WAEC Timetable 2026 for Nigeria is out. Check all exam dates, subjects, and times for WASSCE school candidates. Download the official PDF timetable.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the Final International Timetable for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) 2026 for school candidates in Nigeria. The timetable covers all subjects, exam dates, paper codes, durations, and time schedules for the 2026 examination.
The WASSCE 2026 for Nigerian school candidates begins on Tuesday, 21 April 2026 and runs through to Friday, 19 June 2026. The timetable includes all theory papers, practical examinations, oral tests, performance tests, and alternative-to-practical papers. Public holidays — Workers’ Day (1 May), Eid-al-Adha (26–28 May), and Democracy Day (12 June) — are marked on the schedule and no exams will hold on those dates.
This is the Nigeria-specific timetable published by WAEC. Nigerian candidates should use this version, not the general international timetable, as dates, times, and some subject names differ for Nigeria. All times on this timetable are in Nigerian time (WAT), not GMT. If the duration on your question paper differs from the timetable, follow the one on the question paper.
You can download the official WAEC Timetable 2026 PDF for Nigeria from the link provided at the end of this article. Print a copy and keep it accessible throughout the exam period.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Examination | WASSCE for School Candidates 2026 |
| Examining Body | West African Examinations Council (WAEC) |
| Country | Nigeria |
| Exam Starts | Tuesday, 21 April 2026 |
| Exam Ends | Friday, 19 June 2026 |
| Time Zone | WAT (West Africa Time) |
| Timetable Format |
Complete WAEC Timetable 2026 for Nigeria: All Subjects and Dates
Below is the full examination schedule for Nigerian candidates, extracted directly from the official WAEC Final International Timetable. Scroll to the right on mobile to view all columns.
April 2026
| Date | Subject/Paper | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, 21 April | Foods and Nutrition 3 (Practical) Planning Session | 1hr | 9:30 am – 10:30 am |
| Tue, 21 April | Home Management 3 (Practical) Planning Session | 1hr | 11:00 am – 12:00 noon |
| Mon, 27 April – Fri, 8 May | Arabic 3 (Oral) | 15 mins | Arranged by the Council |
| Mon, 27 April – Fri, 8 May | French 3 (Oral) | 40 mins | Arranged by the Council |
| Mon, 27 April – Fri, 8 May | Physical Education 3 (Performance Test) | 2hrs | Arranged by the Council |
| Mon, 27 April – Fri, 8 May | Foods and Nutrition 3 (Practical) | 3hrs | Arranged by the Council |
| Mon, 27 April – Fri, 8 May | Home Management 3 (Practical) | 3hrs | Arranged by the Council |
| Mon, 27 April – Fri, 8 May | Music 3B (Performance Test) | 30 mins | Arranged by the Council |
May 2026
| Date | Subject/Paper | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, 1 May | PUBLIC HOLIDAY (Workers’ Day) | — | — |
| Tue, 12 May | Hausa 2 (Essay) | 2hrs | 9:30 am – 11:30 am |
| Tue, 12 May | Hausa 1 (Objective) | 1hr | 11:30 am – 12:30 pm |
| Tue, 12 May | Yoruba 2 (Essay) | 2hrs | 9:30 am – 11:30 am |
| Tue, 12 May | Yoruba 1 (Objective) | 1hr | 11:30 am – 12:30 pm |
| Tue, 12 May | Igbo 2 (Essay) | 2hrs | 9:30 am – 11:30 am |
| Tue, 12 May | Igbo 1 (Objective) | 1hr | 11:30 am – 12:30 pm |
| Tue, 12 May | Livestock Farming 3 (Practical) – 1st Set | 1hr 30 mins | 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm |
| Tue, 12 May | Livestock Farming 3 (Practical) – 2nd Set | 1hr 30 mins | 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm |
| Tue, 12 May | Beauty & Cosmetology 3 (Alternative to Practical Work) | 1hr | 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm |
