2026 WASSCE: WAEC unveils new compulsory subjects, begins CBT transition for schools

2026 WASSCE: WAEC unveils new compulsory subjects, begins CBT transition for schools

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released fresh guidelines on compulsory subjects for the 2026 WASSCE and subsequent editions, clarifying subject combinations and registration requirements for candidates. The examination body also reaffirmed that science students can register for Economics, ending longstanding misconceptions.

Speaking at a press briefing after the 63rd Annual Meeting of the Nigeria National Committee (NNC) of WAEC in Umuahia, Abia State, the Head of National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, said the updated structure aligns with the Federal Government’s revised subject policy for senior secondary schools.

Dangut emphasized that candidates “will not be restricted from choosing subjects across groups,” noting that Economics remains open to science students as an elective.

He appealed to schools and counsellors to properly guide students on subject combinations as the “reviewed and streamlined subjects” take effect for the 2026 WASSCE.

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New WAEC Subject Categories

WAEC has now grouped all examinable subjects into five fields:

• Core Subjects
• Science Subjects
• Humanities Subjects
• Business Subjects
• Trade Subjects

The new list of five core compulsory subjects includes:

• English Language
• General Mathematics
• Citizenship and Heritage Studies Education
• Digital Technologies
• Vocational Trade Subjects

However, Citizenship and Heritage Studies Education and Digital Technologies will not be examined in 2026 and 2027, as their curricula and syllabi are still under development. These two subjects will become examinable starting 2028.

Subjects Required for 2026 and 2027 WASSCE

Candidates sitting for the 2026 and 2027 WASSCE will write only:

• English Language
• General Mathematics
• One Trade Subject

They must then choose five or six additional subjects from other fields, making a total of eight or nine subjects for registration.

Dangut noted that trade subjects have been reduced from 26 to six, though some retain new names with unchanged syllabus content.

He clarified that WAEC is not responsible for curriculum development, stressing that the council only assesses students based on government-approved curricula.

Migration to CBT and School Categorisation

To prepare for the transition to full Computer-Based Testing (CBT), schools have been categorized into three groups:

• Those not yet ready for CBT
• Those using a hybrid of CBT and paper-based exams
• Those fully prepared for CBT rollout, even by 2026

He assured that no candidate will be denied access to the 2026 WASSCE, regardless of their school’s technology level.

WAEC also pledged that candidates will not be assigned exam centres more than two kilometres from their residences.

Continuous Assessment Requirement

Schools must administer at least three Continuous Assessment Tests per candidate to meet the CASS requirement. WAEC has extended the CASS uploading deadline to ensure a smooth and credible exam process.

Dangut reaffirmed the council’s readiness, saying the reforms will strengthen the integrity and quality of the WASSCE 2026 and beyond.

2026 WASSCE: WAEC unveils new compulsory subjects, begins CBT transition for schools