The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the official timetable for the 2026 Common-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for Private Candidates, First Series.
According to the timetable published by WAEC and obtained from its official X handle on Tuesday, the examination will commence on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, and end on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
The examination will begin with Hausa Language papers, including Essay and Objective, on January 28. Other subjects scheduled on the opening day include Igbo Language, Yoruba Language, and their respective objective papers.
On Thursday, January 29, candidates will sit for Biology, covering Essay, Objective, and Alternative to Practical papers, while Financial Accounting papers will be written on Friday, January 30.
The timetable shows that General Mathematics and Agricultural Science will be examined between Saturday, January 31, and Tuesday, February 3, with Agricultural Science including both theory and alternative practical components.
Religious studies, including Christian Religious Studies and Islamic Studies, are slated for Wednesday, February 4, while Physics papers (Essay, Objective, and Alternative to Practical) will be written on Thursday, February 5.
Geography and English Language papers follow on Friday, February 6, and Saturday, February 7, respectively, with English Language also featuring a Test of Orals.
Further subjects listed include Chemistry on Monday, February 9, Literature-in-English on Tuesday, February 10, and Further Mathematics on Wednesday, February 11.
Economics is scheduled for Thursday, February 12, followed by Government, Commerce, and Civic Education between Friday, February 13, and Saturday, February 14, which will mark the conclusion of the examination.
WAEC advised private candidates to carefully study the timetable, take note of their subjects, examination dates, durations, and starting times. The council also reminded candidates that where there is any difference between the time stated on the question paper and the timetable, the time on the question paper should be followed.
In its message to candidates, WAEC stated, “Here’s the timetable for the CB-WASSCE for Private Candidates, 2026 First series. We wish you success and a wonderful experience,”
The examination body further encouraged candidates to regularly check its official platforms for updates and ensure strict compliance with all examination guidelines to guarantee a smooth and hitch-free exercise.
The CB-WASSCE for Private Candidates, First Series, is designed for individuals seeking secondary school certification outside the regular school system.
This series allows candidates to retake exams or acquire qualifications without waiting for the main May/June school exam.
