Hassan Magulumali
Tanzania’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has revised the 2026 national examinations and assessment calendar due to concerns over the potential impact of El Niño rains.
Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, said on Friday, September 25, 2026, that the changes were aimed at protecting students, teachers, examination supervisors and other officials involved in administering the examinations.
She said the decision followed weather information and alerts issued for various regions warning of possible disruptions and risks associated with the anticipated heavy rains.
“The Ministry has considered it important to revise the schedule for national assessments and examinations for 2026,” the Deputy Minister said, emphasizing that the move was intended not only to protect people but also examination papers, equipment and other official documents.
According to the Executive Secretary of the National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA), Professor Said Mohamed, several examinations and national assessments have been brought forward from their original dates.
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The National Assessment for Standard Four students, which was initially scheduled for October 21 and 22, will now be conducted on October 5 and 6, 2026.
The National Assessment for Standard Two students has also been moved forward. It will take place on October 7 and 8, instead of the previously scheduled November 17 and 18.
Meanwhile, the National Form Two Assessment, which was originally scheduled to run from November 2 to 13, will now be conducted from October 12 to 23.
The timetable for the Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (CSEE), commonly known as the Form Four national examination, has also been changed.
The examination, which was initially scheduled to begin on November 9 and end on November 27, will now start on October 19 and conclude on November 6, 2026.
The Ministry said the revised calendar is part of precautionary measures to minimize potential disruptions that could arise from adverse weather conditions while ensuring the smooth and secure administration of the national examinations and assessments.
The changes come as authorities continue to issue weather-related warnings and preparedness measures in anticipation of potentially significant rainfall across parts of Tanzania.
