The Examinations Council of Zambia has announced the full schedule and requirements for the 2026 school examination registration period. The Council has set Monday 10 November 2025 as the start date and Friday 6 March 2026 as the deadline. The announcement follows a media briefing by the Executive Director, Dr Michael Chilala, who outlined new measures introduced to strengthen the registration process and improve examination integrity.
The Council has introduced a requirement for candidate images to be taken during registration. Each portrait will appear on examination registers and later on certificates. The Council aims to reduce impersonation cases reported in recent years, especially among General Certificate of Education candidates. According to the Executive Director, this step strengthens security within the system and makes it harder for individuals to register or sit exams under false identities.
Candidates for the Primary School Leaving Examination will also need to provide a birth certificate or birth record during registration. The Council has encouraged early preparation, although this step is not compulsory at this stage. The Council intends to improve accuracy of records and reduce disputes about candidate identity during and after examinations.
Parents will also play a stronger role in the registration process. Their details will be captured on the Online Candidate Registration System. The system gives parents the opportunity to check information that schools upload before confirmation by the Council. This step responds to a pattern seen in previous years when many candidates sought corrections for name errors or requested changes to subjects. These issues often caused delays, confusion and administrative pressure during examination periods.
Dr Chilala explained the need for a new approach. He noted that parents will now verify all details before final approval. The Council expects fewer requests for amendments and a smoother process for both schools and families. He said verification by families strengthens accountability and ensures higher accuracy in official examination documents.
The Council has advised schools to begin early preparations so all candidates meet the requirements within the registration window. Dr Chilala encouraged school administrators to communicate frequently with parents and guardians to avoid last minute challenges. He also urged parents to respond quickly when verification messages or notices are issued through the registration system.
The Council has also restated its commitment to improving examination management across the country. The introduction of candidate images, birth record checks and family verification aligns with broader efforts to reduce malpractice. Examination malpractice affects the credibility of national qualifications and limits opportunities for learners. Stronger registration systems are an important part of the long term effort to protect examination integrity.
Stakeholders in the education sector have welcomed the new measures. Many schools have expressed interest in the improved system because it gives parents direct involvement in ensuring accuracy of student data. Teachers have also indicated that improved verification will reduce time spent on corrections after submission. These corrections often require manual follow up and put pressure on staff during peak examination periods.
The Council has stated that it will continue to provide updates throughout the registration cycle. Support teams will work with schools to address questions about image capture, birth record verification and the use of the online system. The Council has also encouraged examination centres to ensure access to equipment needed for the portrait requirement.
The 2026 registration period marks an important step toward a more secure, transparent and accurate examination system. The Council has asked the public to adhere to the timelines and instructions provided. This cooperation will help maintain a strong national examination process that supports fairness and credibility for every learner.
The press release was signed by Angela Mwandu, the Acting Public Relations Manager, on behalf of the Council. The public has been advised to take note of the registration dates and follow instructions from authorised school and Council personnel.
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