The Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) is getting rid of separate answer sheets in major exams.

They announced a big change in how exams will be done, moving to integrated booklets that combine questions and answers.

Education Minister Douglas Syakalima shared this news during a media breakfast, saying that this new method will start with the 2025 General Certificate of Education (GCE) and Junior Secondary External Examinations.

“This change means students will write their answers right on the question papers. It’s part of our plan to modernize the exam system using resources from outside,” Syakalima mentioned.

Additionally, the minister said that the 2025 Junior Secondary External and Junior Secondary School Leaving Examinations will be the last ones held. This change aligns with Zambia’s updated education system, which will allow students to enter Form 1 in 2026 and move to Form 2 the next year without needing junior secondary exams.

Syakalima also noted that students who don’t meet the performance standards in the final 2025 junior secondary exams will have a chance to re-enter Form 1 in 2026 and prepare for the School Certificate Ordinary Level Examinations in 2029.

The ECZ believes these changes will help simplify assessment processes and bring Zambia’s education system up to date with modern, student-centered standards.

GroundTruth Zambia | 22nd July, 2025.