Govt caps exam subjects, orders refunds for excess fees
CANDIDATES sitting Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations will now be restricted to a maximum of nine and three subjects, respectively, under new Government rules aimed at promoting focused learning and improving academic outcomes.
Schools have since been directed not to accept examination fees for subjects exceeding the stipulated limits, with candidates who have already paid for extra subjects set to be reimbursed.
The policy comes as the Government moves to align assessment practices with the Heritage-Based Curriculum and curb the growing trend of candidates registering for an excessive number of subjects.
The authorities have also set March 27 as the deadline for registration for the November 2026 public examinations.
The directive was recently emphasised during a National Association of Secondary School Heads (NASH) national council meeting in Gweru on Monday last week.
Responding to questions from The Sunday Mail, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education director of communications and advocacy Mr Taungana Ndoro confirmed the enforcement of the new policy.
“The policy on putting a cap on the number of subjects that one has to register for their O- and A-Level subjects is ongoing,” he said.
“We will not accept registration fees from those who want to register more than the stipulated number of subjects. Those who paid for more will get refunded.”
The move is aimed at ensuring that learners focus on a manageable number of subjects, allowing for deeper understanding, better preparation and improved performance.
Education authorities say the previous trend, where some candidates registered for unusually high numbers of subjects, risked compromising quality, encouraging surface learning and placing unnecessary pressure on learners.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of candidates attempting a large number of subjects; in some cases, far beyond recommended academic standards.
This trend has been driven by a mix of factors, including competition for top results, attempts to maximise university entry points and a perception that sitting more subjects improves academic standing.
The issue came into sharp focus following the 2025 A-Level results, when Mukudzei Ziveyi of Pamushana High School in Masvingo province sat 12 subjects and scored 56 points.
While his achievement drew praise in some quarters, it also sparked widespread debate, with critics arguing that such practices could create unhealthy academic pressure and set unrealistic expectations for other learners.
Some stakeholders said the trend risked fostering a culture where quantity is prioritised over quality, potentially undermining the objectives of Zimbabwe’s education reforms.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education Supa Mandiwanzira said the tightened enforcement of the policy is based on practical considerations and evidence gathered over time.
“We look at what is practical and from what Government is saying, this makes sense. This policy has been flexible and is not rigid, as there have been exceptions for some talented learners,” he said.
“The implementation or enforcement of this policy is being done from an empirical point of view. There is evidence that has been gathered to support such measures.”
It is envisaged that the new limits will help standardise examination practices, reduce academic overload and ensure that learners are adequately prepared, in line with curriculum expectations.
_SundayMail_
