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The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has released the timetable for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams for students sitting in the 2026 academic year.
According to the timetable, the examinations will begin on Monday, October 19, 2026, starting with students taking French (oral), German (oral), Arabic (oral), Kenyan Sign Language, and Music (practical).
These will be followed by the Practical Planning Session for Home Science (Foods and Nutrition), including both Large Print and Braille versions. The practical exams are scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026, marking the end of the first week of examinations.
2026 KCSE Examination Schedule
The examination season will officially conclude on Friday, November 20, 2026, with the Physics Practical.
Also Read: KNEC Issues Notice on 2025 KCSE Result Slips Collection
Among the major compulsory and optional subjects that will be examined are Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Business Studies, Computer Studies, Agriculture, Geography, History and Government, and CRE.
The 2026 KCSE examination shedule is as follows:
| Date | Day | Session | Main Examination Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Oct 2026 | Friday | — | KCSE Rehearsal Day |
| 19–23 Oct 2026 | Mon–Fri | Various | French Oral, German Oral, Kenyan Sign Language Practical, Music Practical |
| 19–26 Oct 2026 | Mon–Mon | Various | Arabic Oral examinations |
| 21 Oct 2026 | Wednesday | Morning | Home Science (Foods & Nutrition) Practical Planning |
| 26–28 Oct 2026 | Mon–Wed | Various | Home Science (Foods & Nutrition) Practical |
| 28 Oct 2026 | Wednesday | Morning & Afternoon | French, German, Arabic, Kenyan Sign Language and Music written papers |
| 29 Oct 2026 | Thursday | Morning | Home Science, Art & Design, Woodwork, Metalwork, Building Construction, Electricity, Aviation Technology |
| Afternoon | Power Mechanics, Drawing & Design, Computer Studies | ||
| 30 Oct 2026 | Friday | Morning | Practical exams: Home Science Clothing Construction, Art & Design, Power Mechanics, Electricity, Drawing & Design, Aviation Technology, Computer Studies |
| 2 Nov 2026 | Monday | Morning | English Paper 1 (Functional Skills) |
| Afternoon | Chemistry Paper 1 | ||
| 3 Nov 2026 | Tuesday | Morning | Mathematics Paper 1 (Alternative A & B) |
| Afternoon | English Paper 2 | ||
| 4 Nov 2026 | Wednesday | Morning | Chemistry Paper 2, General Science Paper 1 |
| Afternoon | English Paper 3 | ||
| 5 Nov 2026 | Thursday | Morning | Kiswahili Paper 2 (Lugha) |
| Afternoon | Kiswahili Paper 1 (Insha) | ||
| 6 Nov 2026 | Friday | Morning | Chemistry Practical |
| 9 Nov 2026 | Monday | Morning | Mathematics Paper 2 |
| Afternoon | Kiswahili Paper 3 (Fasihi) | ||
| 10 Nov 2026 | Tuesday | Morning | CRE, IRE, HRE Paper 1 |
| Afternoon | Biology Paper 1 | ||
| 11 Nov 2026 | Wednesday | Morning | CRE, IRE, HRE Paper 2 |
| Afternoon | History & Government Paper 1 | ||
| 12 Nov 2026 | Thursday | Morning | Biology Paper 2 |
| Afternoon | History & Government Paper 2 | ||
| 13 Nov 2026 | Friday | Morning | Biology Practical |
| 16 Nov 2026 | Monday | Morning | Geography Paper 1 |
| Afternoon | Physics Paper 1, General Science Paper 2 | ||
| 17 Nov 2026 | Tuesday | Morning | Business Studies Paper 1 |
| Afternoon | Agriculture Paper 1 | ||
| 18 Nov 2026 | Wednesday | Morning | Geography Paper 2 |
| Afternoon | Physics Paper 2 | ||
| 19 Nov 2026 | Thursday | Morning | Business Studies Paper 2 |
| Afternoon | Agriculture Paper 2 | ||
| 20 Nov 2026 | Friday | Morning | Physics Practical (Final KCSE Paper) |
Guidelines to be Followed During Examination Period
Besides releasing the examination timetable, the Kenya National Examinations Council has also issued guidelines for teachers and students to follow during the examination period.
The council directed teachers to ensure that candidates carefully read and understand all examination instructions and are aware of the penalties for any form of examination irregularities or misconduct.
During the examination period, Candidates have been advised to arrive early and be seated at least 15 minutes before the start of each paper, with the first session beginning at 8:00 a.m. and the second at 2:00 p.m. They are required to check that they have the correct question paper, read all instructions carefully, and ensure their personal details, including name and index number, are correctly written on the answer booklet.
Also Read: KNEC Rolls Out Training for KCSE, KJSEA Examiners, Announces Fees and Dates – How to Apply
KNEC further instructed candidates to write their answers in blue or black ink, clearly number their responses, and manage their time well during the examination. They must stop writing immediately when instructed and hand over their answer scripts to the supervisor.
The council also warned candidates against any form of examination malpractice. Communication between candidates during the exam is strictly prohibited, and unauthorized materials such as books, notes, or electronic devices are not allowed in examination rooms. Mobile phones and other communication devices are banned, and possession of such items may lead to cancellation of results.
Additionally, candidates are not allowed to leave the examination room before the end of the paper unless permitted by the supervisor. Any suspected cases of cheating or irregularities should be reported through school authorities or directly to the council.
KNEC also outlined responsibilities for examination officials, including centre managers, supervisors, and invigilators, emphasising strict supervision, proper handling of examination scripts, and ensuring only authorized persons access to examination centres during the exam period.
The council cautioned that candidates found guilty of examination irregularities risk having their results cancelled, while serious offences such as leaking examination materials may attract heavy fines or imprisonment under the KNEC Act.
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Photo of KNEC CEO Dr David Njegere. PHOTO/MoE