Over 500,000 BECE candidates secure placement in 2026 CSSPS exercise – Education Ministry

The Ghana Education Service has successfully placed over 500,000 candidates in second-cycle and technical institutions for the 2026 academic year, according to the latest figures from the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS). This represents 87.3% of the 604,567 candidates who qualified after the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). Education Deputy Minister Dr. Clement Apaak disclosed this at a press briefing in Accra.

Out of the 76,635 qualified candidates not automatically placed, the majority were turned away due to high demand for Category A schools. The successful placements included 276,521 females and 251,411 males. The CSSPS placement results were announced on September 4, 2026, after the Ministry of Education, GES, Ghana TVET Service, and technical teams completed the processing exercise.

The 2026 BECE saw a total of 623,072 candidates, up from 603,328 in 2025, accounting for a 19,744 increase. Among those who chose Category A schools as their first preference, 313,283 candidates secured places, while 76,417 vacancies remained. Category B and C schools had 250,366 and 468,652 declared vacancies, respectively. Only 995 candidates chose participating private SHS/SHTSs as their first choice.

Dr. Apaak pointed out that the mismatch between school vacancies and candidates' preferences is not indicative of a shortage in the secondary education system. Instead, it highlights the need for candidates to broaden their choices and consider alternative schools and programs. The Ministry encouraged those using the self-placement system to explore a wider range of options outside traditionally highly subscribed institutions.