GES Revises CSSPS: BECE Candidates to Select 2 Category ‘A’ Schools
New placement rules aim to improve fairness and reduce challenges in school allocation system
- Candidates will now select eight schools, including two Category ‘A’ schools (one boarding, one day).
- Ghana Education Service says the changes will improve placement efficiency and fairness.
- School placement will begin immediately after BECE, with over 620,000 candidates sitting the exams nationwide.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced new changes to the school selection process under the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) for candidates sitting this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
According to the revised guidelines, candidates will now be required to select eight schools in total, including two Category “A” senior high schools—one boarding school and one day school located within their district.
The Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, explained that the adjustment is aimed at improving placement efficiency and addressing recurring challenges in the CSSPS.
He noted that last year students selected seven schools, but oversubscription in Category “A” schools and other placement difficulties prompted the revision. The new system is expected to improve fairness and reduce delays in placing qualified students after results are released.
Under the updated structure, candidates will select eight schools instead of seven, with greater flexibility across Categories “B” and “C.” Previously, students were allowed only one Category “A” choice, up to two Category “B” schools, and five Category “C” schools.
Prof. Davis said the changes are designed to ensure smoother and faster placement, with processing set to begin immediately after the BECE ends rather than waiting for results. The 2026 BECE is currently ongoing, with over 620,000 candidates expected to sit the examination nationwide.
He added that all logistical arrangements have been completed in collaboration with the West African Examinations Council and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth exercise.
The examination is being conducted across more than 2,300 centres with thousands of supervisors and invigilators deployed. Candidates have also been urged to prepare adequately and avoid examination malpractice, with officials warning that strict monitoring will be enforced.
Prof. Davis emphasized that the reforms are part of broader efforts to strengthen transparency, equity, and efficiency in Ghana’s secondary school placement system.
