ECZ Issues Final Reminder as 2026 PSLE, SC and GCE Registration Closes March 20
The Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) has issued a final reminder to parents, learners and examination centres that the 2026 PSLE, SC and GCE registration closes March 20, 2026.
With candidate registration for the 2026 Primary School Leaving (Grade 7) Examination, School Certificate and General Certificate of Education (GCE) Examination coming to a close on 20th March 2026, ECZ Public Relations Manager Nicolas Nkhuwa has issued an important reminder to all stakeholders to finalize the process before the deadline.
According to Mr. Nkhuwa, the registration exercise for the 2026 school examinations opened on November 10, 2025, giving candidates several months to complete the process.
“Today is Monday, 16th March 2026, and we are now in the final week of candidate registration for the 2026 examinations. Registration will close on Friday, 20th March 2026,” Mr. Nkhuwa said.
Final Week for 2026 PSLE, SC and GCE Registration
Mr. Nkhuwa explained that the official registration period was initially scheduled to close on March 16, 2026. However, the council extended the deadline by a few days to allow candidates who had not finalized their details to complete the process.
“The official closure of this registration period was on 16th March, but we realized that there were a few other candidates that needed to finalize the registration. As an examining board, ECZ extended the registration period to Friday, 20th March 2026,” he said.
The council has therefore urged parents, learners and examination centres to ensure that registration is completed before the final deadline.
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Candidates Facing SMS Verification Challenges
Mr. Nkhuwa acknowledged that some parents and learners have reported difficulties receiving SMS messages required to verify candidate registration details. In response, ECZ advised those experiencing such challenges to visit their nearest examination centres for assistance in completing the process.
“We have received reports from members of the public who are trying to register their children but are not receiving SMS messages to verify candidate registration details. They can visit examination centres and have their details verified,” Mr. Nkhuwa said.
Payments Must Be Completed Before Deadline
The council noted that many candidates have already had their registration details captured. However, candidates who are required to pay examination fees must ensure payments are made using the approved payment methods provided by ECZ.
Mr. Nkhuwa also called on examination centres to ensure all registrations and payments are finalized before the closing date.
“We urge all examination centres to ensure that we conclude and finalize the registration by the date that we have stipulated, which is 20th March 2026, so that the other processes can proceed,” he said.
March 20 Deadline for 2026 Exam Registration
The 2026 PSLE, SC and GCE registration closes March 20, marking the final opportunity for eligible learners to register for the national examinations. After the registration window closes, ECZ will move into the next phase of preparing examination materials and coordinating examination logistics.
As the registration exercise approaches its conclusion, Mr. Nkhuwa wished all candidates success as they prepare for the upcoming examinations.
“We want to wish everyone all the best as we come to the end of this exercise,” he added.
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