ZIMSEC Exams: Govt Warns Schools Against Registering Their Students As Private Candidates
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has warned schools not to register school candidates as private candidates for Zimbabwe School Examinations Council exams in a bid to boost pass rates.
In a statement, the Ministry’s director of communications and advocacy, Taungana Ndoro, said such practices are unethical, breach examination regulations, and could lead to disciplinary action. He said:
“The Ministry warns against unethical practices such as registering school candidates as private candidates to manipulate pass rates.
“That is a breach of examination regulations and attracts consequences of great displeasure.”
Ndoro also reminded schools and examination centres that the deadline to register for the November 2026 ZIMSEC Ordinary and Advanced Level exams is 27 March 2026.
He added that all registrations must be completed through the online system. Said Ndoro:
“Heads of centres bear full responsibility for accurate candidate data submission. No results will be issued to candidates who fail to sit for all learning area (subject) components.”
Ndoro outlined the main registration requirements for schools and exam centres. These include having at least 10 candidates per centre for both Ordinary and Advanced Level exams, private candidates presenting a valid ID (national ID, passport, driver’s licence, or certified birth certificate), and clearly indicating any special needs so the necessary arrangements can be made.
He also stressed that schools must check and sign off on their registration details before submission. –
_The Manica Post_
