How to Calculate Your BECE Aggregate Score (2025 Guide) – Check Here

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the provisional results of the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for both school and private candidates.

According to WAEC, a total of 603,328 candidates sat for the examination, comprising 297,250 males and 306,078 females from 20,395 schools.

The exams were conducted across 2,237 centres, with 2,526 candidates absent. The candidate pool included 72 visually impaired, 239 hearing impaired, and 161 with other special needs, reflecting WAEC’s commitment to inclusive assessment.

Understanding the 2025 BECE Aggregate

As thousands of candidates await the release of their placement, one question looms large: How is the BECE aggregate score calculated, and what does it mean for Senior High School (SHS) placement?

This article breaks down the process, demystifies the grading system, and offers practical insights for candidates and guardians navigating the next phase of academic transition.

What Is the BECE Aggregate Score?

The BECE aggregate score is a numerical summary of a candidate’s performance across six selected subjects.

It is the primary metric used by the Ghana Education Service (GES) through the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) to determine SHS placement.

Lower aggregate scores indicate better performance. The best possible score is 6, while the worst is 54, though most candidates fall within the 6–30 range.

Subjects Considered in Aggregate Calculation

Candidates typically write nine subjects. However, only six are used to compute the aggregate:

• Four Core Subjects (compulsory):
  • English Language
  • Mathematics
  • Integrated Science
  • Social Studies
• Two Best Elective Subjects (based on highest grades):
  • Religious and Moral Education (RME)
  • Basic Design and Technology (BDT)/Career Technology
  • Creative Art Design
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT)/ Computing
  • Ghanaian Language
  • French or Arabic (if taken)

BECE Grading System (2025 Update)

WAEC uses a criterion-referenced nine-point scale to convert raw scores (out of 100) into grades:

Raw Score (%)	Grade	Interpretation
90–100	1	Excellent
80–89	2	Very Good
70–79	3	Good
60–69	4	Credit
55–59	5	Credit
50–54	6	Pass
40–49	7	Pass
35–39	8	Weak Pass
0–34	9	Fail

Each subject’s final grade reflects 70% external exam performance and 30% continuous assessment

How to Calculate Your BECE Aggregate

1. List all nine subjects and their grades.
2. Select the four core subjects.
3. Choose your two best-performing electives.
4. Add the grades of these six subjects.

Example Calculation:

A candidate receives the following grades:

• English – 2
• Mathematics – 1
• Integrated Science – 3
• Social Studies – 2
• ICT – 2
• RME – 4

Aggregate = 2 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 2 + 4 = 14

What is a Good BECE Aggregate?

Aggregate Range	Placement Potential
6–10	Top-tier SHS /First Choice
11–20	Mid-tier SHS with competitive programs/ First/ Second& Third Choices
21–30	Acceptable for most SHS options/ Fourth/Fifth/Sixth Choices
31+	May require self-placement or less competitive schools/sixth choice

GES is expected to release placement results shortly, as SHS Freshers are expected to report to school on October 8, 2025

SEE ALSO: How to check 2025 BECE Results on Phone