| Wed, 13 May | Fashion Design & Garment Making 2 (Essay) | 45 mins | 9:30 am – 10:15 am |
| Wed, 13 May | Fashion Design & Garment Making 1 (Objective) | 40 mins | 10:15 am – 10:55 am |
| Wed, 13 May | Home Management 2 (Essay) | 1hr | 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm |
| Wed, 13 May | Home Management 1 (Objective) | 1hr | 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm |
| Thu, 14 May | Digital Technologies 2 (Essay) | 1hr | 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm |
| Thu, 14 May | Digital Technologies 1 (Objective) | 1hr | 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm |
| Fri, 15 May | Foods and Nutrition 2 (Essay) | 1hr 15 mins | 9:30 am – 10:45 am |
| Fri, 15 May | Foods and Nutrition 1 (Objective) | 1hr | 10:45 am – 11:45 am |
| Fri, 15 May | French 2 (Essay) | 1hr 15 mins | 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm |
| Fri, 15 May | French 1 (Objective) | 1hr | 4:45 pm – 5:45 pm |
| Mon, 18 May | Technical Drawing 2 (Essay) | 1hr 45 mins | 9:30 am – 11:15 am |
| Mon, 18 May | Technical Drawing 1 (Objective) | 1hr | 11:15 am – 12:15 pm |
| Mon, 18 May | Music 2 (Essay) | 2hrs | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm |
| Mon, 18 May | Music 1 (Objective) | 1hr | 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
| Mon, 18 May | Physical Education 2 (Essay) | 1hr 20 mins | 2:00 pm – 3:20 pm |
| Mon, 18 May | Physical Education 1 (Objective) | 50 mins | 3:20 pm – 4:10 pm |
| Tue, 19 May | Livestock Farming 2 (Essay) | 2hrs | 9:30 am – 11:30 am |
| Tue, 19 May | Livestock Farming 1 (Objective) | 40 mins | 11:30 am – 12:10 pm |
| Tue, 19 May | Technical Drawing 3 (Sketches, Building and Mechanical Drawing) | 2hrs 45 mins | 2:00 pm – 4:45 pm |
| Wed, 20 May | Chemistry 3 (Practical) Alternative A – 1st Set | 2hrs | 9:30 am – 11:30 am |
| Wed, 20 May | Chemistry 3 (Practical) Alternative A – 2nd Set | 2hrs | 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm |
| Wed, 20 May | Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs 2 (Essay) | 1hr 35 mins | 2:00 pm – 3:35 pm |
| Wed, 20 May | Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs 1 (Objective) | 45 mins | 3:35 pm – 4:20 pm |
| Wed, 20 May | Solar Photovoltaic Installation and Maintenance 2 (Essay) | 2hrs 15 mins | 2:00 pm – 4:15 pm |
| Wed, 20 May | Solar Photovoltaic Installation and Maintenance 1 (Objective) | 45 mins | 4:15 pm – 5:00 pm |
| Wed, 20 May | Beauty & Cosmetology 2 (Essay) | 1hr 20 mins | 2:00 pm – 3:20 pm |
| Wed, 20 May | Beauty & Cosmetology 1 (Objective) | 40 mins | 3:20 pm – 4:00 pm |
| Thu, 21 May | Further Mathematics/Mathematics (Elective) 2 (Essay) | 2hrs 30 mins | 9:30 am – 12:00 noon |
| Thu, 21 May | Further Mathematics/Mathematics (Elective) 1 (Objective) | 1hr 30 mins | 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm |
| Fri, 22 May | Health Education/Health Science 2 (Essay) | 1hr 30 mins | 9:30 am – 11:00 am |
| Fri, 22 May | Health Education/Health Science 1 (Objective) | 1hr | 11:00 am – 12:00 noon |
| Fri, 22 May | Health Education/Health Science 3 (Alternative to Practical Work) | 1hr 45 mins | 3:30 pm – 5:15 pm |
| Fri, 22 May | Visual Art 3A (Drawing) | 3hrs | 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm |
| Tue, 26 May | PUBLIC HOLIDAY (Eid-al-Adha) | — | — |
| Wed, 27 May | PUBLIC HOLIDAY (Eid-al-Adha / Children’s Day) | — | — |
| Thu, 28 May | PUBLIC HOLIDAY (Eid-al-Adha) | — | — |
| Fri, 29 May | Arabic 2 (Essay) | 2hrs | 9:30 am – 11:30 am |
| Fri, 29 May | Arabic 1 (Objective) | 50 mins | 11:30 am – 12:20 pm |
| Fri, 29 May | Visual Art 2 (Essay) | 2hrs | 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm |
| Fri, 29 May | Visual Art 1 (Objective) | 50 mins | 5:30 pm – 6:20 pm |
