The WAEC Time Table 2026 for private candidates has been officially released by the West African Examinations Council. Candidates preparing for the 2026 CB-WASSCE (Private Candidates First Series) can now check their subject dates, exam duration, and timetable schedule.
This post provides the complete WAEC timetable 2026, exam start and end dates, subject breakdown, and important instructions every candidate must follow.
WAEC Time Table 2026 Overview
According to the official WAEC timetable, the 2026 CB-WASSCE for Private Candidates First Series runs from:
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Start date: Wednesday, 28 January 2026
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End date: Saturday, 14 February 2026
The examination covers core secondary school subjects such as English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Government, Economics, and more.
The private candidates series is designed for individuals who want to:
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Retake failed WAEC subjects
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Improve grades
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Obtain secondary school certificates outside the school system
Full WAEC Time Table 2026 (Private Candidates First Series)
Below is the detailed subject schedule based on the official WAEC timetable
| DATE | PAPER CODE | SUBJECT/PAPER | DURATION | TIME |
| Wednesday, 28th January, 2026 | PC3272PC3271 | Hausa 2 (Essay)Hausa 1 (Objective) | 2hrs1hr | 9:30am – 11:30am11:30am – 12:30pm |
| PC3282 PC3281 | Igbo 2 (Essay)Igbo 1 (Objective) | 2hrs 1hr | 9:30am – 11:30am11:30am – 12:30pm | |
| PC3292PC3291 | Yoruba 2 (Essay)Yoruba 1 (Objective) | 2hrs1hr | 9:30am – 11:30am11:30am – 12:30pm | |
| Thursday, 29th January, 2026 | PC5042 PC5041 | Biology 2 (Essay)Biology 1 (Objective) | 1hr 40mins 50mins | 9:30am – 11:10am11:10am – 12:00pm |
| PC5043 | Biology 3 (Alternative to Practical Work) | 2hrs | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | |
| Friday, 30th January, 2026 | PC 1042PC 1041 | Financial Accounting 2 (Theory and Practice) Financial Accounting 1 (Objective) | 2hrs 30mins 1hr | 9:30am – 12:00pm12:00pm – 1:00pm |
| Saturday, 31st January, 2026 | PC4022 PC4021 | General Mathematics/ Mathematics (Core) 2 (Essay) General Mathematics/ Mathematics (Core) 1 (Objective) | 2hrs 30mins 1hr 30mins | 9:30am – 12:00pm2:00pm – 3:30pm |
| Tuesday, 3rd February, 2026 | PC5022 PC5021 | Agricultural Science 2 (Essay) Agricultural Science 1 (Objective) | 2hrs 10mins 50mins | 9:30am – 11:40am11:40am – 12:30pm |
| PC5023 | Agricultural Science 3 (Alternative to Practical Work) | 1hr 30mins | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | |
| Wednesday, 4th February, 2026 | PC2022 PC2021 | Christian Religious Studies 2 (Essay) Christian Religious Studies 1 (Objective) | 2hrs 1hr | 9:30am – 11:30am11:30am – 12:30pm |
| PC2082PC2081 | Islamic Studies 2 (Essay)Islamic Studies 1 (Objective) | 2hrs1hr | 9:30am – 11:30am11:30am – 12:30pm | |
| Thursday, 5th February, 2026 | PC5122PC5121 | Physics 2 (Essay)Physics 1 (Objective) | 1hr 30mins1hr 15mins | 9;30am – 11:00am11:00am – 12:15pm |
| PC5123 | Physics 3 (Alternative to Practical Work) | 2hrs 45mins | 2:00pm – 4:45pm | |
| Friday, 6th February, 2026 | PC2042 PC2041 | Geography 2(Essay) Geography 1(Objective) | 2hrs 1hr | 9:30am – 11:30am11:30am – 12:30pm |
| PC2043 | Geography 3 (Practical and Physical Geography) | 1hr 50mins | 3:30pm – 5:20pm | |
| Saturday, 7th February, 2026 | PC3022 PC3021 | English Language 2 (Essay) English Language 1 (Objective) | 2hrs 1hr | 9:30am – 11:30am11:30am – 12:30pm |
| PC3023/B | English Language 3 (Test of Orals) | 45mins | 2:00pm – 2:45pm | |
| Monday, 9th February, 2026 | PC5052 PC5051 | Chemistry 2 (Essay)Chemistry 1 (Objective) | 2hrs 1hr | 9:30am – 11:30am11:30am – 12:30pm |
| PC5053 | Chemistry 3 (Alternative to Practical Work) | 1hr 30mins | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | |
| Tuesday, 10th February, 2026 | PC2102 PC2101 | Literature-In-English 2(Prose) Literature-In-English 1 (Objective) | 1hr 15mins 1hr | 9:30am – 10:45am10:45am – 11:45am |
| Wednesday, 11th February, 2026 | PC4012 | Further Mathematics/ Mathematics (Elective) 2 (Essay) | 2hrs 30mins | 9:30am – 12:00pm |
| PC4011 | Further Mathematics / Mathematics (Elective) 1 (Objective) | 1hr 30mins | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | |
| Thursday, 12th February, 2026 | PC2032 PC2031 | Economics 2 (Essay)Economics 1 (Objective) | 2hrs 1hr | 9:30am – 11:30am11:30am – 12:30pm |
| PC2103 | Literature-in-English 3 (Drama & Poetry) | 2 hrs 30 mins | 2:00pm – 4:30pm | |
| Friday, 13th February, 2026 | PC2052 PC2051 | Government 2 (Essay)Government 1 (Objective) | 2hrs 1hr | 9:30am – 11:30am11:30am – 12:30pm |
| PC1032 PC1031 | Commerce 2 (Essay)Commerce 1 (Objective) | 2hrs 50mins | 3:30pm – 5:30pm 5:30pm – 6:20pm | |
| Saturday, 14th February, 2026 | PC2162 PC2161 | Civic Education 2 (Essay) Civic Education 1 (Objective) | 2 hrs, 1 hr | 9:30am – 11:30am 11:30am – 12:30pm |
Important WAEC Time Table Instructions for Candidates
WAEC released several guidelines that candidates must follow during the exam period:
1. Follow the Question Paper Time
If there is any difference between the timetable and the exam paper, candidates must obey the time printed on the question paper.
