BECE 2026: Students Below JHS3 to be Barred From Taking Examination
- The government plans to restrict Basic Education Certificate Examination registration to only those in Junior High School 3
- The Education Minister blames poor results on unprepared students sitting for examinations too early
- New policy aims to ensure only qualified candidates take the Basic Education Certificate Examination
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The government plans to prohibit students who have not progressed to Junior High School 3 from registering for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, said this was part of plans to overhaul the country’s basic education system.
Source: Facebook
He told Joy FM that allowing such candidates to sit the examination contravenes established guidelines set by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the Ghana Education Service (GES).
Iddrisu noted that the practice has contributed to persistently poor performance in BECE results over the years, as some candidates are not adequately prepared for the demands of the examination.
"We have also made a determination that, there students who leap early, not yet in JHS 3 but ought to write BECE, that is unacceptable per the GES guideline and the WAEC guidelines."
"That is why we are seeing a reflection of poor quality because the student is not up to the task but forces himself to write BECE even when he is in primary six or JHS 1 or 2."
Describing the practice as unacceptable, the Minister emphasised that it would no longer be tolerated under the revised policy direction, adding that only duly qualified students who have completed the required academic progression will be allowed to sit the examinations.
BECE candidates to select schools after results
In another major change, the BECE candidates will now select their preferred senior high schools only after their results are released.
This is part of efforts to reform the Computerised School Selection and Placement System.
Iddrisu explained that the new approach will introduce a mandatory one-week window following the release of results, during which candidates can finalise their school selections based on their actual aggregates.
Source: Facebook
Under the Computerised School Selection and Placement System, students were required to select their Senior High Schools before sitting for the BECE.
In 2025, the Ministry of Education launched investigations into allegations of bribery in the ongoing Senior High School placement process.
When will the 2026 BECE start?
The 2026 BECE is expected to take place from Monday, May 4 to Monday, May 11, 2026.
The exam is for the certification and selection into Senior High Schools and Technical Institutes in Ghana.
According to WAEC, candidates in the third year of Junior High Schools approved by the Ghana Education Service are eligible to register to take part in this examination.
Shark Quiz contestant excels in BECE
YEN.com.gh reported that Prince Damien Arthur, who represented his school at the Shark Quiz contest, passed the exams with six ones out of the ten subjects he sat for.
His alma mater, Integrity Keepers' School in Kumasi, acknowledging his stellar academic performance, posted a Facebook update on September 2, 2025, sharing the results of the talented Junior High School graduate and confirming that he had indeed achieved a feat worth celebrating.
Source: YEN.com.gh
