More than 600,000 candidates across Ghana are sitting for the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), which begins today, Wednesday, June 11.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) confirmed that 603,328 school candidates — made up of 297,250 boys and 306,078 girls from 20,395 schools — have registered for the nationwide exam.
This marks a 5.99% increase compared to last year’s figure of 569,236.
An additional 1,661 private candidates, including 858 males and 803 females, are also writing the exam, representing a 19.49% increase from the 2024 private candidate numbers.
WAEC says the school-based examination is taking place in 2,237 centres across the country, while private candidates are sitting the exam at 15 centres, mainly located in regional capitals.
In a statement WAEC said this year’s BECE will also mark a curriculum transition.
“As was done in 2024, school candidates and some private candidates will be examined on the core curriculum, while other private candidates will be examined on the old syllabus,” WAEC noted.
“This will be the last time private candidates will be examined on the old syllabus.”
The Council said it had made provisions for candidates with special educational needs, assuring parents and school heads that no child will be left behind.
WAEC also issued a strong reminder to candidates and schools to adhere to revised regulations on examination malpractice introduced in 2023.
The rules cover a range of infractions including having notes written on the body or clothing, sharing questions online, and preventing invigilators from accessing school premises.
“Heads of school, supervisors and invigilators should ensure that candidates adhere to these new rules,” the statement said.
Calling for calm, WAEC appealed to all stakeholders to help maintain discipline and order at exam centres.
“The Council calls on all and sundry, especially stakeholders, to ensure that sanity prevails at all examination centres,” it said, while wishing all candidates success.
The 2025 BECE is expected to run until Wednesday, June 11.