Major BECE Timetable Shake-Up: Education Minister Proposes 8-Day Exam Schedule

Students preparing for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) may soon experience a major change in how the national examination is conducted, following a proposed timetable reform announced by the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu.

The government is reportedly considering extending the duration of the BECE from the current five-day schedule to eight days in an effort to reduce pressure on candidates and improve their preparation time between papers. The proposed reform, according to the Education Minister, is intended to create a more student-friendly examination structure across the country.

Speaking at Aburi Girls’ Senior High School, Mr. Iddrisu acknowledged concerns over the current BECE timetable, explaining that writing multiple papers within a short period places unnecessary stress on students. He noted that many candidates struggle to adequately prepare for successive exams within the existing Monday-to-Friday arrangement.

Under the proposed reform, the BECE would begin on a Wednesday and end on the following Wednesday, effectively extending the examination period to eight days. This adjustment is expected to give candidates more time to revise between subjects while also allowing a weekend break during the examination period.

According to the Minister, the revised schedule is being designed to reduce academic pressure and help students better manage the workload associated with the national examination. The move is also expected to improve students’ mental preparedness and overall examination experience.

The Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) is expected to oversee the implementation process should the proposed timetable reform be approved and adopted nationwide.

The announcement has already sparked conversations among students, parents, and education stakeholders, with many expected to weigh in on whether an extended examination period could improve academic performance and reduce stress levels among candidates.

For years, the BECE has remained one of Ghana’s most important examinations, determining placement into Senior High Schools, and technical institutions. Any change to its structure is therefore likely to attract national attention, particularly among parents, teachers, and final-year Junior High School students.

Although the proposal is yet to be fully implemented, the announcement signals the government’s intention to rethink examination scheduling in a way that prioritizes student well-being and academic effectiveness.

As discussions continue, many Ghanaians will be watching closely to see whether the proposed eight-day BECE timetable becomes the new standard for future candidates.