The WAEC syllabus for the 2026-2030 cycle covers core subjects like English Language, General Mathematics, and Civic Education, alongside various electives, requiring students to take eight or nine subjects. The syllabus is designed for WASSCE/GCE examinations, with new subjects such as Digital Technologies and Citizenship and Heritage Studies introduced to the curriculum. 

Core Subjects (Compulsory)

  • English Language: Comprises comprehension, summary, essay writing, letter writing, vocabulary development, and oral English.
  • General Mathematics: Covers number and numeration, algebra, geometry, mensuration, statistics, trigonometry, and quantitative reasoning.
  • Civic Education: Focuses on citizenship, rights, responsibilities, and national development.
  • Digital Technologies & Citizenship/Heritage Studies: These are upcoming core subjects. 

Elective Subjects (Key Areas)

  • Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Agricultural Science, and Further Mathematics.
  • Arts & Humanities: Literature-in-English, Government, Economics, Geography, CRS, IRS, and local languages (Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba).
  • Commercial: Financial Accounting, Commerce, and Marketing. 

2026–2030 Exam Changes & Key Information

  • New Curriculum: A new 5-year syllabus is in effect, which includes updated Literature-in-English texts (Shakespearean, African, and Non-African works).
  • CBT Transition: WAEC is transitioning towards Computer-Based Testing (CBT), though this may be phased, with potential for full implementation by 2030.
  • Subject Focus: Students must choose between 8 and 9 subjects.