The 2026 KCSE examinations begin on 19 October 2026 and run through to 20 November 2026. KNEC released the official timetable in early 2026. This article covers the full schedule, candidate instructions, and what to expect during the examination period.
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Key takeaways
- Exams start 19 October 2026 with French, German, Sign Language, and Music orals.
- Theory papers begin 2 November 2026, opening with English and Chemistry.
- The rehearsal day is Friday, 16 October 2026.
- Practicals run from 21 to 26 October 2026 for Home Science, Art and Design, and related subjects.
- The last paper, Physics Practical, is on 20 November 2026.
The KNEC KCSE examination timetable offers a comprehensive guide on each paper's date and time. The general guidelines apply to all candidates, supervisors, and invigilators.
All first-session papers begin at 8:00 a.m. Second-session papers begin at 2:00 p.m. The time allocated to each paper is stated against the paper's name on the timetable.
No extra time will be granted under any circumstances. Where any discrepancy exists, the time shown on the question paper itself is taken as correct.
The time for reading or skimming through the question paper is included in the total time allocated. This applies unless a paper's specific instructions state otherwise. Supervisors must ensure all candidates write their names and index numbers correctly and sign before submitting their answer sheets.
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Group IV project subjects
Group IV project subjects are assessed over two milestones before the main sitting begins. Subjects in this group include Art and Design, Agriculture, Woodwork, Metalwork, Building Construction, and Computer Studies.
Candidates typically begin projects in Term 1 and complete them before the KCSE sitting opens. Schools must upload project marks for both Milestone 1 and Milestone 2 by the deadlines KNEC communicates at the start of each academic year. Check the KNEC website for the 2026 upload deadlines.
Rehearsal day for KCSE 2026
The KCSE 2026 rehearsal day is Friday, 16 October 2026. Candidates attend their examination centres to go through procedures, guidelines, and instructions. No papers are written on this day. It is a familiarisation exercise to reduce anxiety and procedural errors when the examinations begin.
KCSE 2026 examination timetable and dates
The 2026 KCSE examination period has two phases: the oral, aural, and practical phase in October, and the theory phase from November onwards.
October: orals and practicals (19–26 October)
Date | Activity |
Friday, 16 Oct 2026 | Rehearsal day |
Monday, 19 Oct 2026 | French oral, German oral, Sign Language, Music aural |
Wed 21 – Mon 26 Oct 2026 | Practicals: Home Science, Art and Design, Building Construction, Electricity, French |
November: theory papers (2–20 November)
Date | Morning session (8:00 a.m.) | Afternoon session (2:00 p.m.) |
Mon, 2 Nov | English Paper 1 (2 hrs) | Chemistry Paper 1 (2 hrs) |
Tue, 3 Nov | Mathematics Paper 1 (2.5 hrs) | English Literature |
Wed, 4 Nov | Chemistry Paper 2 (2 hrs) | English Composition & Essay (2.5 hrs) |
Thu, 5 Nov | Kiswahili Lugha (2.5 hrs) | Kiswahili Insha (2.25 hrs) |
Wed, 11 Nov | Religious Education Paper 2 (2.5 hrs) | History and Government Paper |
Thu, 12 Nov | Biology Paper 2 (2 hrs) | History and Government Paper 2 (2.5 hrs) |
Fri, 13 Nov | Biology Practicals (1 hr 45 min per student) | — |
Mon, 16 Nov | Geography Paper 1 | Physics Paper 1 |
Tue, 17 Nov | Business Studies (2 hrs) | Agriculture (2 hrs) |
Wed, 18 Nov | Geography Paper 2 | Physics Paper 2 |
Thu, 19 Nov | Agriculture Paper 2 | Business Studies Paper 2 |
Fri, 20 Nov | Physics Practical (2.5 hrs per student) | — |
The full 2026 KCSE timetable on the KNEC website includes every subject and paper number. Download it directly from KNEC to ensure you have the most current version.
The last paper is Physics Practical on 20 November 2026. KNEC will announce results on a date confirmed after the examination period closes.
What candidates must bring to the examination centre
Every KCSE candidate must report to their centre before the scheduled start time. Latecomers may not be admitted.
- Admission card — carry it to every sitting. Report a lost card to your school examination coordinator immediately.
- Approved stationery — pens, pencils, rulers, and mathematical instruments as required per subject.
- No electronic devices — mobile phones, smartwatches, and calculators (unless specifically permitted) are strictly prohibited. Violating this rule may lead to cancellation of results.
Frequently asked questions about the KCSE 2026 timetable
When does KCSE 2026 start?
The 2026 KCSE examinations start on Monday, 19 October 2026, with French, German, Sign Language, and Music orals. Theory papers begin on 2 November 2026 with English and Chemistry.
When does KCSE 2026 end?
The last KCSE 2026 paper is Physics Practical on Friday, 20 November 2026. The full examination period runs from 19 October to 20 November 2026.
When is the KCSE 2026 rehearsal day?
The KCSE 2026 rehearsal day is Friday, 16 October 2026. Candidates attend their examination centres to receive final instructions. No examination papers are written on rehearsal day.
Where can I download the KCSE 2026 timetable?
Download the official KCSE 2026 timetable PDF directly from the KNEC website. Always download from KNEC to confirm you have the authorised, up-to-date version.
What time do KCSE 2026 exams start?
All first-session KCSE 2026 papers start at 8:00 a.m. Second-session papers start at 2:00 p.m. These times apply at all examination centres across Kenya. Candidates should arrive before the start time; latecomers risk being denied entry.
The 2026 KCSE examination timetable provides a vital roadmap for candidates to align their preparation with the official October and November dates. Adhering strictly to these guidelines and session times will ensure a smooth, successful, and malpractice-free examination period for all students nationwide.
Tuko.co.ke also compiled some of the best tips on how to pass an exam successfully. While exams may not be easy, there are recommended methods that can help a candidate do better.
Going through your notes every day makes it easy for your brain to digest what you have been taught at school. Read the article to learn more about these strategies.
Source: TUKO.co.ke