The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced new subject combinations for candidates taking the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Under the revised guidelines, Science and Arts students will no longer be allowed to take Economics, a change the Council says is aimed at ensuring academic consistency with students’ chosen disciplines.
WAEC stated that English Language, Mathematics, and Civic Education remain compulsory for all candidates across departments. Science students are now required to focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, with elective options such as Further Mathematics, Technical Drawing, and local languages.
For Arts students, the new combination includes English Language, Mathematics, Civic Education, Literature in English, Government or History, Religious Studies, and a local language. They will no longer be permitted to offer Economics.
Only candidates in the Business or Commercial stream will be allowed to register for Economics. Their combination includes Civic Education, Economics, Accounting, Commerce, Government, Office Practice, and electives such as Bookkeeping, Marketing, and languages.
WAEC also introduced 35 trade subjects, including Catering Craft Practice, Garment Making, Auto Mechanics, and Data Processing, to promote practical and entrepreneurial learning. Each candidate is required to take at least one trade or entrepreneurship subject.
The Council urged schools to properly guide students to ensure compliance with the new examination structure.
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