WAEC WASSCE 2026: Exam Pattern, Eligibility & Study Plan
Nigeria · 10 subjects · 154 topics · Updated 2026-04-06
The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is the premier secondary school leaving examination administered by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) across five West African nations: Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia. Conducted annually in May/June (the main diet) and November/December (the private/GCE diet), it is the most widely recognised secondary school certification in Nigeria and serves as both a completion qualification and a university admission requirement.
Live status
Verified 2026-04-24- Year
- 2026
- Subjects
- 10
- Topics
- 154
Freshness tracked daily from https://www.waeconline.org.ng. See 2026 calendar →
📋 Exam Pattern
WASSCE consists of multiple-choice objective papers and essay/theory papers across all registered subjects. Each subject typically comprises an objective test (Paper 1) and an essay/practical paper (Paper 2), with practical papers for science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agricultural Science) held separately in approved laboratories. A minimum of six credits including English Language and Mathematics is required for most Nigerian university admissions. The May/June diet is primarily for school candidates while the November/December diet is for private candidates.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Candidates in their final year of secondary school (SS3) may register for the May/June diet through their schools. Private candidates may register for the November/December GCE examination. For university admission in Nigeria, candidates typically require a minimum of six credits including English Language and Mathematics in not more than two sittings across WASSCE sittings. Candidates must be at least 16 years of age and have completed the prescribed secondary school curriculum.
Subjects & Topics Covered — 154 topics across 10 subjects
English Language
18 topics · Comprehension Passages· Summary Writing· Vocabulary Development + more
Mathematics
18 topics · Number and Numeration (Bases)· Fractions, Decimals and Percentages· Indices and Logarithms + more
Physics
18 topics · Measurements and Units· Kinematics: Motion in a Straight Line· Kinematics: Projectiles + more
Chemistry
18 topics · Atomic Structure and Bonding· Periodic Properties and Group Elements· Chemical Reactions and Stoichiometry + more
Biology
18 topics · Cell Biology: Cell Structure and Organelles· Cell Biology: Cell Division (Mitosis and Meiosis)· Biological Molecules and Enzymes + more
Economics
14 topics · Economics: Definition and Fundamental Concepts· Demand, Supply and Market Equilibrium· Elasticity of Demand and Supply + more
Government
12 topics · Definition andScope of Government· Forms of Government· The Nigerian Constitution + more
Literature in English
10 topics · Literary Terms and Concepts· Prose: Novels and Short Stories· Drama: Tragedy and Comedy + more
Geography
12 topics · The Earth as a Planet· Map Reading and Interpretation· Weather and Climate + more
Agricultural Science
16 topics · Introduction to Agriculture· Rock and Soil· Climatic Factors and Agriculture + more
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Frequently Asked Questions — WAEC WASSCE
Everything you need to know about WAEC WASSCE. Scroll down for the complete study guide.
What is WAEC and why does it matter?
What is the WAEC exam pattern?
How are WAEC results used for university admission in Nigeria?
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Related Exams by Pathway
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How to Prepare for WAEC WASSCE
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| Exam Name | WAEC WASSCE |
| Country | 🇳🇬 Nigeria |
| Subjects | English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Government, Literature in English, Geography, Agricultural Science |
| Total Topics | 154 |
| Official Source | https://www.waeconline.org.ng |
| Last Updated | 2026-04-06 |
Sources & References
The following Wikipedia articles provide authoritative background on WAEC WASSCE and its exam ecosystem. They are cited for E-E-A-T purposes to support the accuracy of the information presented on this page.
- [1] West African Examinations Council — Wikipedia — WAEC's role, history, and exam coverage across West Africa
- [2] West African Senior School Certificate Examination — Wikipedia — Senior school certification exam administered by WAEC