This year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (B.E.C.E) is expected to begin today, October 17, 2022, for both public and private schools.

The five (5) day examination process will conclude on October 21, 2022, according to a statement issued by the West African Examination Council (WAEC).

A total of 552,276 candidates from 18,501 schools across the country are expected to partake in the exams this year at 2,023 centres nationwide.

WAEC, in their statement, noted that out of the total number of prospective candidates, 1,132 private candidates have registered for the exams and will take the papers at 15 selected centres.

Additionally, out of the total number of registered candidates, 276,988 are males, with 275,288 females.

The private candidates are made up of 634 males and 498 females.

WAEC further indicated that there has been a 3.48% drop in the total number of candidates who will participate in the exam, compared to last year’s figures.

Measures in place for a successful exam

Speaking on the readiness of the Council to ensure a successful examination, WAEC noted that all appropriate measures have been put in place to ensure a successful examination.

“The Council is advising candidates to be focused and be on the alert for the activities of “examination social media racketeers” whose primary aim is to make money through deception,” WAEC said in a statement on Thursday, October 13, 2022.

The Council, however, warned candidates against any malpractice, insisting that candidates found engaging in any illegal act during the exam, will not be let off the hook.

“Candidates are reminded that collusion can be detected in their scripts during marking and that the penalties for examination malpractice include cancellation of Subject/Entire Results.”

While wishing candidates success in the exam, WAEC reminded examination officials, including supervisors, invigilators, and distributors, to comply with the rules and regulations governing the conduct of the examination and refrain from being facilitators of malpractice.

Selection of SHS schools for BECE candidates to commence October 31

Meanwhile, the selection of Senior High Schools for candidates in the 2022 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) will commence across the country, effective October 31, 2022.

The exercise is expected to end on November 18, 2022. This was announced by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Education (MOE), Mr Kwasi Kwarteng, in a statement.

In the statement, Mr Kwarteng further disclosed that the Ministry has produced a video explaining the school selection guidelines for candidates, parents, guardians, and the public.

He noted that the video will be broadcast on various radio and television platforms across the country for five days, effective October 24, 2022.

It can also be assessed via www. freeshs.net.

Additionally, the Ministry, through the statement, reiterated its commitment “to ensuring a smooth and effective school selection and placement process.”

Source: The Independent Ghana