The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the official timetable for the 2026 May/June Senior School Certificate Examination for school candidates.

This timetable covers candidates across Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia. One key detail to keep in mind is that the schedule follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), so you may need to adjust based on your local time.

See latest announcement: https://tuitiondaily.com/waec-publishes-provisional-2026-wassce-timetable-with-exams-running-from-april-to-june

WAEC 2026 Timetable

Date

Subject & Paper

Time (GMT)

Monday, 4 May

Agricultural Science (Essay & Obj)

08:30 – 11:00

Tuesday, 12 May

Hausa / Yoruba / Igbo (Language 1 & 2)

08:30 – 11:30

Wednesday, 13 May

English Language 3 (Oral)

08:30 – 10:25

Thursday, 14 May

Agricultural Science 2 & 1 (Alternative A)

13:00 – 16:00

Wednesday, 20 May

Chemistry 3 (Practical)

08:30 – 10:30

Thursday, 21 May

Further Mathematics (Essay & Obj)

08:30 – 14:30

Download the full WAEC 2026 timetable in full below.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Asterisk Guide

  • *Available to candidates in Ghana only

  • ** Available to candidates in Nigeria only

  • *** Available to candidates in The Gambia and Sierra Leone only

  • **** Available to candidates in Liberia only

  • ***** Available to candidates in Sierra Leone only

  • ****** Available to candidates in The Gambia only

Important Notes for Candidates

Where Question Paper Time Differs

If the time on the question paper is different from the timetable, always follow the time stated on the question paper.

Papers Given Before the Exam Date

Visual Art 3

  • Paper 3A: Instructions will be sent to schools two weeks before the exam

  • Paper 3B: Questions will be given to candidates two weeks before the exam

  • Paper 3C: Projects will be completed within six months; submission dates will be communicated

Block Laying, Brick Laying and Concrete Works 3

  • The question paper will be given three days before the exam

Extra Time for Candidates with Special Needs

Blind, deaf, and dumb candidates are allowed 1.5 times the normal exam duration.

Forbidden Items

WAEC rules are strict, and breaking them can cost you everything.

  • Mobile phones, even if switched off

  • Smartwatches

  • Bluetooth devices

  • Tablets

  • Programmable calculators

  • Any suspicious gadget

If any of these are found on you, the consequences are serious and immediate.

Helpful Resources For WAEC

Relying only on class notes is not always enough. Use the right materials to stay ahead.

  • WAEC subject syllabi

  • Past questions and answers

  • Official marking schemes

These resources help you understand how questions are set and how answers are graded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When does WAEC 2026 start and end?
A: The exam begins on Tuesday, 7 April 2026 and ends on Friday, 19 June 2026.

Q: Is the WAEC timetable the same for all countries?
A: The timetable is similar across countries, but some subjects are restricted to specific regions, as shown in the asterisk guide.

Q: What time does the WAEC exam start in Nigeria?
A: The timetable uses GMT. Nigeria follows West Africa Time, which is one hour ahead of GMT, so adjust accordingly.

Q: Can the WAEC exam time change?
A: Yes, if there is any difference, the time printed on the question paper takes priority.

Q: What happens if I bring a phone into the exam hall?
A: It is considered exam malpractice and can lead to disqualification.

Q: How can I prepare effectively for WAEC 2026?
A: Start early, practise past questions, use the syllabus, and maintain a healthy study routine.