By: Precious Miracle Kargbo (Snr)
The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has officially announced the opening of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Batch Registration System (BRS) portal for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
This important development is aimed at streamlining the registration process for students across the country and improving overall efficiency.
According to a public notice issued by MBSSE, a total of 163,497 candidates are expected to register for the examinations, which are scheduled to take place in May 2026. The ministry urged all school heads, principals, and candidates to familiarize themselves with the procedures outlined on the BRS portal to ensure a smooth and timely registration process.
The new system is designed to enhance efficiency by allowing candidates and school administrators to track the status of submissions as they are reviewed. Previously, many school administrators raised concerns about the length and complexity of the registration process, which often led to delays and administrative bottlenecks. The introduction of a more user-friendly digital platform is expected to address these challenges.
A key component of the registration process is a mandatory verification procedure. Candidates are required to upload their birth certificates and other relevant identification documents. This measure is intended to ensure the accuracy of student data and reduce the risk of fraudulent registrations. The ministry has stated that candidates who fail to complete the verification process will not be eligible to sit the examination.
MBSSE also emphasized the importance of meeting registration deadlines. The portal will remain open until March 15, 2026, giving candidates and school administrators sufficient time to complete their submissions. Following registration, a comprehensive review of all applicants will be conducted. The total number of candidates permitted to sit the 2026 WASSCE is capped at 204,120.
To promote transparency and accountability, the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education has pledged to provide regular updates on the registration process. This commitment is intended to keep stakeholders informed and ensure that any challenges encountered are addressed promptly.
As Sierra Leone’s education sector continues to modernize, the launch of the WAEC BRS portal marks a significant step toward improving examination management systems. With the portal now active, candidates are encouraged to complete their registration early and ensure that all required documents are properly uploaded.
The MBSSE reaffirmed its commitment to supporting schools and students as they prepare for the 2026 WASSCE examinations.