This article explains the WAEC grading system for BECE 2025. The West African Examination Council (WAEC) is responsible for assessing the academic performance of students across West Africa, including Ghana through the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
The results of the examination are important for students as they determine whether or not they are eligible to proceed to higher education or enter the workforce.
Overview of the BECE Exam 2025
The Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) 2025 is scheduled to take place June 11th to June 18th, 2025. As part of preparing for the exam, it’s important to understand how the WAEC grading system for BECE 2025 work.
The BECE 2025 Grading System
The WAEC grading system for BECE 2025 uses a numerical scale from 1 to 9, where Grade 1 is the highest and Grade 9 is the lowest.
- 30% Continuous Assessment (based on school tests, assignments and term exams)
- 70% Final BECE Exam (Administered by WAEC)
This means your daily performance in class is just as important as what you score on exam day.
Below is an interpretation table of WAEC grading system for BECE 2025.
| Score (%) | Grade | Interpretation |
| 90–100 | 1 | Grade A+ – Highest |
| 80–89 | 2 | Grade A – Higher |
| 70–79 | 3 | Grade B+ – High |
| 60–69 | 4 | Grade B – High Average |
| 55–59 | 5 | Grade C+ – Average |
| 50–54 | 6 | Grade C – Low Average |
| 40–49 | 7 | Grade D+ – Low |
| 35–39 | 8 | Grade E – Lower |
| 0–34 | 9 | Grade F – Lowest |
Note: Unlike older systems where Grade 9 was considered a fail, the updated interpretation simply indicates the lowest level of understanding. It’s a signal for improvement, not a label of failure.
How BECE Grades Are Calculated
Your BECE aggregate score is determined by summing the grades (not percentages) from your best six subjects, which must include four core subjects:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Integrated Science
- Social Studies
The other two can be additional subjects where you performed well such as Religious and Moral Education, French, Ghanaian Language, Computing or Creative Arts.
Example:
If your grades in six subjects are: Grade 1 (English), Grade 2 (Math), Grade 2 (Science), Grade 2 (Social Studies). Grade 3 (French) and Grade 3 (RME).
Aggregate = 1 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 3 + 3 = 13
Note: Lower aggregate (closer to 6) is considered a very strong performance.
Why the BECE Grading System is Important
The WAEC grading system for BECE 2025 plays a role in shaping a student’s academic journey. It determines:
- SHS Placement under the Computerized School Selection Placement System (CSSPS).
- SHS Course Selection: General Arts, Science, Business, Technical/Vocational.
- Eligibility for Scholarship Opportunities.
Recommendations
- Several online tools help you calculate your BECE aggregate score accurately. ASETENA PA‘s Aggregate Calculator stands out as a user-friendly platform that simplifies the computation process.
- The official WAEC Result Checker platform waecresultschecker.org provides secure access to your results.
Conclusion
Understanding the WAEC grading system for BECE 2025 and how to calculate your aggregate points can help determine the type of SHS you’ll attend, the program you’ll study and in some cases, whether you’ll qualify for scholarships.
Keep in mind that while lower aggregates improve your chances, the Computerized School Selection Placement System (CSSPS) considers multiple factors, including school availability and program demand.
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