KCSE Timetable 2026 – Instructions and Guideline

• All first session examination papers will start at 8:00 a.m. unless otherwise indicated on the timetable. The start time for second session examination papers is as indicated on the official schedule.
• The time allowed for each paper is indicated against the name of the paper and NO EXTRA TIME IS TO BE ALLOWED. In case of any discrepancy, the time stated on the question paper should be taken as the correct one. Time used for reading through questions is part of the examination duration unless special instructions indicate otherwise.
• Supervisors and Invigilators are required to ensure that candidates have written their names, index numbers, signatures, and dates of examination on their answer scripts before collection.
• Schools are advised to ensure that candidates only sit for subjects they are officially registered for.
• Schools should upload marks for subjects with a Project component by 31st July 2026 for Milestone 1 and 31st October 2026 for Milestone 2 where applicable.
• KCSE candidate registration for the 2026 examinations officially ran from 16th February 2026 to 31st March 2026.

DAYS, DATES, SESSIONS AND DURATION OF 2026 KCSE EXAMINATION PAPERS

The 2026 KCSE examinations officially begin with oral, practical, and project-based assessments before transitioning into theory examinations. The timetable includes provisions for Large Print and Braille candidates in line with KNEC examination accommodation guidelines.

Selected Official KCSE 2026 Examination Schedule

INSTRUCTIONS AND GUIDELINES TO TEACHERS AND CANDIDATESTeachers are advised to ensure that candidates read these instructions and guidelines carefully and adhere to them. Candidates should also be made aware of the penalties for examination irregularities or misconduct as stipulated under the KNEC Act No. 29 of 2012.

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES

• Avail yourself for searching outside the examination room and be seated at your desk/table 15 minutes before the examination starts. The first session will start at 8:00 a.m. followed by subsequent sessions as indicated on the timetable.
• A candidate who arrives late will be required to give a satisfactory reason to the Supervisor. Only in exceptional circumstances will a paper be given to a candidate who is more than half an hour late.
• Check the question paper carefully to confirm that it is the paper you registered for.
• If an examination paper for which you are not registered is handed to you, or if required materials are missing, inform the Supervisor immediately.
• Read all instructions on the first page of the examination paper carefully before attempting any questions.
• Check to ensure that all pages of your question paper are properly printed.
• Write your name, index number, signature, and the date of the examination on the answer booklet.
• Begin the answer to each separate part of a question on a fresh line and clearly indicate the question number in the left-hand margin.
• Write your responses in black or blue ink. Pencils should only be used for diagrams and drawings.
• Read each question carefully and avoid writing information that has not been asked for.
• Do not spend too much time on one question. Allocate enough time to answer all required questions.
• As soon as notice is given to stop writing, ensure your details are correctly written on the answer booklet before handing it over to the Supervisor or Invigilator.

CAUTION TO CANDIDATES

• You are not allowed to leave the examination room before the end of the examination period except with special permission from the Supervisor.
• No candidate permitted to leave the room may take a question paper or answer booklet outside the examination room.
• You should not give or obtain unfair assistance in any form whatsoever.
• No communication whatsoever between candidates or with outsiders is allowed during the examination.
• You are not allowed to possess unauthorized books, notes, papers, or materials while in the examination room except those authorized by KNEC.
• Only non-programmable calculators are permitted in approved subjects including Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Agriculture, Woodwork, Metalwork, Building Construction, Power Mechanics, Electricity, Drawing & Design, Aviation Technology, Computer Studies, and Business Studies.
• You must immediately return any question paper with smudges, errors, or damage to the Supervisor.
• Any rough work must be done in the official answer booklet and should not be removed from the examination room.
• Any misconduct or disturbance in or near the examination room will be treated as an examination irregularity.
• For practical papers conducted in shifts, all candidates must present themselves for confinement where required.
• Cell phones or any other electronic communication devices are strictly prohibited in the examination room. Any candidate found in possession of such devices risks cancellation of results.

PENALTY FOR EXAMINATION IRREGULARITIES

• The KNEC Act No. 29 of 2012, specifically Sections 27 to 40, outlines offences and penalties related to examination irregularities.
• A candidate who commits an examination irregularity in any paper will have the results for the entire subject cancelled and will be awarded result “Y“.
• If there is evidence of widespread irregularities in an examination centre, KNEC may cancel the results for the entire centre.

Any person who:

1. Gains access to examination material and unlawfully reveals its contents to an unauthorized person commits an offence under Section 27 of the Act and may face imprisonment for up to ten years, a fine not exceeding two million shillings, or both.
2. Willfully damages examination material commits an offence under Section 30 of the Act and may face imprisonment for up to five years, a fine not exceeding five million shillings, or both.
3. Attempts to impersonate a registered candidate commits an offence under Section 31 of the Act and may face imprisonment for up to two years, a fine not exceeding two million shillings, or both. Such a person may also be prohibited from taking KNEC examinations for a period of three years.
4. Candidates are advised to avoid any form of examination irregularity to prevent cancellation of results and possible legal action.

OFFICIAL KNEC RESOURCES

For official KCSE examination updates, timetables, registration information, project submission guidelines, and examination regulations, candidates and schools are advised to use the official KNEC platforms below:

• KNEC Official Website: https://www.knec.ac.ke/
• KNEC Portal: https://knec-portal.ac.ke/
• KNEC Results Portal: https://results.knec.ac.ke/