June 2026
| Date | Subject/Paper | Duration | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, 1 June | Christian Religious Studies 2 (Essay) | 2hrs | 9:30 am – 11:30 am |
| Mon, 1 June | Christian Religious Studies 1 (Objective) | 1hr | 11:30 am – 12:30 pm |
| Mon, 1 June | Islamic Studies 2 (Essay) | 2hrs | 9:30 am – 11:30 am |
| Mon, 1 June | Islamic Studies 1 (Objective) | 50 mins | 11:30 am – 12:20 pm |
| Mon, 1 June | Physics 2 (Essay) | 1hr 30 mins | 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm |
| Mon, 1 June | Physics 1 (Objective) | 1hr 15 mins | 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm |
| Tue, 2 June | Civic Education 2 (Essay) | 2hrs | 9:30 am – 11:30 am |
| Tue, 2 June | Civic Education 1 (Objective) | 1hr | 11:30 am – 12:30 pm |
| Tue, 2 June | Agriculture 2 (Essay) | 2hrs 10 mins | 2:00 pm – 4:10 pm |
| Tue, 2 June | Agriculture 1 (Objective) | 50 mins | 4:10 pm – 5:00 pm |
| Tue, 2 June | Catering Craft 2 (Essay) | 50 mins | 2:00 pm – 2:50 pm |
| Tue, 2 June | Catering Craft 1 (Objective) | 40 mins | 2:50 pm – 3:30 pm |
| Wed, 3 June | General Mathematics/Mathematics (Core) 2 (Essay) | 2hrs 30 mins | 9:30 am – 12:00 noon |
| Wed, 3 June | General Mathematics/Mathematics (Core) 1 (Objective) | 1hr 30 mins | 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm |
| Thu, 4 June | Government 2 (Essay) | 2hrs | 9:30 am – 11:30 am |
| Thu, 4 June | Government 1 (Objective) | 1hr | 11:30 am – 12:30 pm |
| Thu, 4 June | Music 3A (Aural) | 45 mins | 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm |
| Thu, 4 June | Fashion Design & Garment Making 3 (Alternative to Practical Work) | 40 mins | 2:00 pm – 2:40 pm |
| Thu, 4 June | Agriculture 3 (Practical) – 1st Set | 1hr 30 mins | 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm |
| Thu, 4 June | Agriculture 3 (Practical) – 2nd Set | 1hr 30 mins | 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm |
| Fri, 5 June | Geography 2 (Essay) | 2hrs | 9:30 am – 11:30 am |
| Fri, 5 June | Geography 1 (Objective) | 1hr | 11:30 am – 12:30 pm |
| Fri, 5 June | Geography 3 (Practical and Physical Geography) | 1hr 50 mins | 3:30 pm – 5:20 pm |
| Mon, 8 June | Digital Technologies 3 (Practical) – 1st Set | 2hrs | 9:30 am – 11:30 am |
| Mon, 8 June | Digital Technologies 3 (Practical) – 2nd Set | 2hrs | 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm |
| Mon, 8 June | Visual Art 3B (Creative Design) | 3hrs | 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
| Tue, 9 June | Chemistry 3 (Practical) Alternative B – 1st Set | 2hrs | 9:30 am – 11:30 am |
| Tue, 9 June | Chemistry 3 (Practical) Alternative B – 2nd Set | 2hrs | 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm |
| Tue, 9 June | Nigerian History 2 (Essay) | 2hrs | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm |
| Tue, 9 June | Nigerian History 1 (Objective) | 1hr | 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
| Wed, 10 June | English Language 2 (Essay) | 2hrs | 9:30 am – 11:30 am |
| Wed, 10 June | English Language 1 (Objective) | 1hr | 11:30 am – 12:30 pm |
| Wed, 10 June | English Language 3 (Test of Orals) | 45 mins | 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm |
| Thu, 11 June | Chemistry 2 (Essay) | 2hrs | 9:30 am – 11:30 am |
| Thu, 11 June | Chemistry 1 (Objective) | 1hr | 11:30 am – 12:30 pm |
| Thu, 11 June | Literature-In-English 2 (Prose) | 1hr 15 mins | 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm |
| Thu, 11 June | Literature-In-English 1 (Objective) | 1hr | 3:15 pm – 4:15 pm |
| Fri, 12 June | PUBLIC HOLIDAY (Democracy Day) | — | — |
| Mon, 15 June | Physics 3 (Practical) Alternative A – 1st Set | 2hrs 45 mins | 9:30 am – 12:15 pm |
| Mon, 15 June | Physics 3 (Practical) Alternative A – 2nd Set | 2hrs 45 mins | 12:45 pm – 3:30 pm |
