BECE begins today with over 600,000 candidates participating nationwide

More than 600,000 candidates across Ghana are sitting for the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), which begins today, Wednesday, June 11, and runs until Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

A total of 603,328 candidates—comprising 297,250 males and 306,078 females—are participating in the nationwide examination.

This year’s group marks the first cohort of students expected to benefit from the Free Senior High School (FSHS) Policy introduced by the new government.

This year’s entry represents a 5.99% increase over the 2024 figure of 569,236 candidates.

For the BECE for Private Candidates, 1,661 candidates—858 males and 803 females—have registered.

This reflects a 19.49% rise compared to the 2024 total of 1,390.

The BECE for School Candidates is being held at 2,237 centres across the country, while the Private Candidates are writing their papers at 15 designated centres in regional capitals.

Over the course of the examination week, candidates will write two papers each day, scheduled for 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Candidates are expected to write an average of nine subjects from a total of 11 offered.

The subjects include seven core areas: English Language, Mathematics, Science, Ghanaian Language, Social Studies, Religious and Moral Education, and Creative Arts and Design, along with Career Technology.

Authorities have assured the public of smooth conduct of the exams and urged all candidates to remain focused and confident.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith