BECE 2025 Guidelines and Grading System: Everything Candidates and Schools Need to Know

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the official guidelines for the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
These guidelines outline important details regarding registration, subject structure, grading, and examination conduct. This article provides a comprehensive summary of the key points every candidate, teacher, and parent should be aware of.
- Registration Process
The registration process for the 2025 BECE will be conducted online. Schools must ensure that all candidates’ details, including names and subject choices, are accurately captured during the registration period. Mistakes in registration could affect candidates’ results, so it is essential that schools verify the information before submission.
Key Registration Guidelines:
Schools should enter candidates’ details correctly, avoiding errors in names and dates of birth.
Registration fees must be paid within the stipulated period.
Late registration may attract penalties or might not be accepted.
- Examination Subjects and Structure
Candidates will be examined in core subjects and electives based on the Junior High School (JHS) curriculum. The core subjects include:
English Language
Mathematics
Integrated Science
Social Studies
In addition, students will take elective subjects such as Religious & Moral Education, ICT, Ghanaian Language, French, and others.
- Grading System
WAEC maintains a grading system that determines students’ performance in the BECE. The grading follows a numerical scale, where:
Grade 1 is the highest (Excellent Performance)
Grade 9 is the lowest (Fail)
Candidates’ final scores will be used for placement into Senior High Schools (SHS) under the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).
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- Examination Conduct and Malpractice
To ensure fairness, WAEC has outlined strict rules to prevent examination malpractice. Candidates, invigilators, and school authorities are expected to uphold integrity during the exams.
Prohibited Actions Include:
Bringing unauthorized materials, such as notes, textbooks, or mobile phones, into the exam hall.
Copying or attempting to obtain answers from other candidates.
Engaging in impersonation (writing the exam for someone else).
Any form of external assistance.
Candidates found guilty of malpractice may have their results canceled or face legal consequences.
- Special Arrangements for Candidates with Disabilities
WAEC has provisions to accommodate candidates with special needs, such as those with visual or hearing impairments. Schools must indicate such conditions during registration so that the necessary arrangements can be made for a smooth examination process.
- Release of Results and School Placement
After marking and grading, results will be released online, allowing candidates to check their performance using WAEC’s result portal. These results will determine placement into Senior High Schools under the CSSPS. Candidates are advised to follow the school selection guidelines carefully to improve their chances of placement in their preferred schools.
- Key Dates and Deadlines
The examination timetable, registration deadlines, and result release dates will be announced officially by WAEC. Schools and candidates should stay updated with announcements to avoid missing important deadlines.
Conclusion
The BECE 2025 Guidelines serve as an essential roadmap for candidates preparing for the examination. Schools, students, and parents must familiarize themselves with these rules to ensure a smooth and successful examination process. By following these guidelines, candidates can avoid errors, maintain discipline, and achieve their academic goals.
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