BOTSWANA EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL – NOTICE TO 2026 BGCSE PROSPECTIVE PRIVATE CANDIDATES (21-04-2026) BGCSE AVAILABLE SYLLABUSES TO REGISTER FOR THE 2026 EXAM SERIES
BGCSE SYLLABUSES
| SYLLABUS | COMPONENT INFORMATION | SYLLABUS CODE | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGLISH LANGUAGE | Paper 1: Continuous Writing Paper 2: Comprehension | 0561 A | Components 1, 2 Available to Private Candidates, Private and Government Schools |
| SETSWANA | Paper 1: Continuous Writing Paper 2: Comprehension, Summary and Translation Paper 3: Literature etc. | 0562 A | Components 1, 2, 3 Available to Private Candidates, Private and Government Schools |
| MATHEMATICS | Paper 1 Paper 2 | 0563 C-Core | – Available Grades: C-G – Available to Private Candidates, Private and Government Schools |
| MATHEMATICS | Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3 | 0563 E-Extended | – Available Grades: A*-G – Available to Private Candidates, Private and Government Schools |
| SCIENCE SINGLE AWARD | Paper 1: Multiple Choice Paper 3: Theory Paper 4: Alternative to Practical | 0568 A | Components 1, 3, 4 Available to Private Candidates, Private and Government Schools |
| SCIENCE DOUBLE AWARD | Paper 1: Multiple Choice Paper 3: Theory Paper 4: Alternative to Practical | 0569 A | Components 1, 3, 4 Available to Private Candidates, Private and Government Schools |
| CHEMISTRY | Paper 1: Multiple Choice Paper 3: Theory Paper 5: Alternative to Practical | 0570 AS | Components 1, 3, 5 Available to Private Candidates, Private and Government Schools |
| PHYSICS | Paper 1: Multiple Choice Paper 3: Theory Paper 5: Alternative to Practical | 0571 AS | Components 1, 3, 5 Available to Private Candidates, Private and Government Schools |
| BIOLOGY | Paper 1: Multiple Choice Paper 3: Theory Paper 5: Alternative to Practical | 0572 AS | Components 1, 3, 5 Available to Private Candidates, Private and Government Schools |
| HUMAN AND SOCIAL BIOLOGY | Paper 1: Multiple Choice Paper 2: Theory | 0573 A | Components 1, 2 Available Only to Private Candidates and Private Schools |
| HISTORY | Paper 1 Paper 2 | 0583 A | Components 1, 2 Available to Private Candidates, Private and Government Schools |
| GEOGRAPHY | Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3 | 0584 A | Components 1, 2, 3 Available to Private Candidates, Private and Government Schools |
Syllabus and Component Information
| Syllabus | Component Information | Syllabus Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Studies | Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3 | 0585 A | Components 1, 2, 3 Available to Private Candidates, Private and Government Schools |
| Development Studies | Paper 1: Written Paper 2: Written Paper 3: Coursework Carry Forward | 0586 A | Components 1, 2, 3 Available to Private Candidates, Private and Government Schools Component 3 available to Private Candidates and Private School candidates as Carry Forward. Mark to be carried forward from the previous year. In this case mark to be carried forward from 2025 series. |
| Literature in English | Paper 1 | 0587 A | Available to Private Candidates, Private and Government Schools |
| Religious Education | Paper 1 Paper 2 | 0588 A | Components 1, 2 Available to Private Candidates, Private and Government Schools |
| Design and Technology | Paper 1: Written Paper 2: Coursework Carry Forward | 0595 A | Components 1, 2 Available to Private Candidates, Private and Government Schools Component 2 available to Private Candidates and Private School candidates as Carry Forward. Mark to be carried forward from the previous year. In this case mark to be carried forward from 2025 series. |
| Commerce | Paper 1: Multiple Choice Paper 2: Written Paper 3: Case Study | 0598 A | Components 1, 2, 3 Available to Private Candidates, Private and Government Schools |
| Agriculture | Paper 1: Multiple Choice Paper 2: Theory Paper 3: Coursework Carry Forward | 0599 A | Components 1, 2, 3 Available to Private Candidates, Private and Government Schools Component 3 available to Private Candidates and Private School candidates as Carry Forward. Mark to be carried forward from the previous year. In this case mark to be carried forward from 2025 series. |
| Accounting | Paper 1 Paper 2 | 0614 A | Components 1, 2 Available to Private Candidates, Private and Government Schools |
| Business Studies | Paper 1 Paper 2 | 0615 A | Components 1, 2, 3 Available to Private Candidates, Private and Government Schools |
Borrowed Syllabuses
| Syllabus | Component Information | Syllabus Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Additional Mathematics (GCE O Level) | Paper 12 Paper 22 | 4037 AY | Components 12, 22 Available to Private Candidates, Private and Government Schools |
| Statistics (GCE O Level) | Paper 12 Paper 22 | 4040 Y | Components 12, 22 Available to Private Candidates, Private and Government Schools |
BSSE Syllabuses
| Syllabus | Component Information | Syllabus Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSSE English | Paper 1: Composition and Directed Writing Paper 2: Comprehension | 1234 A | Component 1, 2 Available Only to Private Candidates and Private Schools candidates |
| BSSE Setswana | Paper 1: Reading & Writing Paper 2: Literature | 1235 A | Component 1, 2 Available Only to Private Candidates and Private Schools candidates |
| SYLLABUS | COMPONENT INFORMATION | SYLLABUS CODE | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSSE GENERAL MATHEMATICS | Paper 1 Paper 2 | 1236 A | Components 1, 2 Available Only to Private Candidates and Private Schools candidates |
