When is WAEC Starting? – Full Guide to WAEC 2025 Exam Dates and Timetable

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is a pivotal institution responsible for conducting standardised exams that determine the academic future of millions of secondary school students across West Africa. For students in Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia, passing the WAEC exams is a significant milestone. It marks the completion of their secondary education and is a prerequisite for university admission and other post-secondary opportunities. With such high stakes, “When is WAEC starting?” becomes one of the most frequently searched queries by students and parents alike every year.

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Understanding the start date of WAEC examinations—whether for school candidates (WASSCE) or private candidates (GCE)—is vital for proper planning, preparation, and execution. This article provides a thorough and detailed guide for the 2025 WAEC examination schedule, including key dates, how to access the official timetable, country-specific differences, and tips on preparing. Whether you are sitting for WAEC for the first time or supporting someone who is, this comprehensive guide ensures you won’t miss a single important update.

Read Also: How To Get WAEC Certificate Online in 2025

Understanding WAEC and Its Significance

WAEC was established in 1952 to coordinate examinations and issue certificates comparable to those of equivalent examining authorities internationally. It serves Anglophone West African countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia.

There are two main types of WAEC exams:

• WASSCE for School Candidates: Written by students in their final year of secondary school.
• WASSCE for Private Candidates (GCE): This is for individuals who have completed school or are retaking exams to improve their grades.

The WAEC certificate is widely recognised and is essential for further education, employment, and scholarships. Knowing the start date helps students pace their studies, reduce anxiety, and prepare academically and psychologically for the exams.

WAEC 2025 Exam Schedule: When is WAEC Starting?

For the 2025 WASSCE (School Candidates), the official start date is Tuesday, April 29, 2025, and will run until Friday, June 6, 2025. This information is based on the provisional timetable released by WAEC and may vary slightly based on national adjustments in different countries.

This period typically includes both practical and written examinations. Subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology often begin earlier with practicals.

Breakdown of WAEC 2025 Timetable

WAEC schedules its exams to cover core subjects like Mathematics, English Language, and Science, along with elective subjects such as Literature, Economics, Agricultural Science, etc.

Sample Subject Breakdown:

• Week 1: English Language, Chemistry Practical
• Week 2: Mathematics, Economics
• Week 3: Biology, Literature in English

Each exam session is divided into morning (usually 9:00 AM) and afternoon (usually 2:00 PM) sessions. Students must pay close attention to the timetable and arrive early at the exam centers.

When is WAEC GCE Starting?

WAEC GCE is divided into two series:

• First Series (January/February): Typically starts mid-January and ends in February.
• Second Series (August/September): Registration begins in July, and the exams usually start in late August or early September.

For 2025, the First Series is expected to begin on Monday, January 13, while the Second Series may start on Monday, August 25.

How to Access the Official WAEC Timetable

Students can obtain the WAEC timetable through the following channels:

• WAEC Official Website: www.waecnigeria.org
• School Notice Boards: For school candidates.
• Educational Portals and Blogs: Always cross-check with official sources.
• PDF Download: WAEC usually releases the timetable in a downloadable PDF format.

Verifying the timetable ensures students don’t fall victim to misinformation or fake versions.

If you want a comprehensive and complete WAEC 2025 timetable, click this link: WAEC Timetable 2025/2026 Is Out – Full Schedule PDF Download.

Country-Specific WAEC Start Dates

Nigeria

In Nigeria, the 2025 WAEC exams are scheduled to begin on April 29 and end on June 6.

Ghana

Ghana may have slight adjustments to the schedule, but they generally align with the main WAEC timetable.

Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia

These countries typically follow similar timelines with minor country-specific variations due to national holidays or educational policies.

How to Prepare for WAEC 2025

Proper preparation is key. Here are the top strategies:

• Create a Study Timetable: Use the WAEC timetable as a guide.
• Use WAEC Past Questions: Focus on likely topics and repeated patterns.
• Enroll in Tutorials: Get extra help where needed.
• Take Mock Exams: Simulate the real exam environment.

Recommended subjects to pay attention to include English Language and Mathematics, which are compulsory for most tertiary admissions.

Important Things to Know Before WAEC Starts

• Documents to Bring: Photo card, exam slip, valid ID (if required).
• Stationery: 2B pencils, pens, erasers, rulers, and calculators (if allowed).
• Rules: No mobile phones, no cheating, and follow all invigilator instructions.

Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.

Changes and Updates in WAEC 2025

• Subject Updates: No new subjects have been added as of 2025.
• Digital Registration: More schools are adopting biometric verification.
• Health Protocols: No strict COVID-19 protocols unless specified.

Stay updated through the official WAEC site or education ministry bulletins.

FAQs

When is WAEC 2025 starting in Nigeria?
WAEC 2025 for school candidates starts on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

Is the WAEC timetable the same in all countries?
Mostly yes, but minor changes may occur in different countries.

When is WAEC GCE 2025 starting?
First Series: January 13, 2025; Second Series: August 25, 2025 (tentative).

How can I get the WAEC timetable for 2025?
Download it from the official WAEC website or get it from your school.

Will WAEC 2025 be postponed?
No postponement announced. Follow official updates for changes.

What is the WAEC 2025 deadline for registration?
For school candidates, usually in February. GCE deadlines vary per series.

Conclusion

WAEC remains one of the most critical academic milestones in West Africa. Knowing exactly when WAEC starts allows students to plan, revise effectively, and perform confidently. With the 2025 exams scheduled to begin on April 29, candidates still have time to prepare thoroughly. Staying informed and organized is the best path to success. It is, however, essential to note the recent announcement by WAEC officials to shift from the known traditional paper-based WASSCE to a computer-based one for the 2025 WAEC exams.

Read more on WAEC’s announcement to move to a modern way of writing WASSCE by clicking this link: WAEC Announces Shift to CBT for WASSCE 2025