Tanzania reschedules National Exams ahead of El Niño rains

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, has announced adjustments to this year’s national examination schedule due to concerns over El Niño rains, emphasizing that the changes are intended to ensure the safety of students, teachers, invigilators and other officials involved in administering the examinations.

Speaking today, September 25, 2026, the Deputy Minister said that, following weather information and warnings issued in various regions regarding the potential impacts of the rains, the Ministry had deemed it necessary to revise the 2026 schedule for national assessments and examinations.

She said the adjustments are aimed at safeguarding students, teachers, invigilators and other officials involved in the examination process, as well as protecting examination papers, equipment and related documents.

According to the Executive Secretary of the National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA), Professor Said Mohamed, the Standard Four National Assessment will now be held on October 5 and 6, instead of October 21 and 22.

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The Standard Two National Assessment will be conducted on October 7 and 8, instead of November 17 and 18.

Meanwhile, the Form Two National Assessment, which was initially scheduled for November 2 to 13, will now take place from October 12 to 23.

The Form Four National Examination, previously scheduled for November 9 to 27, will instead begin on October 19 and conclude on November 6, 2026.

The revised timetable is intended to minimize potential disruptions and ensure the safe and orderly administration of the national assessments and examinations.