The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially announced that the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) school selection exercise will begin on Monday, July 20, 2026, and end on Friday, August 7, 2026.

The exercise allows candidates to select their preferred Senior High Schools (SHSs) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions before placement through the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).

Making the right school choices is crucial, as it plays a significant role in determining where a candidate will be placed after the release of the BECE results.

2026 BECE School Selection Dates

The official timeline announced by GES is as follows:

Candidates are encouraged to complete the exercise within the stipulated period to avoid missing the deadline.

How Many Schools Can BECE Candidates Choose?

Under the GES guidelines, every candidate is expected to select eight (8) schools, comprising:

• Six (6) main school choices

• Two (2) alternative school choices

The six main choices should be selected from the approved school categories.

Option One

Candidates may select:

• Two Category A Schools

  • One Boarding

  • One Day

• Two Category B Schools

  • One Boarding

  • One Day

• Two Category C Schools

  • One Boarding

  • One Day

This option gives candidates a balanced mix of highly competitive and less competitive schools, improving their chances of placement.

Option Two

Candidates who do not wish to choose Category A or B schools may select all six schools from Category C, subject to the approved GES guidelines.

Step-by-Step Guide to Selecting Your SHS

Step 1: Obtain the Official School Register

Collect the official school selection register or brochure from your school. It contains:

• School names

• School codes

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• Categories

• Available programmes

• Boarding and Day options

Read it carefully before making your choices.

Step 2: Decide on Your Preferred Programme

Choose the programme you intend to pursue.

Some of the programmes available include:

• General Science

• General Arts

• Business

• Agriculture

• Home Economics

• Visual Arts

• Technical

• TVET Programmes

Ensure your preferred schools offer your chosen programme.

Step 3: Choose Your Schools Carefully

Arrange your schools in order of preference.

Your first choice should be your dream school, followed by other schools you would also be willing to attend.

Avoid choosing schools simply because your friends are selecting them.

Step 4: Select Boarding or Day

For every school chosen, indicate whether you prefer:

• Boarding

• Day

Your choice should take into account:

• Distance from home

• Cost

• Family preference

• Accommodation availability

Step 5: Confirm School and Programme Codes

Before submitting the form, verify that:

• School names are correct

• School codes are accurate

• Programme codes are correct

• Boarding or Day option is properly selected

Even a small mistake can affect your placement.

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Step 6: Seek Guidance

Discuss your choices with:

• Parents

• Guardians

• Teachers

• School counsellors

They can help you make informed decisions based on your academic performance and career aspirations.

Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline

Complete and submit your school selection form through your Junior High School before Friday, August 7, 2026.

Late submissions may affect your chances of being considered during the CSSPS placement process.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of SHS Placement

To improve your chances of gaining admission into one of your preferred schools:

• Choose schools that match your academic performance.

• Include a balanced mix of Category A, B and C schools.

• Select programmes that align with your strengths and career goals.

• Rank schools according to your genuine preference.

• Double-check all entries before submission.

• Keep a copy of your completed school selection form for future reference.

Common Mistakes BECE Candidates Should Avoid

Many candidates miss out on their preferred schools because of avoidable errors.

Avoid the following mistakes:

• Selecting schools without checking whether they offer your preferred programme.

• Choosing only highly competitive schools.

• Entering incorrect school or programme codes.

• Following friends instead of making personal choices.

• Waiting until the last minute to complete the exercise.

• Failing to consult parents, teachers or guidance coordinators.

How the CSSPS Placement System Works

After the release of the 2026 BECE results, the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) will use several factors to place candidates into Senior High Schools and TVET institutions.

These include:

• Performance in the BECE.

• The candidate's selected schools and order of preference.

• Programme choices.

• Availability of vacancies in each school.

• Merit and approved placement guidelines.

Candidates who make realistic and well-informed choices are more likely to secure placement into one of their preferred schools.

Final Advice for 2026 BECE Candidates

The school selection exercise is one of the most important stages of your educational journey. Take your time to research schools, seek advice from teachers and parents, and make informed choices that reflect your academic abilities and future career ambitions.

Remember, the exercise runs from Monday, July 20, to Friday, August 7, 2026. Ensure you complete and submit your form before the deadline to avoid any complications during the 2026 CSSPS placement process.