2. Check Subjects Carefully
Candidates should verify:
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Subject dates
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Exam duration
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Starting time
This helps avoid missing any paper.
3. Stay Updated via WAEC Channels
WAEC advises candidates to regularly check official platforms for timetable updates and exam instructions.
4. Strict Compliance Required
All exam rules must be followed to ensure a smooth and hitch-free examination process.
What Is CB-WASSCE for Private Candidates?
The CB-WASSCE (Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination) for private candidates is a WAEC exam format designed for individuals outside the formal school system.
It allows candidates to:
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Sit WAEC after leaving school
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Rewrite failed subjects
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Upgrade grades for admission
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Obtain SSCE certificate
The First Series is usually held between January and February, while the Second Series occurs later in the year.
Why the WAEC Time Table 2026 Matters
The WAEC timetable is critical for candidates because it helps with:
Exam Preparation Planning
Students can allocate study time based on subject dates.
Avoiding Clashes
Candidates offering multiple subjects can plan effectively.
Revision Scheduling
Subjects closer to exam dates get priority revision.
Exam Logistics
It helps candidates arrange transport and exam centers early.
WAEC 2026 Private Candidates vs School Candidates
Many students confuse the WAEC private candidates timetable with the school candidates (May/June) timetable.
Key differences:
| Feature | Private Candidates | School Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| Exam period | Jan–Feb / Nov–Dec | May–June |
| Eligibility | Out-of-school | Secondary school students |
| Format | Computer-based | Paper-based |
| Frequency | Twice yearly | Once yearly |
Subjects Offered in WAEC 2026 Private Candidates
Core subjects in the timetable include:
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Economics
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Government
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Civic Education
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Financial Accounting
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Literature-in-English
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Geography
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Agricultural Science
These subjects align with Nigerian university admission requirements.
How to Download WAEC Time Table 2026 PDF
Candidates can obtain the official timetable through:
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WAEC official website
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WAEC social media pages
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Accredited registration centers
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Education news platforms
Always verify the timetable source to avoid fake schedules.
WAEC 2026 Exam Preparation Tips
To succeed in WAEC private candidates’ exams:
Start Early Revision
Begin preparation at least 2–3 months before exams.
Focus on Core Subjects
English and Mathematics are compulsory for most courses.
Use WAEC Past Questions
Past questions reveal common exam patterns.
Practice CBT Format
CB-WASSCE uses computer-based testing for many papers.
Study According to Timetable
Prioritize subjects based on exam order.
Common Mistakes Candidates Should Avoid
Many WAEC candidates fail due to avoidable errors:
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Missing exam dates
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Confusing subject times
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Ignoring timetable updates
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Poor preparation planning
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Arriving late at exam centers
Following the WAEC timetable strictly helps avoid these mistakes.
FAQs About WAEC Time Table 2026
When will WAEC 2026 private candidates start?
The exam starts 28 January 2026.
When will WAEC 2026 private candidates end?
The exam ends 14 February 2026.
Is English included in WAEC 2026 timetable?
Yes. English Language is scheduled for 7 February 2026.
Is Mathematics included?
Yes. Mathematics is scheduled between 31 January and 3 February 2026.
Who can write WAEC private candidates?
Anyone outside the school system seeking SSCE certification.
Conclusion
The WAEC Time Table 2026 for Private Candidates First Series provides a structured schedule for all examination subjects from 28 January to 14 February 2026. Candidates preparing for WAEC should carefully study the timetable, confirm their subjects and exam dates, and follow all WAEC instructions.
Proper use of the timetable enables effective preparation, prevents missed exams, and increases the chances of success in the 2026 CB-WASSCE private candidates examination.