| Mon, 15 June | Marketing 2 (Essay) | 2hrs | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm |
| Mon, 15 June | Marketing 1 (Objective) | 50 mins | 4:00 pm – 4:50 pm |
| Tue, 16 June | Biology 2 (Essay) | 1hr 40 mins | 9:30 am – 11:10 am |
| Tue, 16 June | Biology 1 (Objective) | 50 mins | 11:10 am – 12:00 noon |
| Tue, 16 June | Literature-In-English 3 (Drama & Poetry) | 2hrs 30 mins | 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm |
| Wed, 17 June | Biology 3 (Practical) – 1st Set | 2hrs | 9:30 am – 11:30 am |
| Wed, 17 June | Biology 3 (Practical) – 2nd Set | 2hrs | 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm |
| Wed, 17 June | Economics 2 (Essay) | 2hrs | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm |
| Wed, 17 June | Economics 1 (Objective) | 1hr | 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
| Thu, 18 June | Physics 3 (Practical) Alternative B – 1st Set | 2hrs 45 mins | 9:30 am – 12:15 pm |
| Thu, 18 June | Physics 3 (Practical) Alternative B – 2nd Set | 2hrs 45 mins | 12:40 pm – 3:25 pm |
| Thu, 18 June | Accounting 2 (Essay) | 2hrs 30 mins | 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm |
| Thu, 18 June | Accounting 1 (Objective) | 1hr | 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm |
| Fri, 19 June | Commerce 2 (Essay) | 2hrs | 9:30 am – 11:30 am |
| Fri, 19 June | Commerce 1 (Objective) | 50 mins | 11:30 am – 12:20 pm |
| Fri, 19 June | Catering Craft 3 (Alternative to Practical Work) | 40 mins | 3:00 pm – 3:40 pm |
Key Dates for Popular WAEC Subjects in Nigeria 2026
Most Nigerian candidates write a combination of core and elective subjects. Here is a quick reference for the most commonly written subjects and their exam dates.
| Subject | Paper 2 (Essay) Date | Paper 1 (Objective) Date | Paper 3 (Practical/Oral) Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | Wed, 10 June | Wed, 10 June | Wed, 10 June (Test of Orals) |
| General Mathematics | Wed, 3 June | Wed, 3 June | — |
| Biology | Tue, 16 June | Tue, 16 June | Wed, 17 June |
| Chemistry | Thu, 11 June | Thu, 11 June | Wed, 20 May (Alt A) / Tue, 9 June (Alt B) |
| Physics | Mon, 1 June | Mon, 1 June | Mon, 15 June (Alt A) / Thu, 18 June (Alt B) |
| Economics | Wed, 17 June | Wed, 17 June | — |
| Government | Thu, 4 June | Thu, 4 June | — |
| Literature-In-English | Thu, 11 June (Prose) | Thu, 11 June | Tue, 16 June (Drama & Poetry) |
| Civic Education | Tue, 2 June | Tue, 2 June | — |
| Agriculture | Tue, 2 June | Tue, 2 June | Thu, 4 June |
| Geography | Fri, 5 June | Fri, 5 June | Fri, 5 June |
| Christian Religious Studies | Mon, 1 June | Mon, 1 June | — |
| Islamic Studies | Mon, 1 June | Mon, 1 June | — |
| Further Mathematics | Thu, 21 May | Thu, 21 May | — |
| Accounting | Thu, 18 June | Thu, 18 June | — |
| Commerce | Fri, 19 June | Fri, 19 June | — |
| Marketing | Mon, 15 June | Mon, 15 June | — |
Notable Subject Name Changes in the 2026 Nigeria Timetable
Nigerian candidates should be aware that several subject names have been updated in the 2026 WASSCE timetable compared to previous years. If you are looking for a subject under its old name, check the new name below.
| Previous Name | New Name (2026) |
|---|---|
| Animal Husbandry | Livestock Farming |
| Computer Studies | Digital Technologies |
| Cosmetology | Beauty & Cosmetology |
| Data Processing | Digital Technologies |
| Financial Accounting | Accounting |
| Garment Making | Fashion Design & Garment Making |
| GSM Phone Maintenance and Repair | Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs |
| History | Nigerian History |
These name changes reflect updates to the WAEC curriculum and do not affect the content structure of the examinations.
