How to pass your 2026 BECE so easily and get 6 ones
How do I pass the BECE easily? And how can I score an aggregate of 6? These are the questions most candidates are asking as the BECE approaches. This article provides clear answers to those concerns.
The Basic Education Certificate Examination, organised by the West African Examinations Council, is the final examination for third-year Junior High School students in Ghana and other West African countries. The BECE plays a major role in determining a student’s academic future, especially senior high school placement.
The BECE is usually written in June each year. However, due to changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the timetable has shifted in recent years. In 2024, the examination was scheduled from Monday, July 8, to Friday, July 12.
Candidates write several subjects under the BECE. These include core, elective and optional subjects. The core subjects are English Language, Mathematics, Integrated Science and Social Studies, as well as Religious and Moral Education, Career Technology and Creative Arts and Design. Candidates are also required to write a Ghanaian Language taught in their school. Optional subjects include French, Computing and Arabic for candidates who choose to take them.
WAEC uses a nine-point grading system, and a candidate’s final aggregate is calculated using the four core subjects and two other best-performing subjects. Strong performance across these subjects greatly improves a candidate’s chances of securing a good school placement.
Passing the BECE becomes easier when candidates prepare well ahead of time. Solving past questions helps students understand how questions are set and allows them to recognise commonly repeated areas. Having a personal study plan also improves preparation, as different students learn better using different methods.
Candidates are encouraged to seek help when they do not understand a topic, whether from teachers, classmates or knowledgeable family members. Mock examinations should be taken seriously because they help students assess their readiness and identify weak areas.
Last-minute learning is not effective. Continuous study from JHS1 through JHS3 helps candidates retain information better and reduces pressure during the examination period. Time management during the exam is also important, as candidates are advised to answer questions they are confident about first before attempting more difficult ones.
Reading and following examination instructions carefully can prevent avoidable mistakes. Candidates are also advised not to rely on leaked questions, commonly known as apor, as this can lead to disappointment. Clear and legible handwriting is important because examiners must be able to read answers easily.
Remaining calm before and during the examination helps candidates recall what they have studied. Confidence comes from proper preparation.
Scoring an aggregate of 6 means obtaining grade 1 in the four core subjects and two other subjects. Achieving this requires consistent hard work, regular practice of objective questions and effective time management.
Candidates are encouraged to solve objective test questions daily to strengthen their understanding. Revising recent BECE past questions also helps candidates understand the current examination format. Teaching others what one has learned improves memory and understanding.
Active learning, which involves reading, understanding, rewriting and practising questions under exam conditions, is key to success.
Failing the BECE is not the end of the road. Candidates who do not pass can resit the examination as private candidates, usually held in February at regional capitals. However, it is always better to prepare well and pass the examination on the first attempt…CONTINUE MORE READING>>>