2025 BECE kicks off with over 600,000 candidates nationwide
The 2025 edition of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) officially begins today across Ghana, with a total of 603,328 candidates expected to sit for the week-long examination. This includes 297,250 males and 306,078 females, marking a significant milestone as they become the first cohort under the new government to benefit from the Free Senior High School (FSHS) Policy.
This year’s figure represents a 5.99 percent increase compared to the 2024 entry of 569,236 candidates. In addition, 1,661 private candidates—858 males and 803 females—have registered, a 19.49 percent increase from last year’s 1,390.
According to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the BECE for School Candidates (SC) will take place in 2,237 centers nationwide, while 15 designated centers in regional capitals will host the BECE for Private Candidates.
Each candidate is expected to write an average of nine out of 11 subjects, including seven common core subjects: English Language, Mathematics, Science, Ghanaian Language, Social Studies, Religious and Moral Education, and Creative Arts and Design. Other subjects include Career Technology and optional subjects specific to certain curricula.
The candidates will write two papers daily, starting at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., respectively.
GES prepares for smooth examination
At a press conference in Accra on Monday, the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, assured the public that all necessary arrangements had been finalized.
“All timetables have been distributed, and examination materials have been dispatched to the various metropolitan and district education offices,” Prof. Davis said.
He added that both school and private candidates would write the same set of questions, although school candidates will take the exams at centers within their schools, while private candidates will report to venues in Tema, Gambaga, and regional capitals.
Strict supervision and warnings against malpractice
The GES, in collaboration with WAEC and the Ghana Police Service, will provide joint supervision to ensure the integrity of the examinations. Prof. Davis warned all stakeholders, especially invigilators and supervisors, to refrain from any form of malpractice.
“Anyone caught will be severely punished. I repeat, it might cost them their job because we want good role models,” he said firmly.
Prof. Davis emphasized that malpractice undermines the credibility of the education system and distorts the actual performance of students.
“We don’t want students who have excelled by cheating their way through. That is not the quality and kind of student Ghana needs,” he stressed.
He thanked teachers, head teachers, and parents for their hard work and dedication and encouraged the candidates to stay confident and focused.
“I know they can make it if they apply themselves to their books and prepare very well for the exam. I wish all my students the best in the 2025 BECE,” he added.
WAEC: Final use of old syllabus for Private Candidates
Meanwhile, WAEC has announced that just like in 2024, school candidates and some private candidates will be examined based on the Common Core Curriculum, while others will write based on the old syllabus. This year, however, marks the final time the old syllabus will be used for private candidates.
In a statement signed by WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, the Council assured the public that reasonable adjustments have been made for candidates with special needs, and no child will be left behind.
WAEC also reminded the public of its Revised Rules and Regulations governing examinations, which have been in force since 2023. New infractions now include:
- Having inscriptions on any part of the body or clothing
- Posting live questions online
- Refusing access to school premises for monitoring teams
- Misconduct by exam officials
Multiple registrations by candidates in both public and private schools
