The government is reviewing the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) timetable to give candidates more time between papers and reduce examination-related stress.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu announced the planned changes during a visit to Aburi Girls’ Senior High School on Wednesday, June 10.
Mr. Iddrisu acknowledged concerns from students and education stakeholders about the current examination schedule.
At present, BECE is conducted within a single week, from Monday to Friday.
According to the minister, the compressed timetable places significant pressure on candidates and leaves little time for preparation between papers.
“I understand that our schedule of the exams for BECE was just Monday to Friday, and that put many of you under some stress,” he said.
The minister explained that the government intends to extend the examination period to create longer breaks between subjects.
Under the proposed arrangement, the BECE would begin on a Wednesday and end the following Wednesday.
The revised schedule would include a weekend break, giving candidates additional time to prepare for upcoming papers.
“The government is reviewing the BECE exams calendar. So now the BECE will begin on a Wednesday and end the following Wednesday, so that adequate time is given to our learners to prepare for BECE across the country,” he stated.
Mr. Iddrisu said the review forms part of broader efforts to improve the examination experience for students.
He believes giving candidates more time between papers will help reduce pressure and improve performance.
The minister added that the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) will oversee the implementation of the new timetable once the review process is completed and approved.
The proposed changes are expected to benefit thousands of BECE candidates across the country.
Education officials believe the revised timetable will allow students to prepare more effectively for each paper while reducing the intensity of the examination period.
If approved, the new schedule could become one of the most significant changes to the administration of the BECE in recent years.