| BSSE SCIENTIFIC MATHEMATICS | Paper 1 Paper 2 | 1237 A | Components 1, 2 Available Only to Private Candidates and Private Schools candidates |
| BSSE PHYSICS | Paper 1: Theory Paper 3: Alternative to Practical Paper 5: Alternative to PBA | 1427 A3 | Component 1, 3, 5 Available Only to Private Candidates and Private Schools candidates |
| BSSE BIOLOGY | Paper 1: Theory Paper 3: Alternative to Practical Paper 5: Alternative to PBA | 1428 A3 | Component 1, 3, 5 Available Only to Private Candidates and Private Schools candidates |
| BSSE CHEMISTRY | Paper 1: Theory Paper 3: Alternative to Practical Paper 5: Alternative to PBA | 1429 A3 | Component 1, 3, 5 Available Only to Private Candidates and Private Schools candidates |
| BSSE GENERAL SCIENCE | Paper 1: Theory Paper 3: Alternative to Practical Paper 5: Alternative to PBA | 1430 AS | Component 1, 3, 5 Available Only to Private Candidates and Private Schools candidates |
| BSSE ENTREPRENEURSHIP | Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 4: Alternative to PBA | 1441 A4 | Component 1, 2, 4 Available Only to Private Candidates and Private Schools candidates |
| BSSE ACCOUNTING | Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 4: Alternative to PBA | 1442 A4 | Component 1, 2, 4 Available Only to Private Candidates and Private Schools candidates |
| BSSE ECONOMICS | Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 4: Alternative to PBA | 1443 A4 | Component 1, 2, 4 Available Only to Private Candidates and Private Schools candidates |
| BSSE BUSINESS MANAGEMENT | Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 4: Alternative to PBA | 1444 A4 | Component 1, 2, 4 Available Only to Private Candidates and Private Schools candidates |
| BSSE GEOGRAPHY | Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 4: Alternative to PBA | 1448 A4 | Component 1, 2, 4 Available Only to Private Candidates and Private Schools candidates |
| BSSE HISTORY | Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3: Coursework Carry Forward | 1454 A | Component 1, 2, 3 -Available Only to Private Candidates and Private Schools candidates -Component 3 available to Private Candidates and Private School candidates as Carry Forward. Mark to be carried forward from the previous year. In this case mark to be carried forward from 2025 series. |
| BSSE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE | Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3: Coursework Carry Forward | 1517 A3 | Component 1, 2, 3 -Available Only to Private Candidates and Private Schools candidates -Component 3 available to Private Candidates and Private School candidates as Carry Forward. Mark to be carried forward from the previous year. In this case mark to be carried forward from 2025 series. |
Here are clear, helpful FAQs you can add to your post:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will BGCSE 2026 private candidate registration start?
The Botswana Examinations Council will announce the official registration dates soon through its website and social media platforms.
2. Where do I register for the BGCSE 2026 exams?
Registration takes place through the official BEC system. Candidates need to follow updates from the council to access the registration portal once it opens.
3. What completes the registration process?
Registration is complete only after your details are captured in the system and full payment of the required fees is made.
4. Can private candidates register for both BGCSE and BSSE subjects?
Yes. You can register for BGCSE subjects, BSSE subjects, or both, depending on your academic goals.
5. Are there additional subjects outside BGCSE and BSSE?
Yes. Borrowed syllabuses such as Additional Mathematics and Statistics are also available for registration.
6. What subjects are available under BGCSE?
Subjects include English Language, Setswana, Mathematics, Sciences, Geography, History, Commerce, Agriculture, Accounting, and more.
7. What is the difference between Core and Extended Mathematics?
Core Mathematics offers grades from C to G, while Extended Mathematics allows grading from A* to G and includes more advanced content.
8. Can I register for science subjects without practical exams?
Yes. Many science subjects offer an alternative to practical components for private candidates.
9. What does “carry forward” mean in some subjects?
Carry forward means you reuse coursework marks from a previous exam series, usually from the prior year.
10. Are all subjects available to private candidates?
Most subjects are available, but some are limited to private candidates and private schools only. Always check subject notes before selecting.
11. Where can I find the official syllabus and updates?
Visit the official BEC website for full syllabus documents, updates, and registration announcements.
12. What happens if I miss registration?
Late registration is not accepted, so you need to complete your application within the official registration period.
13. How do I choose the right subjects?
Select subjects based on your previous results, future study plans, and strengths in each subject area.
14. Can I combine old results with new subjects?
Yes. You can retake subjects or combine results depending on BEC policies for private candidates.
15. How do I stay updated on announcements?
Follow our website moebayelsa: Opportunities for Africans we share daily updates.
