What Date Is WAEC 2026 Starting? (Complete Guide)

If you’re asking “What date is WAEC 2026 starting?”, you’re not alone thousands of students, parents, and teachers are keen to know exactly when the WAEC 2026 examination begins so they can plan revision, travel, and preparation schedules. In this article, we deep-dive into the confirmed start dates, types of exams, timetables, and everything you need to know about the WAEC 2026 exam schedule. Let’s get started!

 What Date Is WAEC 2026 Starting?

The focus keyword “What date is WAEC 2026 starting?” is something every WAEC candidate wants to know right from the first paragraph. So here’s the clear answer:

The WAEC 2026 examinations start on Wednesday, 28th January 2026 for the 2026 GCE/CB-WASSCE First Series for Private Candidates.

This date marks the beginning of the first major WAEC exam session for that year particularly for private candidates and the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format being rolled out. In this article, you’ll find detailed timelines, preparation tips, and answers to your most common questions.

 Types of WAEC Exams in 2026

1. CB-WASSCE First Series (Private Candidates)

This is the first series of the 2026 Common-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE), often taken by private candidates or those improving older results.

• Start Date: January 28, 2026
•  Conducted as a computer-based exam (CBT).

This is the exam most private candidates in Nigeria and West Africa will write early in the year.

2. GCE First Series 2026 (General Certificate)

Often overlapping with the private candidate exams, this series is essentially the same as the CB-WASSCE for many purposes:

• Start Date: January 28, 2026
• End Date: February 14, 2026

The GCE timetable covers all subjects tested within this period.

3. WASSCE (School Candidates – May/June Session)

Traditionally, the main WASSCE session for school candidates starts later, usually around May or June, but official 2026 school exam dates have not been fully released by WAEC at the time of writing.

So, if your question is specifically about secondary school candidates (May/June 2026), we recommend checking WAEC’s official timetable page over time for updates:
https://waecinternational.org/timetable/

 Full 2026 First Series WAEC Start & End Dates

Note: The school session (May/June) timetable for 2026 may be updated closer to the exam  always check the official WAEC website or authorized portal for official dates.

 How WAEC 2026 Starts: What Happens on the First Day

On January 28, 2026, the following activities typically occur for the first day of WAEC:

•  Exams begin with language subjects like Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba papers.
•  Candidates write both objective and essay papers on that day.
•  For CBT exams, candidates sit at allocated computer centres to begin their tests.

It’s crucial to check your specific timetable for subjects and reporting times.

 Preparation Tips Before WAEC 2026 Starts

Here’s what you MUST DO before the exam period starts:

1. Download the Official Timetable

Grab the full WAEC schedule from the official site:
https://waecinternational.org/timetable/

2. Plan Your Revision Schedule

Align your revision with the exam start date (January 28, 2026) so you’re fully prepared before the first paper.

3. Practice with CBT Tools

Since the 2026 First Series is computer-based, get familiar with CBT formats, mock exams, and navigation interfaces.

4. Stay Updated

Follow WAEC’s official social platforms or your school’s notices for any changes to dates or format.

 Common Misconceptions About WAEC 2026 Start Date

Here are a few clarifications to help:

•  WAEC doesn’t start in April 24, 2025 for 2026 that’s an incorrectly published date on some unofficial sites.
•  The January session is NOT the school exam it’s mainly for private candidates.
•  The January 28, 2026 start date is official and confirmed.

Always trust official WAEC channels over random online sites.

 Conclusion: What Date Is WAEC 2026 Starting?

The 2026 WAEC exams start on Wednesday, 28th January 2026 for the CB-WASSCE / GCE First Series that most private candidates write.
The session runs through 14th February 2026 for this series.
If you’re a school candidate waiting for the May/June session, stay tuned to official WAEC channels for confirmed dates.

Also Read: Are They Using Computers to Write WAEC in 2026? Full Explanation for Students, Parents, and Schools

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 When does the WAEC 2026 examination begin?

Answer: The WAEC 2026 First Series exam begins on January 28, 2026.

 Is the WAEC 2026 exam computer-based?

Answer: Yes — the CB-WASSCE First Series for private candidates in 2026 is conducted as a computer-based test (CBT).

 What about the main WAEC school examinations?

Answer: The school exam (May/June 2026 WASSCE) typically starts in May/June, with official confirmation released closer to the date through WAEC’s official channels.