When should you start preparing for WAEC? The honest answer: earlier than you think. Starting early reduces stress, improves retention, and gives you time to practice enough past questions.
This guide gives you a clear month-by-month plan to prepare for WAEC 2026, whether you have 12 months, 6 months, or just 3 months left.
Ideal WAEC Preparation Timeline
If WAEC holds between March-June 2025, here's the best timeline:
- 12 Months Before (June 2024): Start light review, build strong foundation in English and Mathematics.
- 9 Months Before (September 2024): Deep dive into all subjects, start past questions topic-by-topic.
- 6 Months Before (December 2024): Increase practice volume, start full-length past papers.
- 3 Months Before (March 2025): Intensive revision, weekly mock exams, focus on weak areas.
- 1 Month Before (May 2025): Light revision, exam techniques, sleep well.
If You Have 12 Months
You're in the best position. Build deep understanding, not just exam tricks.
What to Do:
- Cover entire syllabus slowly and thoroughly
- Join a study group and assign topics to teach each other
- Practice 2-3 past questions weekly per subject
- Start forming habits: daily reading, weekly mock tests
Goal: Mastery. Aim for A1/B2 in core subjects.
If You Have 6 Months
Still very achievable. Focus on high-yield topics and consistent practice.
What to Do:
- Create a strict timetable (4-6 hours daily)
- Prioritize topics that frequently appear in past questions
- Do weekly timed past papers for key subjects
- Use active recall: summarize topics without notes
Goal: Secure credits in all subjects and push core subjects to B grades.
If You Have 3 Months
It's crunch time. You need efficiency and discipline.
What to Do:
- Focus on past questions almost daily
- Take weekly mock exams under timed conditions
- List weak topics and attack them first
- Sleep 7-8 hours to maximize memory retention
Goal: Eliminate D7-F9 risks; push to C6/B3.
Month-by-Month Plan (6-Month Example)
Month 1: Foundation
- Review basics in English and Math
- Start Biology/Chemistry/Physics fundamentals
- Make a subject-by-topic checklist
Month 2: Coverage
- Complete 40-50% of each syllabus
- Do topic-by-topic past questions
- Join or form a study group
Month 3: Practice
- Start full-length past papers weekly
- Time yourself strictly
- Keep an error log of mistakes
Month 4: Reinforcement
- Revisit weak topics from error log
- Increase mock exams to twice per week
- Use marking schemes to refine answers
Month 5: Exam Skills
- Practice speed for objectives
- Refine essay/letter formats for English
- Master common calculations in sciences
Month 6: Final Prep
- Light revision, no new topics
- Sleep well, eat well
- Do 2 full mocks under exam conditions
Daily and Weekly Study Structure
Use this template to organize your study time:
- ✓ 4-6 hours daily focused study (split into 50-10 sessions)
- ✓ 1 essay/letter per week (English)
- ✓ 2-3 math/science problem sets per week
- ✓ 1 mock exam every weekend
- ✓ Review error log every Sunday
Common Timing Mistakes
Starting Too Late
Many students begin 1 month before. This leads to stress and lower retention. Start earlier to spread out learning.
Ignoring Mock Exams
Practicing only theory without timed mocks leads to poor time management on exam day.
No Rest Days
Studying 7 days a week leads to burnout. Take 1 rest day to recharge.
Quick Checklist Before the Exam
- ✓ Completed past questions for last 5-10 years
- ✓ Written multiple essays/letters and reviewed with marking scheme
- ✓ Practiced practicals or watched lab demos (for sciences)
- ✓ Slept 7-8 hours nightly in the final week
- ✓ Packed exam materials and arrived early to the center
Start Now, Win Later
The best time to start preparing for WAEC was yesterday. The second-best time is today. Whether you have 12 months or 3 months, a structured plan can move you from uncertainty to confidence.
Action Steps:
- Choose your timeline (12, 6, or 3 months)
- Create a weekly timetable immediately
- Begin past questions this week
- Schedule your first mock exam within 2 weeks
🚀 Start Your Prep Today
Access 10,000+ past questions, timed mocks, and AI Tutor feedback. Stay on track with reminders and weekly progress reports.
Begin Free PracticeNo payment needed. Built for Nigerian students.