Ultimate Guide to the WASSCE for Private Candidates 2026 – First Series: Registration, Schedule, and Preparation Tips
The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates, also known as the Nov/Dec or re-sit exam, is a lifeline for many students across West Africa. It allows individuals who may have underperformed in previous exams or those seeking to improve their grades to retake specific subjects. In Ghana, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) organizes this exam in two series: the First Series (typically January/February) and the Second Series (October/November).
With the 2025 WASSCE results showing a notable decline in performance particularly in core subjects like Mathematics, English, Integrated Science, and Social Studies many candidates are turning their attention to the 2026 First Series. According to recent announcements from WAEC Ghana, this exam provides a quick opportunity to boost grades for tertiary admissions or career advancements.
In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about the WASSCE for Private Candidates 2026 – First Series, based on official details from WAEC Ghana’s communications, including their recent flyer and website resources. Whether you’re a recent SHS graduate, a working professional, or someone aiming to meet university entry requirements, this guide will help you navigate the process smoothly.
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What is the WASSCE for Private Candidates?
The WASSCE for Private Candidates (WASSCE PC) is designed for individuals who are not currently enrolled in school but wish to obtain or improve their West African Senior School Certificate. Unlike the school-based WASSCE, this version is open to private individuals, often referred to as “re-sitters” or “Nov/Dec candidates.”
Key features:
- Flexibility: You can register for one or more subjects, focusing only on what you need.
- Subjects Offered: Includes core subjects (English, Mathematics, Integrated Science, Social Studies) and electives from various programs like General Arts, Business, Science, Visual Arts, and Technical.
- Eligibility: Open to anyone who has completed senior high school or equivalent, with no age restrictions. However, you must meet basic requirements like providing valid identification.
This exam is especially relevant in 2026 following the 2025 results, where provisional statistics from WAEC Ghana indicated that over 53% of candidates may not qualify for direct public university admission due to failures in core subjects. The First Series offers a faster turnaround, with results typically released within a few months, allowing candidates to apply for university admissions in the same year.
Registration Details: Dates, Process, and Requirements
Registration for the 2026 First Series is currently ongoing, as highlighted in WAEC Ghana’s official flyer. Prospective candidates are urged to act quickly to avoid last-minute issues.
Key Dates
- Registration Start: Began in early December 2025 (some sources indicate December 1, 2025).
- Registration Deadline: Wednesday, December 31, 2025 (as per the official WAEC flyer; note that some announcements mentioned December 20, but extensions to the end of the month have been referenced in recent posts and could occur).
- Examination Period: Friday, January 16, 2026, to Saturday, February 14, 2026.
If you’re registering late, keep an eye on WAEC’s official channels for any extensions, as they sometimes occur due to high demand.
How to Register
Registration is done online through WAEC’s approved portals and must be completed at accredited internet cafes or centers. WAEC emphasizes that no remedial school examination centers will be used for the 2026 First Series—only official WAEC halls.
Step-by-step process:
- Create a Profile: Visit the WAEC Ghana registration portal at https://registration.ghanawaec.org/wassce/ or the central portal at https://unified.ghanawaec.org/. Use a valid email address and password to set up an account. This will be used for all future logins.
- Fill Out the Form: Enter personal details, including your full name, date of birth, and contact information. Select the subjects you wish to take (core and/or electives).
- Upload Documents: Scan and upload a recent passport-sized photograph (dimensions: 160px width x 200px height) and your signature (250px width x 150px height). Provide proof of identity, such as a Ghana Card, passport, or birth certificate.
- Pay Fees: Generate a payment invoice and pay via approved methods (e.g., mobile money, bank transfer, or at designated banks). Payment must be made before final submission.
- Preview and Submit: Review your form for accuracy, make any modifications, and submit. You’ll receive a confirmation with your index number.
- Biometric Verification: Visit an approved center for biometric data capture (fingerprints and photo) to prevent impersonation.
Important notes:
- Registration must be done through WAEC-accredited internet cafes to ensure security and accuracy.
- If you’re re-sitting, have your previous index number ready for reference.
- For modifications after submission, follow the same login process and update as needed.
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Fees
Fees vary based on the number of subjects registered. Based on recent WAEC announcements and similar structures from previous years (adjusted for 2026), here’s a breakdown in Ghana Cedis (GHS):
| Number of Subjects | Fee (GHS) |
|---|---|
| Six or more | 856.96 |
| Five | 810.00 |
| Four | 760.20 |
| Three | ~710.00 (estimated; confirm on portal) |
| Two | ~660.00 (estimated) |
| One | ~610.00 (estimated) |
Additional fees may apply for practical subjects (e.g., Science, ICT, Oral English/French), ranging from GHS 50–100 per practical. Always check the official portal for the exact amounts, as they could be updated. Processing fees at centers may add GHS 20–50.
Exam Schedule and Timetable
The exams will run from January 16 to February 14, 2026, across official WAEC centers in Ghana. The detailed timetable for the 2026 First Series hasn’t been fully released yet, but it’s expected to follow a similar structure to previous years.
Based on the 2025 First Series timetable (available on WAEC Ghana’s website), expect:
- Morning Sessions: Typically 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (e.g., core subjects like English Paper 2).
- Afternoon Sessions: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (e.g., electives or practicals).
- Key Dates (provisional, based on patterns):
- January 16–20: Practical exams for Sciences, Visual Arts, etc.
- January 21–February 5: Core subjects (Math, English, Science, Social Studies).
- February 6–14: Elective subjects (e.g., Business Management, Biology, History).
For the official 2026 timetable, visit https://waecgh.org/timetable/ or download it from the registration portal once available. WAEC advises candidates to arrive early and adhere to rules—no electronic devices allowed.
Preparation Tips for Success
With the exam just weeks after registration closes, preparation is key. Here’s how to maximize your chances:
- Review Past Papers: Download free WASSCE past questions from WAEC’s site or apps like Educare. Focus on weak areas from your 2025 results.
- Study Groups or Tutors: Join online forums or hire tutors for core subjects. Platforms like TikTok and YouTube have free lessons tailored to WASSCE PC.
- Time Management: Create a study schedule covering theory, practicals, and revisions. Aim for 4–6 hours daily.
- Health and Mindset: Stay healthy, get enough sleep, and manage stress. Remember, this is a second chance stay positive!
- Resources: Use WAEC-approved textbooks. For subjects like Math, practice with tools like calculators (allowed in exams).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I register for only failed subjects? Yes, you can choose 1–9 subjects.
- What if I miss the deadline? Late registrations may incur penalties or be unavailable—don’t risk it.
- How do I check results? Results are released online via WAEC’s portal, usually 45–60 days after exams.
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