.jpg)
How BECE Will Be Graded in 2026—WAEC
As preparations intensify for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has confirmed that the existing grading system will remain unchanged.
The clarification comes amid concerns from students, parents, and teachers over possible changes following recent updates to the Junior High School curriculum.
According to WAEC, the examination will continue to be graded using the nine-point Stanine grading system, where candidates receive grades from 1 to 9 in all subjects. Grade 1 represents excellent performance, while Grade 9 is the lowest.
Under the system, final results will be based on a combination of 30 percent continuous assessment from schools and 70 percent external examination scores conducted by WAEC.
The grading scale is as follows:
Grade 1: 90–100%
Grade 2: 80–89%
Grade 3: 70–79%
Grade 4: 60–69%
Grade 5: 55–59%
Grade 6: 50–54%
Grade 7: 40–49%
Grade 8: 35–39%
Grade 9: 0–34%
A candidate’s overall BECE aggregate will be calculated using six subjects — the four core subjects: English Language, Mathematics, Integrated Science, and Social Studies, plus the two best-performing elective subjects.
The aggregate score is obtained by adding the grades from these subjects, with lower aggregates indicating better performance. The best possible aggregate a candidate can obtain is 6.
Although WAEC no longer announces an official national cut-off point for Senior High School placement, the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) still relies heavily on aggregate scores. Competitive schools are also known to apply their own internal benchmarks during placements.
WAEC has therefore encouraged candidates to take both their continuous assessments and final examinations seriously, stressing that both components are essential in determining qualification for Senior High School placement.
.jpg)
