WASSCE 2026: WAEC Announces Registration Dates & New Format: Attention WASSCE 2026 Candidates, The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially fired the starting gun for the 2026 examination cycle. In a circular dated August 15, 2025, the council has released the definitive timelines for registration and confirmed a major shift in the examination format.
As the leading authority on WAEC examinations, MasterWAEC.com is here to provide a detailed breakdown of this critical announcement. Getting these dates and details right is the first step to acing your exams. Let’s dive in.
Official WASSCE 2026 Registration Schedule
The registration for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates will be conducted in stages. The official dates are as follows:
CASS Upload Period (Schools): The portal for schools to upload Continuous Assessment Scores (CASS 1 & 2) opens today, Tuesday, August 19, 2025, and will close on Friday, October 31, 2025.
Offline Registration: This phase is scheduled to run from Tuesday, September 16, 2025, to Friday, November 21, 2025.
Online Registration: The main online registration window for candidates opens on Monday, September 22, 2025, and has a final closing date of Friday, December 12, 2025.
The most important date for you as a student is the final online registration deadline: December 12, 2025. Ensure all your registration formalities are completed through your school well before this date to avoid any issues.
The New Hybrid Exam Format: What is CB-WASSCE?
One of the most significant updates is the confirmation that WASSCE 2026 will be a hybrid examination. This means it will be a combination of:
- Computer-Based WASSCE (CB-WASSCE)
- Traditional Pen-and-Paper Formats
This move indicates WAEC gradual shift towards digital examinations. While objective tests are likely candidates for the computer-based format, the circular also mentions a novel approach for essay papers, which may involve the use of projectors in examination halls.
At MasterWAEC.com, we will be publishing an in-depth guide on how to prepare for a computer-based exam environment. Stay tuned for expert tips and strategies.
Major Operational Changes You Need to Know
WAEC also outlined several key operational changes that will affect the administration of the 2026 exams:
- Digital Attendance: Pen-and-paper attendance sheets are being replaced by a digital system called CIVAMPEMS.
- Pooled Examination Centres: Be prepared for the possibility of taking your exams at a “pooled centre,” where candidates from several schools are brought together.
- Chatbot for Enquiries: WAEC is deploying a chatbot for faster resolution of enquiries, which can be a useful resource for candidates.
- Zero Tolerance for Malpractice: The council has reiterated its strict stance against examination malpractice and highlighted its notification portal. Integrity during the exam is non-negotiable.
ALSO READ: WAEC GCE Second Series 2025 Registration Form, Fee And Date
Your Next Steps with MasterWAEC.com
With the official timelines now public, your preparation for WASSCE 2026 begins now. The introduction of a hybrid format means your study methods must also evolve.
MasterWAEC.com is your ultimate resource for navigating these changes. We are dedicated to providing the most accurate updates, study guides for the CB-WASSCE format, and expert advice to ensure your success.
Do you have questions about the new hybrid format? Are you ready for WASSCE 2026? Join the conversation in the comments below!
Kolade Kayode, known as Mr. KK, I am a Nigerian education blogger and founder of MasterWAEC.com. Passionate about student success, I simplifies WAEC exam preparation with accurate tips and resources to help students excel.