Joseph Isangura
More than 134,000 students across the country are beginning their Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (ACSEE) today, May 5, in a major academic event that will continue until May 26, 2025.
The exams, administered by the National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA), are a key milestone in the country’s education system, determining eligibility for university and professional training.
According to NECTA Executive Secretary Dr. Said Mohamed, a total of 134,390 candidates have registered this year, marking an 18.37% increase from 2024, when 113,536 students sat for the same examinations.
“These examinations are more than just a test—they are a bridge to higher education and better opportunities for our youth,” Dr. Mohamed said during a press briefing held on May 4.
Among the registered candidates, 126,957 are enrolled in schools, with 50.87% boys and 49.13% girls. An additional 7,433 private candidates—students who prepare outside the formal school system—have also registered. These include 4,782 males and 2,651 females.
The ACSEE will be administered across 982 secondary schools and 245 private candidate centres throughout the country. Meanwhile, teacher training colleges are also conducting diploma-level and certificate-level exams from May 5 to May 19, with 10,895 candidates participating. This figure reflects a 4.72% drop compared to 2024’s 11,435 teacher exam registrants.
Dr. Mohamed also highlighted the inclusion of students with special needs in this year’s examinations. A total of 604 candidates—453 from schools and 151 private candidates—require accommodations due to visual, hearing, intellectual, or physical impairments.
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“All logistics have been finalized, including the distribution of examination papers and related materials,” he confirmed. He also called on the public to provide a calm and supportive environment, urging communities to help maintain exam integrity.
The ACSEE is the final examination for students completing Form Six and serves as a crucial stepping stone to higher education in Tanzania. It also evaluates students’ ability to apply knowledge in addressing the country’s economic, social, and technological challenges.
As the exams begin, students across Tanzania step into a defining moment—one that could shape their personal paths and contribute to the nation’s future. Their success is not just a personal triumph but a reflection of the resilience and potential within the country’s next generation.
