2026 BECE Date Released, Projected Timetable Out

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially released the date for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) to be conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). In a significant shift, the examination will be administered in May, marking the first time since 2018 that the BECE will precede the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) within the same year.

The confirmation came via a press release from the GES announcing the 2025-2026 academic calendar. In a letter dated 12th June 2025 and signed by Mr Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations for GES, it was stated that “The Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) has been scheduled to take place from 4th May to 11th May, 2026.”

Projected 2026 BECE Timetable

Based on the confirmed dates and the structure of the previous year’s schedule, this portal has developed a projected timetable for the 2026 BECE.

Disclaimer: This is a provisional schedule intended to guide preparation. The official and final timetable will be issued by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) closer to the examination date.

Key Changes and Information for the 2026 BECE

Parents, teachers, and candidates should note several important developments for the upcoming examination.

Full Implementation of Common Core Curriculum

The 2026 BECE, to be administered in May, will be based exclusively on the new Common Core Curriculum for all school and private candidates. In the build-up to the 2025 exams, WAEC confirmed it would not examine any candidate on the old curriculum after the 2025 BECE.

Change in Prescribed English Literature Book

The literature book, Cockcrow, will be used for the final time in the 2026 BECE. Subsequently, the literature component of the English Language paper will be based on the new book, Beacon of Light. This means that learners currently in Basic 7 will be the first cohort to be assessed using Beacon of Light.

2026 BECE Home Mock Registration Underway

Reliable information also available to this portal is that Education-News Consult, Ghana’s Best BECE Home Mock Exam, has started registration for its mock examinations for would-be 2026 BECE candidates. Parents who want the best preparation for their wards are to contact their BECE Mock Exam  experts via WhatsApp on 0550360658.

READ: 2025 BECE Marking Underway: Download Marking Schemes Here

Plan Ahead for Success

The release of the 2026 BECE date and the projected exam timetable will go a long way in helping parents, teachers, schools, and candidates to begin strategic preparations for the next Junior High School exit examination in Ghana. Early planning and awareness of the curriculum changes are crucial for success.