WAEC Syllabus 2026

Detailed subject guidance for focused revision with clear learning goals and frequent question formats.

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Last syllabus verification: 2026-04-12

WAEC Official Portal - Official exam schedules, registration info, and timetable for WAEC SSCE in Nigeria and West Africa.
WAEC Syllabus Documents - Complete SSCE syllabi for all subjects, downloadable as PDFs.
WAEC Ghana Exam Board - Regional information for WAEC exams in Ghana and other West African countries.

English Language

Language proficiency paper testing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in English.

Learning goals

Comprehend texts across various genres and difficulty levels.
Write clear, persuasive, and well-structured essays and compositions.
Demonstrate accurate grammar and syntax in writing.
Analyze literary texts and identify techniques used by authors.

Frequent formats

Objective: 40-50 grammar and vocabulary items.
Comprehension: 2-3 passages with 15+ literal and inference questions.
Essay: one compulsory + choice of alternative (60-90 min writing time).
Dialogue/Summary: extracting key ideas and writing summaries.

Study guidance

Read diverse texts daily (newspapers, essays, novels). Write timed essays 3x weekly. Keep grammar error log. Memorize essay structures and transitions.

Reading comprehension
Vocabulary and word usage
Grammar: tense, agreement, voice, word order
Sentence structure and variety
Essay writing and structure
Creative writing
Summary writing
Dialogue and informal communication
Letter writing
Punctuation and mechanics
Literary analysis

Mathematics

Quantitative problem-solving paper on algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, statistics, and logic.

Learning goals

Solve equations and inequalities using multiple algebraic techniques.
Apply trigonometric ratios and identities to solve problems.
Analyze functions and interpret graphs.
Perform statistical calculations and interpret data sets.
Apply mathematical reasoning to multi-step problems.

Frequent formats

Objective: 30-40 computational items covering all topics.
Geometry: 6-8 items on properties, angles, area, volume.
Trigonometry: 5-8 items requiring identity use or equation solving.
Calculus basics: 4-6 items on derivatives or integrals.
Statistics: 4-6 items on probability, measures of center/spread.

Study guidance

Solve 30 mixed problems daily across all units. Weekly full-length exams under timed conditions. Keep formula reference sheet. Study past WAEC Math papers.

Sets and logic
Algebraic expressions and equations
Quadratic equations and functions
Inequalities and graphs
Logarithms and exponentials
Sequences and series
Matrices
Vectors
Coordinate geometry
Trigonometry
Differentiation (calculus)
Integration (calculus)
Applications of calculus
Probability and statistics
Number theory

Physics

Theory and problem-solving on mechanics, field physics, waves, and modern physics. Formula sheet provided during exam.

Learning goals

Apply physics principles to interpret natural phenomena and solve problems.
Understand energy transformations and conservation laws.
Analyze wave motion and electromagnetic interactions.
Connect experimental evidence to theoretical models.

Frequent formats

Objective: 30-40 items testing definitions and basic problem-solving.
Short answer: 20-25 items requiring 2-3 sentence responses.
Structured problems: 5-8 multi-part problems requiring detailed working.
Essay: 1-2 questions on conceptual understanding and application.

Study guidance

Daily problem-solving: 25+ problems across all topics. Weekly full practice exams. Draw force diagrams and graphs hundreds of times. Learn to derive key equations from first principles.

Measurement and errors
Scalars and vectors
Motion (1D and 2D)
Forces and Newton's laws
Work, energy, power
Circular motion
Simple harmonic motion
Elasticity
Pressure and fluids
Temperature and heat
Thermal properties of matter
Waves and oscillations
Light
Optics
Electricity and magnetism
Nuclear physics
Atomic physics

Chemistry

Theoretical and practical chemistry on atomic structure, bonding, reactions, kinetics, equilibrium, and analytical techniques.

Learning goals

Apply stoichiometry to solve quantitative chemistry problems.
Predict chemical reactions based on periodic properties and bonding theory.
Understand reaction mechanisms, rates, and equilibrium principles.
Perform and interpret chemical experiments.

Frequent formats

Objective: 30-40 items on terminology and basic calculations.
Stoichiometry calculations: 10-15 items.
Conceptual: 12-15 items on bonding, structure, periodicity.
Practical scenarios: 5-8 items interpreting lab results.
Extended response: 2-3 problems requiring detailed explanations.

Study guidance

Stoichiometry drills: 40+ problems weekly. Memorize periodic table properties. Lecture notes quizzes on bonding and reactions. Study WAEC past Chemistry papers.

Atomic structure and quantum numbers
Chemical bonding
Structure and properties of matter
Periodicity
Rates of reactions (kinetics)
Equilibrium
Acids, bases, salts
Redox reactions
Electrochemistry
Organic chemistry
Polymer chemistry
Calculation chemistry (stoichiometry)
Industrial chemistry
Environmental chemistry

Biology

Theory on cell biology, genetics, ecology, physiology, and evolution. Practical component includes laboratory skills and experimentation.

Learning goals

Explain biological structures and processes using scientific terminology.
Interpret data from biological experiments and observations.
Understand hereditary mechanisms and evolutionary principles.
Connect cellular and molecular biology to organism-level function.

Frequent formats

Objective: 30-40 items testing recall and comprehension.
Diagram-based: 10-15 items on labeling and interpretation.
Data analysis: 5-8 items interpreting graphs and experimental results.
Short essay: 4-6 questions requiring 5-10 sentence responses.
Problem-solving: 3-5 items requiring application of biological principles.

Study guidance

Daily diagram re-drawing (15+ per day). Terminology flash cards 5x weekly. Concept mapping for all systems. Write short explanations for all processes daily.

Cell structure and ultrastructure
Cell activities and transport
Division of cells
Cell specialization
Levels of organization
Photosynthesis and respiration
Nutrition
Excretion and osmoregulation
Coordination and responsiveness
Reproduction
Growth and development
Heredity and genetics
Variation and evolution
Ecology
Energy flow and cycles
Interdependence of organisms
Adaptation and natural selection