The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the examination timetable for the 2026 Common-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for private candidates, first series, marking a crucial step for thousands of candidates preparing to sit for the exam.
The timetable, published on Tuesday via WAEC’s verified handle on X, provides a comprehensive breakdown of subjects, examination dates, and start times. The council says the early release is designed to give candidates adequate time to organise their study plans and meet all examination requirements ahead of the assessment.
Exams Begin January 28
According to the schedule, the 2026 CB-WASSCE for Private Candidates (First Series) will commence on Tuesday, January 28. WAEC encouraged candidates to study the timetable carefully and familiarise themselves with the structure of their subject combinations to avoid confusion during the examination period.
“Here’s the timetable for the CB-WASSCE for Private Candidates, 2026 – First series. We wish you success and a wonderful experience,” WAEC stated in its announcement, directing candidates to the official timetable portal for full details.
This phase of the examination is particularly significant for private candidates, many of whom include school leavers, adult learners, and individuals seeking to improve previous results for academic or professional advancement.
Fully Computer-Based Examination
One of the most notable aspects of the 2026 first series is that the examination will be conducted entirely through Computer-Based Testing (CBT). This is part of WAEC’s broader reform agenda aimed at modernising examination delivery, improving efficiency, and reducing malpractice.
Under the CBT format, candidates will answer questions on computers at designated examination centres, with strict monitoring and time controls. WAEC believes the system enhances transparency, speeds up result processing, and aligns the examination body with global best practices in assessment administration.
The council advised candidates to ensure they are familiar with basic computer operations ahead of the exams, noting that technical preparedness is now as important as academic readiness.
What Candidates Should Do Now
WAEC urged all registered candidates to take the timetable seriously and begin structured revision immediately. Beyond academic preparation, the council stressed the importance of complying with examination rules and guidelines to avoid sanctions that could jeopardise results.
Candidates are also advised to:
- Confirm their examination centres and subject combinations early
- Arrive at centres well ahead of scheduled start times
- Adhere strictly to CBT procedures and examination ethics
- Avoid bringing prohibited items into examination halls
Failure to comply with WAEC regulations, the council warned, could result in disqualification or cancellation of results.
Why This Matters
The release of the timetable is more than a routine administrative update—it signals the final countdown to one of the most important examinations in the West African education system.
For private candidates, the CB-WASSCE often represents a second chance to secure credits required for university admission, employment, or career progression. With the exam starting in late January, the timetable gives candidates a clear roadmap for targeted preparation.
From a broader perspective, WAEC’s continued adoption of CBT reflects a growing shift toward digital education infrastructure across the region. Successful implementation could shape how future large-scale examinations are conducted, not just by WAEC but by other testing bodies.
What Happens Next
With the timetable now public, attention turns to final preparations by candidates, schools, tutorial centres, and CBT examination centres. WAEC is expected to continue issuing reminders and updates as the examination date approaches.
Candidates are advised to rely only on official WAEC communication channels for information and to avoid misinformation circulating on unofficial platforms.
As January 28 draws closer, the timetable release marks a defining moment for private candidates—one that sets the tone for focused preparation and disciplined execution.
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