The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the final timetable for the 2026 Common-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB‑WASSCE) for private candidates. This announcement, made on WAEC’s official X handle, comes ahead of the examination’s scheduled commencement, providing private candidates across Nigeria with the critical schedule needed to prepare effectively for one of the most important academic milestones in West African education.
The 2026 CB‑WASSCE timetable applies to the First Series of the examination, which is set to start on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, with language papers in Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. The timetable also carefully maps out the dates for core and elective subjects, ensuring that candidates have a clear roadmap for their revision and exam attendance.
Why the CB‑WASSCE Matters
The CB‑WASSCE is a critical examination that provides private candidates and school-leavers with the opportunity to obtain a recognized secondary school certificate. Success in this examination opens doors for tertiary education in Nigeria and other West African countries, as well as for scholarship opportunities and professional certifications.
WAEC’s move to release the final timetable early is designed to help candidates organize their study plans, avoid last-minute stress, and perform optimally in each subject area. The timetable also reflects the Council’s ongoing commitment to computer-based testing (CBT), a format intended to modernize examinations, reduce malpractice, and standardize assessment across the region.
Full Timetable Highlights
WAEC has scheduled the examinations over several weeks, covering all core and elective subjects. Some of the key dates include:
| Date | Subject |
|---|---|
| Jan 28, 2026 | Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba |
| Jan 29, 2026 | Biology |
| Jan 31, 2026 | General Mathematics |
| Feb 3, 2026 | Agricultural Science |
| Feb 5, 2026 | Physics |
| Feb 6, 2026 | Geography |
| Feb 7, 2026 | English Language |
| Feb 9, 2026 | Chemistry |
| Feb 11, 2026 | Further Mathematics |
This schedule allows students to adequately plan their revision periods, particularly for challenging subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, and English, which are key determinants of their final grade. WAEC has stressed that candidates must arrive at their designated exam centers on time and adhere strictly to all examination regulations.
Transition to Computer-Based Testing
WAEC has highlighted that the 2026 CB‑WASSCE will continue the transition to computer-based testing (CBT) for private candidates. While objective questions, such as multiple-choice sections, will be completed digitally, essay-based and practical components of certain subjects will still be administered in traditional formats.
The adoption of CBT is aimed at:
- Reducing exam malpractice and errors
- Standardizing results across West Africa
- Preparing candidates for digital literacy and computer-based assessments in higher education
Candidates are therefore encouraged to practice typing and navigating computer-based tests ahead of the examination to minimize stress on exam days.
Public Reaction and Candidate Tips
The release of the timetable has elicited a range of reactions from students and parents. Many candidates expressed relief that they can now finalize their study plans, while some noted the short preparation time for the earliest exams. Education experts have advised students to:
- Begin intensive revision immediately for subjects scheduled in the first week
- Focus on core subjects such as Mathematics, English Language, and Sciences
- Ensure all required documents and materials are ready before the exam
- Familiarize themselves with the examination centers and adhere to all WAEC guidelines
WAEC has reiterated that adherence to the timetable and examination rules is mandatory for all candidates, as failure to comply may result in disqualification from the exams.
How to Access the Timetable
To help candidates plan efficiently, WAEC has made the full 2026 CB‑WASSCE timetable for private candidates available online. Candidates can download the timetable directly by clicking the link below Click here to download the 2026 CB-WASSCE timetable
Downloading the timetable ensures that candidates have access to all subjects, times, and examination codes, which are crucial for proper preparation and on-the-day organization.
