About 55,000 candidates who sat the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) are unlikely to qualify for placement into second-cycle institutions after failing either English Language or Mathematics, according to the Coordinator of the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS), Sherif Sulemana.
Mr Sulemana said approximately 565,000 out of the 620,000 candidates who sat the examination had met the requirements for placement into second-cycle schools.
“Based on our analysis, we have about 565,000 candidates qualified for placement this year,” he said on Thursday, September 3.
Explaining the eligibility criteria, Mr Sulemana said candidates must not fail either English Language or Mathematics to qualify for placement under the CSSPS.
“You are disqualified from placement if you have failed either English or Mathematics,” he explained.
Based on the figures provided, about 55,000 candidates could be excluded from the placement exercise.
He explained that raw scores were also considered in determining whether a candidate qualified for placement.
The CSSPS Coordinator also disclosed that only about 17% of candidates, representing approximately 107,000 students, obtained aggregates ranging from 6 to 18.
He added that approximately 252,000 candidates, representing about 35% of the total number who sat the examination, obtained aggregates ranging from 6 to 24.
Meanwhile, the CSSPS has activated its call centres to address complaints and challenges that may arise during the placement process.
Mr Sulemana said candidates and parents living far from the regional resolution centres could seek assistance through the call centres.
The placement exercise is expected to determine the second-cycle schools candidates will attend, with the CSSPS urging parents and candidates to use the available support channels to resolve concerns that may arise.
