Both Grade 8 and 9 Students to Sit O’Level Examinations in 2026

The Ministry of Education has announced adjustments to the schedule for O’Level examinations, affecting students currently in Grades 8 and 9. 

In a circular issued by Minister Ismail Shafeeu yesterday, schools were informed of the changes, prompted by revisions to the academic calendar.  

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Under the new schedule, Grade 9 students will sit their O’Level exams in February and March 2026, while Grade 8 students will take theirs in October and November of the same year. Meanwhile, students in Grade 10 are unaffected and will sit their exams as planned in May/June 2025.  

From 2026 onwards, O’Level examinations will revert to the October/November period, aligning with the pre-2020 timetable. The move is part of efforts by the current administration to restore the academic calendar to its previous structure.  

Students currently in Grade 8 had begun studying Cambridge syllabus subjects at the start of last year, a shift from the previous system where such instruction commenced in Grade 9. 

The academic year traditionally ran from January/February to November/December. However, this was altered in 2020 due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a mid-year start and a shift in examination dates to May/June. 

The current administration’s decision to revert to the previous calendar has necessitated adjustments to exam schedules for current secondary students.  

The frequent changes to the academic calendar have raised concerns among parents, who have voiced frustrations over the impact on students’ academic schedules.