If you registered for the WAEC GCE 2026 First Series, one thing should be clear right now. Preparation has entered a more serious phase. WAEC has officially released the CBT timetable, and the examination period is no longer far away.
According to the released schedule, the 2026 WAEC GCE First Series will begin on Wednesday, 28th January, 2026, and end on Saturday, 14th February, 2026. With these dates confirmed, candidates can no longer rely on guesswork or assumptions. Planning must now be deliberate and structured.
For private candidates, especially, the timetable shapes everything. It determines how you revise, when you rest, and how you practise CBT. More importantly, it shows how close the examination really is.
Understanding What the WAEC GCE First Series Represents
The WAEC GCE exists for candidates who are no longer in secondary school or who need to improve previously obtained results. Unlike the May/June WASSCE for school candidates, the GCE gives individuals more flexibility and independence.
However, that flexibility comes with responsibility. Because the exam is now fully computer-based, candidates must prepare not only academically but also technically. Many past candidates discovered too late that knowing the syllabus alone was not enough.
As WAEC continues its transition to CBT, the GCE serves as a testing ground for digital examinations in Nigeria. Therefore, candidates must approach it with seriousness and awareness.
Key Dates Every WAEC GCE 2026 Candidate Should Memorise
The timeline for the 2026 First Series is clear and non-negotiable.
The exam will run from 28th January to 14th February, 2026. Meanwhile, registration remains open but will close on Tuesday, 27th January, 2026, just one day before the first paper.
Because of this tight window, delaying preparation is risky. Candidates who wait until registration closes before organising revision often struggle to catch up.
Why the CBT Timetable Deserves Your Full Attention
Many candidates see the timetable as a routine announcement. In reality, it is a planning weapon.
First, it shows which subjects come early and which ones come later. As a result, it allows you to prioritise revision properly. In addition, it helps you manage mental fatigue, especially if you registered for multiple subjects.
More importantly, the timetable helps you prepare psychologically. Knowing your exam dates reduces anxiety and prevents last-minute panic.
What Writing WAEC GCE as a CBT Exam Truly Means
Writing WAEC GCE in CBT format changes the exam experience completely.
Instead of paper booklets, questions appear on a computer screen. Objective questions require clicking answers, while some theory questions may require typing. At the same time, a visible timer keeps running until automatic submission occurs.
Because of this structure, speed and familiarity matter. Candidates who lack CBT experience often waste time adjusting to the interface. Unfortunately, those lost minutes can affect final scores.
For this reason, CBT practice is no longer optional. It is part of exam preparation.
How Candidates Can Access the WAEC GCE 2026 CBT Timetable
WAEC has made the full timetable available online in PDF format. Candidates can download it, save it on their devices, and print copies for reference.
After downloading the timetable, you should highlight your registered subjects and note the exact dates and times. Doing this early prevents confusion later.
In addition, keeping both digital and printed copies reduces the risk of last-minute errors.
Why Early CBT Practice Makes a Huge Difference
CBT familiarity builds confidence. When candidates practise with real exam simulations, fear naturally.
Practising with CBT tools teaches you how to move between questions, manage time, and avoid common mistakes. As a result, you enter the exam hall already comfortable with the system.
This advantage becomes especially important for candidates who have been out of school for years.
The Importance of Using WAEC Past Questions the Right Way
Past questions remain one of the strongest preparation tools available.
However, solving them on paper alone is no longer enough. Candidates should practise past questions in CBT format to mirror the real exam experience.
By doing this consistently, you train your brain to read on-screen and respond faster. Over time, your confidence improves significantly.
What Candidates Should Be Doing Immediately
With the timetable released, action should follow.
First, confirm your registration status and subjects. Next, print your exam slip and confirm your exam centre location. After that, structure your revision based on subject order.
In addition, practise CBT daily, even if only for short periods. Small, consistent practice builds long-term confidence.
Advice for Candidates Writing Multiple Subjects
Handling multiple subjects requires balance.
Rather than studying everything at once, rotate subjects based on exam proximity. Also, ensure you rest properly to avoid burnout.
Using the timetable as a guide helps you avoid confusion and mental overload.
Guidance for CBT Centres, Schools, and Resellers
WAEC GCE CBT success depends on more than the candidates alone.
Centres and education partners should support candidates with accurate information and access to CBT practice tools. When candidates feel supported, performance improves.
Misinformation, however, creates confusion and unnecessary fear.
Common Timetable Mistakes Candidates Must Avoid
Some candidates misread dates or assume all exams are held in the morning. Others forget to confirm subject times.
To avoid this, always double-check your timetable and arrive early at your centre. CBT exams follow strict timing rules.
A Final Reminder for WAEC GCE 2026 Candidates
The release of the WAEC GCE 2026 CBT timetable is not just an announcement. It is a call to prepare seriously.
Although the exam period is close, disciplined preparation can still make a difference. Candidates who stay organised, practise CBT, and respect the timetable usually perform better.
Use this time wisely. Preparation done calmly always beats panic-driven reading.
