The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is one of the most important examinations for secondary school students in Nigeria and across West Africa. Conducted by the renowned examination body in West Africa (WAEC).
In 2026, the West African Examination Council (WAEC) will introduce a historic hybrid examination format. Combining the Computer-based examination (CBE) for objective papers and the traditional pen-and-paper method for theory and practicals.
This guide provides everything you need to know about the WAEC 2026. Registration procedures, timetable, fees, subjects combination, syllabus, selected texts, result checking, and frequently asked questions, tailored to equip you for examination success.
Whether you are a school or private candidate, these resources will serve as a blueprint to help you navigate the 2026 examination process.
What’s New in WAEC 2026?
The 2026 WAEC will be the first-ever hybrid exam in Nigeria conducted by WAEC for school candidates.
- Objective Questions → Will be a computer-based examination (CBE) method.
- Theory & Practical Paper → Will be conducted with the traditional Paper and pen.
WAEC 2026 Registration Guide for School and Private Candidates
Who can register?
- School candidates: Registration for the 2026 WAEC is done by schools through the WAEC-provided registration portal.
- Private Candidates: Registration for 2026 WAEC private candidates is done by a WAEC-accredited cyber cafe.
Documents and Requirement
- Verified National Identity Number (NIN).
- Recent passport photograph (soft-copy for submission online).
- Preferred exam subjects combination.
Registration Guide for Private candidates
- Visit any WAEC-accredited cyber cafe close to you to get your fingerprint and passport photo taken.
- Return to the WAEC official registration portal.
- Create a profile with a valid email and phone number.
- Purchase the WAEC Registration PIN from authorized dealers/banks.
- Select exam subjects (minimum 5, maximum 9 subjects).
- Select your WAEC Examination town.
- Submit and print your photocard and timetable.
Download WAEC Private Candidate registration form template here.
Deadlines:
- The WAEC private candidates 2025 second series ends at midnight on Sunday, 24th August 2025.
- The WAEC 2026 school candidates registration and deadline will be announced here once they start.
WAEC 2026 Registration Fees
- School Candidates: range from ₦25,000 – ₦50,000 (depending on school).
- Private Candidates: Registration for WAEC private candidates costs around ₦28,000 – ₦30,000 (depending on location).
Payment method
Payment can be made via these channels.
- Remita
- Wire transfer
- Online card payment.
- Bank branch.
WAEC 2026 Timetable
The 2026 WAEC will run in May/June 2026 (school candidates and a separate August/September 2026 for private candidates.
Download the 2025 Private Candidates Second series timetable here.
Schedules
- Morning sessions → CBE objective papers.
- Afternoon sessions → Theory & practical papers.
Xeera.ng will provide a downloadable PDF of the official 2026 WASSCE timetable for school candidates once released.
2026 WAEC Subjects Combination and Syllabus
The West African Examination Council (WAEC) allows students to register a minimum of 5 Subjects and a maximum of 9 subjects, including:
- Compulsory: Mathematics and English Language.
- Science Students: Biology, Physics, Chemistry (Further Mathematics optional).
- Art Students: Literature in English, CRS/IRS, Government, History.
- Commercial Students: Economics, Commerce, Financial Accounting.
Download the WAEC syllabus for 2026, all subjects here.
WAEC 2026 Hybrid Exam Format Explained
- Objective Questions
- Objective questions will be answered on a Computer-based format at designated CBT centres.
- Candidates will be able to log in with their examination number.
- Time-limited: The system will submit automatically when the time is up.
- Theory paper
- The 2026 WAEC theory will be written with a traditional pen and paper.
- WAEC theory will be manually marked by examiners.
- Practical papers
- Science practical papers will be conducted in the school laboratories.
- Practical drawings and measurements will be done with pencil and paper.
Hint: Students should learn with CBT software before the exams to master basic computer navigation. Xeera WAEC CBT practice software will be available soon.
WAEC grading format
WAEC continues with its grading style:
- A1 → 75% – 100% (Excellent)
- B2 → 70% – 74% (Very Good)
- B3 → 65% – 69% (Good)
- C4 – C6 → 45% – 64% (Credit)
- D7 – E8 → 30% – 44% (Pass)
- F9 → 0% – 29% (Fail)
Universities require a minimum of five credits in five subjects, including Mathematics and English Language.
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How to check 2026 WAEC Results
WAEC results are usually out within 45 days after the last paper is written. Here is how to check your results when they are released.
- Use your WAEC ID issued by your school, or obtain a WAEC Result Checking PIN (WAEC result PIN updated price is ₦3,500).
- Visit the WAEC result portal.
- Enter your Exam number, year, exam type, serial number, and PIN.
- Click Submit to view results.
Note: We have put together a complete guide on how to appeal and get WAEC withheld results released.
Caution: Always cross-check your entries before submitting, to avoid losing your result checker PIN.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 WAEC for school candidates will be historic because of the hybrid examination format adopted by the West African Examination Council. Candidates should start preparing early with a both PDF past questions, CBT software WAEC syllabus guides.
Xeera.ng in our effort to empowering education, we’ll provide:
- WAEC 2026 Timetable PDF download (when available).
- Free WAEC CBT Practice tests
- Scholarship opportunities for WAEC candidates into Nigerian universities.
Find the complete rules and regulations for WAEC 2026 candidates here.
Bookmark this page and stay tune, we’ll update it time-to-time as soon as WAEC releases new info.
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