ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA – The Ethiopian Education Assessment and Examinations Service (EAES) has officially announced the schedule for the upcoming Secondary School Leaving Certificate Examination (SSLCE), commonly known as the 12th Grade National Exam, and the national remedial program exam. These announcements provide crucial clarity for hundreds of thousands of students across the country preparing for their higher education pathways.
The highly anticipated 12th Grade National Exam is slated to take place from July 1 to July 24, 2026 (Gregorian calendar), corresponding to Sene 24 to Hamle 17, 2018 E.C. This examination is a pivotal moment for students, as successful completion is a prerequisite for admission to public universities and other higher education institutions in Ethiopia.
In addition to the main examination, the EAES also detailed the schedule for the national remedial program exam. This program, designed to provide a second chance for students who did not meet the initial university entrance requirements, will be administered from May 25 to May 28, 2026 (Gregorian calendar), corresponding to Ginbot 17 to Ginbot 20, 2018 E.C.
Notably, the period for the remedial program exam includes May 27, 2026 (Ginbot 19, 2018 E.C.), which coincides with Eid al-Adha, a significant religious holiday. This overlap may require specific logistical considerations from the EAES and educational institutions to ensure all students, particularly those observing the holiday, can participate without hindrance.
This announcement comes as students and parents have been eagerly awaiting official confirmation of the exam dates, allowing them to finalize their study plans and preparations. The 12th-grade national exam has undergone several changes in recent years, including shifts in its administration and scoring, underscoring the government's ongoing efforts to refine the education system and ensure fair and standardized assessments.
The Secondary School Leaving Certificate Examination is a high-stakes assessment that determines students' eligibility for various fields of study at universities and colleges. Its results significantly influence the academic and professional trajectories of young Ethiopians. The remedial program, introduced to address challenges faced by students in previous examination cycles, aims to broaden access to higher education and support academic progression.
Further details regarding undergraduate education programs are expected to be released by the relevant authorities in due course, building upon these foundational exam announcements.
Source: Telegram / tikvahethiopia