Public Holidays During the WAEC 2026 Examination Period
Three sets of public holidays fall within the examination period. No exams will hold on these dates.
| Holiday | Date(s) | Day(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Workers’ Day | 1 May 2026 | Friday |
| Eid-al-Adha | 26–28 May 2026 | Tuesday–Thursday |
| Democracy Day | 12 June 2026 | Friday |
Candidates should plan their revision around these breaks. The holidays provide useful study windows between exam clusters.
Important Guidelines for WAEC 2026 Candidates
Duration on Question Paper vs Timetable
If the duration printed on your question paper differs from the duration on the timetable, follow the one on the question paper. This is a standard WAEC instruction that applies to all subjects and all candidates.
Advance Release of Question Papers
Some subjects require question papers to be distributed before the exam date. Visual Art 3A instructions will be given to schools two weeks before the paper. Visual Art 3B question papers will be given to candidates two weeks before the exam. Visual Art 3C requires candidates to complete projects within six months of the examination year, with submission dates communicated to schools by WAEC.
Extra Time for Candidates with Disabilities
WAEC provides additional time for candidates with special needs. Blind, deaf, and dumb candidates are allowed one and a half times the duration given to other candidates. This applies to all papers across all subjects.
How to Download the WAEC Timetable 2026 PDF for Nigeria
You can download the official Final Timetable for WASSCE (SC) 2026 Nigeria directly from the WAEC Nigeria website. This is the version that applies specifically to Nigerian school candidates, with Nigerian dates and times (WAT).
Download Link: FINAL TIMETABLE WASSCE (SC) 2026 – NIGERIA (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
Save the PDF to your phone or print a hard copy. Keep it accessible throughout the examination period so you can cross-check dates and times as needed.
Final Thoughts
The WAEC Timetable 2026 for Nigeria runs from 21 April to 19 June 2026. This is the official Final International Timetable published by WAEC specifically for Nigerian school candidates. All times are in WAT, and several subject names have been updated for 2026, including the rename of Computer Studies to Digital Technologies and Financial Accounting to Accounting.
Use the quick reference table for popular subjects to plan your revision schedule. Download the official PDF and keep it where you can access it easily. Pay attention to the public holidays within the exam period — they are useful revision windows. If you are sitting practical exams with two sets, confirm with your school which set you are assigned to. Share this timetable with classmates and friends who are writing the 2026 WASSCE.
FAQs About the WAEC Timetable 2026 Nigeria
When does the WAEC 2026 exam start in Nigeria?
The examination begins on Tuesday, 21 April 2026 with the Foods and Nutrition and Home Management practical planning sessions. The main theory and practical papers run from 12 May to 19 June 2026.
What time zone does the Nigeria WAEC timetable use?
The Nigeria-specific timetable uses WAT (West Africa Time). This is different from the general international timetable, which uses GMT. Nigerian candidates should follow the Nigeria timetable only.
When is the English Language exam?
English Language Papers 2 (Essay) and 1 (Objective) hold on Wednesday, 10 June 2026. Paper 3 (Test of Orals) also holds the same day in the afternoon.
When is the Mathematics exam?
General Mathematics Paper 2 (Essay) holds on Wednesday, 3 June 2026 from 9:30 am to 12:00 noon. Paper 1 (Objective) holds the same day from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm.
Have any subject names changed in 2026?
Yes. Several subjects have been renamed. Computer Studies is now Digital Technologies. Financial Accounting is now Accounting. Animal Husbandry is now Livestock Farming. Garment Making is now Fashion Design & Garment Making. History is now Nigerian History.
Where can I download the official WAEC Timetable 2026 PDF for Nigeria?
You can download it from the WAEC Nigeria website at waecnigeria.org. A direct link to the PDF is provided in this article under the download section.
