance

  • Start Date: Friday, 16 January 2026
  • End Date: Saturday, 14 February 2026
  • Duration: Approximately four weeks
  • Time Zone: All examination times are stated in Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)

Candidates are advised to take note of their paper dates well in advance and plan their revision schedules accordingly.

Structure of the Examination

The timetable covers a wide range of subjects, including Arts, Sciences, Commercial subjects, Technical and Vocational papers. Examinations are organised into:

  • Objective papers
  • Essay papers
  • Practical examinations
  • Alternative-to-practical papers
  • Oral examinations (for selected subjects)

Some subjects, such as French (Oral), and Information and Communication Technology (ICT – Elective), involve special arrangements including project work, planning sessions, or multiple practical sets.

Important Points Candidates Must Note

1. Special Papers and Arrangements

Certain papers are not written on a single day or at a fixed time for all candidates. For example:

  • Oral examinations and practical papers may have times arranged by the Council.
  • Some practical papers are conducted in multiple sets.

Candidates should therefore stay in close contact with their examination centres for specific instructions.

2. Country-Specific Subjects

The timetable clearly indicates subjects that are available only in specific countries, such as Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, or The Gambia. Candidates must ensure that the subjects they registered for are offered in their country of entry WASSCE for Private Candidates 2….

3. Difference Between Timetable and Question Paper Duration

Please kindly note that:

Where the duration indicated on the question paper differs from that on the timetable, the duration on the question paper shall be followed.

Candidates are strongly advised to read instructions on the question paper carefully before the start of each examination.

Preparation Tips for Candidates

To ensure a smooth examination experience, candidates are advised to:

  • Arrive at the examination centre at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time
  • Confirm their individual timetables, especially if offering practical, oral, or project-based subjects
  • Avoid relying on unofficial or social media versions of the timetable
  • Plan adequate rest between papers, particularly on days with multiple examinations
  • Bring all required materials as specified for each subject

Early preparation and proper time management remain key to success.

Final Advice

Candidates are encouraged to download and study the full official timetable carefully, noting their paper codes, dates, times, and durations. Any updates or clarifications will be communicated through official WAEC channels.

WAEC wishes all candidates a successful examination.

Download the Final International Timetable for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates, 2026 – First Series.