2026 BECE candidates to begin SHS selection process July 20 – GES
The Ghana Education Service has announced that the selection of Senior High Schools and Technical Institutions for 2026 BECE candidates will officially begin on Sunday, July 20, 2026.
The process, which will be conducted through the Computerized School Selection and Placement System, CSSPS, is expected to cover all candidates who sat for this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination.
In a statement, GES said the two-week exercise will allow candidates, parents, and guardians to select their preferred schools and programs. Officials say the system has been upgraded to ensure a smoother and more transparent process.
“Candidates will be allowed to select up to seven schools. One of them must be a category A school, two category B, and the rest category C. We are encouraging parents to guide their wards to make informed choices,” the statement read.
Regional and District Education Directors have been directed to activate help desks in all districts to assist parents and candidates who may encounter challenges during the selection. GES also advised the public to be wary of fraudsters who may pose as officials to extort money.
Education experts say early communication of the selection date is key to reducing anxiety among parents and students. They note that last year, delays and misinformation led to confusion in some communities.
The Minister of Education, during a recent stakeholder meeting, assured that the government is committed to ensuring that no qualified candidate is left out of the placement process. He added that more classrooms and dormitories have been completed in several SHSs to accommodate the expected increase in admissions.
Heads of JHS across the country have also been tasked to sensitize final-year students on how the selection works, including the importance of catchment areas and program choices. Some school authorities have already begun organizing mock selection sessions to prepare candidates.
Parents’ associations have welcomed the July 20 date, saying it gives families enough time to research schools and discuss options before the portal opens. Many say they are particularly interested in technical and vocational schools following the government’s push for TVET.GES reiterated that the actual placement of candidates into schools will be done after the selection window closes, and results will be communicated through SMS and the official placement website.
Candidates and parents are advised to keep their index numbers and contact details ready ahead of July 20.
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