The Government has revised the 2026 national examination and assessment calendar to reduce disruptions and protect candidates amid the threat of heavy rains associated with the El Niño weather phenomenon.
Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology Wanu Hafidh Ameir said on September 25 that the changes were aimed at ensuring examinations are conducted safely and without weather-related disruptions.
Under the revised schedule, the Form Two National Examination will run from October 12 to November 6, while the Form Four National Examination will be held from October 19 to November 6.
The National Assessment for Standard Four pupils will take place on October 6, while the school-level National Assessment for Standard Two will be conducted on October 7 and 8.
The changes come as authorities prepare for possible heavy rainfall that could affect transport, access to examination centres and the safety of candidates, particularly those travelling from home to school.
National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA) Executive Secretary Prof Said Mohammed urged examination committees to prepare adequately, including ensuring that examination centres provide safe environments and candidates arrive on time.
He also directed school heads to communicate the revised timetable to candidates, while parents and guardians were urged to ensure pupils, especially those attending day schools, reach examination centres on time.
Prof Mohammed said the Government and NECTA would continue issuing further directives depending on developments in weather conditions as the examination period approaches.
He stressed the need to ensure that all eligible candidates are able to sit for their examinations, calling on examination committees to identify potential challenges in advance, particularly those involving transport and access to examination centres.
The revised examination timetable and related instructions have been published on NECTA's official website, with schools directed to ensure candidates and their parents receive the information in good time.