The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the full arrangements for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE 2025) for both school and private candidates.
According to the Council, the examination is scheduled to take place nationwide from Wednesday, June 11, 2025, through Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
In a public statement issued by the Council, it emphasized its commitment to ensuring a smooth, inclusive, and credible examination process for all eligible candidates this year.
The number of candidates sitting for BECE 2025 reflects a notable increase compared to the previous year, further underscoring the growing participation in basic education assessments in Ghana.
“A total number of 603,328 candidates, comprising 297,250 males and 306,078 females from 20,395 participating schools, entered for the school examination. The number of candidates that registered for this year’s BECE (SC) is 5.99% higher than the 2024 entry figure of 569,236.
“With regard to the BECE for Private Candidates, a total entry figure of 1,661 candidates was recorded. This is made up of 858 males and 803 females. This year’s figure is 19.49% higher than the 2024 entry figure of 1,390.”
West African Examinations Council (WAEC)
For logistical purposes, WAEC revealed that BECE 2025 will be conducted in 2,237 examination centres for school candidates spread across all regions of the country.
For private candidates, fifteen (15) designated centres—mostly located in regional capitals—will host the examinations.
In line with current educational reforms, WAEC clarified that both school and some private candidates will write the exams based on the revised core curriculum.
However, a section of private candidates will still be assessed using the old syllabus. The Council issued a clear notice to all stakeholders that this will be the final year the old syllabus will be used for private candidates.
WAEC encouraged all prospective private candidates to take note of this important transition and prepare accordingly. “This is the last time private candidates will be examined on the old syllabus,” the Council stated.
WAEC Reinforces Rules Ahead Of BECE 2025
WAEC also reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity, particularly for candidates with special educational needs.
The Council stated that it has “made reasonable adjustments to make its examinations accessible” to such candidates.
Heads of schools, parents, and guardians were assured that no child would be left behind, and adequate measures had been implemented to meet the needs of all examinees.
In addition to logistical and curriculum updates, WAEC reminded stakeholders about the revised Rules and Regulations introduced in 2023 to tackle examination malpractice.
The Council emphasized that these rules remain in full effect and will be rigorously enforced during BECE 2025.
“The revision includes new rules on: Having inscriptions on any part of the body or clothing; Posting Live Questions on the Internet; Refusal to grant timely access into the school premises; Misconduct of examination officials; Multiple registration of candidates in both public and private schools.”
West African Examinations Council (WAEC)
WAEC emphasized that it is the responsibility of heads of schools, supervisors, and invigilators to ensure candidates comply with the newly introduced rules.
The Council added that the revised regulations are available on its official website and should be carefully reviewed by all stakeholders involved in the examination process.
WAEC also used the opportunity to call on the public, especially school authorities and parents, to play an active role in promoting discipline and compliance at all examination centres.
The Council stressed the importance of maintaining “sanity at all the examination centres” and appealed to all stakeholders to cooperate in safeguarding the integrity of BECE 2025.
Finally, the Council extended its well wishes to all candidates and issued a stern warning against cheating or breaking the rules. “Any attempt to breach any of these will have dire consequences for the candidates.”
With BECE 2025 just days away, the emphasis from WAEC remains clear: preparation, integrity, and adherence to rules will be essential for a successful examination period.
The increased registration numbers suggest a positive trajectory for basic education in the country, but WAEC has made it equally clear that credibility and order must not be compromised.
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