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KCSE 2025 registration opened February 17 and closes March 28, strictly via KNEC’s online portal managed by school heads.
Rehearsals for KCSE 2025 will be Friday, October 17, with official exams running October 21 to November 21, 2025.
Strict penalties apply for exam malpractice, including KSh 2 million fines, disqualification, canceled results, or imprisonment for severe cases.
The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) is an important exam that all students in Kenya must undertake to transition from secondary schools to higher places of learning, whether it is a college or university in Kenya. Thus, for students at the Form Four level, understanding when the KCSE exams start and end is essential to passing your exams, as you are able to set time aside for thorough preparation. So, if you are probably wondering when the KNEC KCSE exams will start in 2025, the good news is that KNEC has already unveiled the KCSE timetable that gives us an overview of the exam dates for each KCSE paper.
The 2025 academic year is also a groundbreaking year, as the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has introduced mid-year exams for 2024 KCSE students who failed their exams and wish to retake them. This guide is, however, focused on 2025 candidates as we have listed below all the information you’d want to know about the upcoming KCSE exams.
How To Register for KCSE 2025 Exams
If you are a KCSE candidate in 2025, before you sit for the exams, which are scheduled to start in October and November, you must ensure that you are registered with the Kenya National Examination Council. According to the official circular from KNEC, the registration process for this year’s examination started on February 17, 2025, and the deadline is March 28, 2025.
Students do not complete the registration process themselves; instead, the heads of various institutions are responsible for ensuring that all candidates are registered and that the process is strictly done online via the KNEC registration portal.
KNEC Candidate Registration Portal
Key Dates For The 2025 KCSE Examination
After the registration phase, the KCSE examinations will occur from October to November. However, the project component of the examinations started in January 2025 and will last seven months until July 2025. Schools must upload marks for subjects with a project component by March 31, 2025, for Milestone 1 and July 31, 2025, for Milestone 2.
The rehearsal for the examinations will be on Friday, October 17, 2025, before the exams commence officially the following week. So, what are the 2025 KCSE exam dates? Below is a table with all the dates, along with when specific papers will be done and at what time of the day.
Tuesday 21/10/2025 To Friday 24/10/2025 – Oral Examinations
Paper Code
Paper Name
Session
Duration
501/3
French (Oral)
–
15 minutes per candidate
502/3
German (Oral)
–
15 minutes per candidate
504/3
Kenyan Sign Language (Practical Signing Skills)
–
15 minutes per candidate
511/1
Music (Practical)
–
15 minutes per candidate
Tuesday 21/10/2025 To Monday 27/10/2025 – Extended Oral Period
Paper Code
Paper Name
Session
Duration
503/3
Arabic (Oral)
–
15 minutes per candidate
Wednesday 22/10/2025 – Home Science Planning
Paper Code
Paper Name
Session
Duration
441/3
Home Science (Foods and Nutrition) – Practical Planning Session
–
30 minutes
441/3
Home Science (Foods and Nutrition) – Practical Planning Session Large print
–
30 minutes
441/3
Home Science (Foods and Nutrition) – Practical Planning Session Braille
–
1 hour
Monday 27/10/2025 To Wednesday 29/10/2025 – Home Science Practicals
Paper Code
Paper Name
Session
Duration
441/3
Home Science – Foods and Nutrition (Practical)
–
1 hour 15 minutes
441/3
Home Science – Foods and Nutrition (Practical) Large Print
–
1 hour 15 minutes
441/3
Home Science – Foods and Nutrition (Practical) Braille
–
1 hour 45 minutes
Wednesday 29/10/2025 – Language Papers Day 1
Paper Code
Paper Name
Session
Duration
501/1
French (Listening Comprehension, Dictation and Creative Writing)
8.00 am – 10.00 am
2 hours
501/1
French (Listening Comprehension, Dictation and Creative Writing) Braille
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
502/1
German (Listening Comprehension and Composition)
8.00 am – 10.00 am
2 hours
503/2
Arabic (Grammar, Reading Comprehension and Composition)
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
503/2
Arabic (Grammar, Reading Comprehension and Composition) Large print
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
504/1
Kenyan Sign Language (Receptive Skills)
8.00 am – 10.00 am
2 hours
511/3
Music
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
511/3
Music Large print
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
511/3
Music Braille
8.00 am – 11.00 am
3 hours
501/2
French (Reading Comprehension, Grammar and Functional Writing)
2.00 pm – 4.15 pm
2 hours 15 minutes
501/2
French (Reading Comprehension, Grammar and Functional Writing) Large print
2.00 pm – 4.15 pm
2 hours 15 minutes
501/2
French (Reading Comprehension, Grammar and Functional Writing) Braille
2.00 pm – 4.45 pm
2 hours 45 minutes
502/2
German (Grammar and Reading Comprehension)
2.00 pm – 4.30 pm
2 hours 30 minutes
502/2
German (Grammar and Reading Comprehension) Large print
2.00 pm – 4.30 pm
2 hours 30 minutes
503/1
Arabic (Listening Comprehension and Dictation)
2.00 pm – 2.50 pm
50 minutes
504/2
Kenyan Sign Language (Language Use)
2.00 pm – 3.30 pm
1 hour 30 minutes
511/2
Music (Aural)
2.00 pm – 2.50 pm
50 minutes
Thursday 30/10/2025 – Technical and Practical Subjects
Paper Code
Paper Name
Session
Duration
441/1
Home Science
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
441/1
Home Science Large print
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
441/1
Home Science Braille
8.00 am – 11.00 am
3 hours
442/1
Art and Design
8.00 am – 9.30 am
1 hour 30 minutes
442/1
Art and Design Large print
8.00 am – 9.30 am
1 hour 30 minutes
444/1
Woodwork
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
444/1
Woodwork Large print
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
445/1
Metalwork
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
445/1
Metalwork Large print
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
446/1
Building Construction
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
446/1
Building Construction Large print
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
448/1
Electricity
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
448/1
Electricity Large print
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
450/1
Aviation Technology
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
447/1
Power Mechanics
2.00 pm – 4.30 pm
2 hours 30 minutes
447/1
Power Mechanics Large print
2.00 pm – 4.30 pm
2 hours 30 minutes
449/1
Drawing and Design
2.00 pm – 4.30 pm
2 hours 30 minutes
449/1
Drawing and Design Large print
2.00 pm – 4.30 pm
2 hours 30 minutes
451/1
Computer Studies
2.00 pm – 4.30 pm
2 hours 30 minutes
451/1
Computer Studies Large print
2.00 pm – 4.30 pm
2 hours 30 minutes
Friday 31/10/2025 – Practical Examinations
Paper Code
Paper Name
Session
Duration
441/2
Home Science – Clothing Construction (Practical)
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
441/2
Home Science – Clothing Construction (Practical) Large print
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
441/2
Home Science – Clothing Construction (Practical) Braille
8.00 am – 11.00 am
3 hours
442/2
Art and Design (Practical)
8.00 am – 12.00 noon
4 hours
442/2
Art and Design (Practical) Large print
8.00 am – 12.00 noon
4 hours
447/2
Power Mechanics (Practical)
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
447/2
Power Mechanics (Practical) Large print
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
448/2
Electricity (Practical)
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
448/2
Electricity (Practical) Large print
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
449/2
Drawing and Design (Practical)
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
450/2
Aviation Technology (Practical)
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
451/2
Computer Studies (Practical)
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
451/2
Computer Studies (Practical) Large print
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
Monday 03/11/2025 – Core Subjects Begin
Paper Code
Paper Name
Session
Duration
101/1
English (Functional Skills)
8.00 am – 10.00 am
2 hours
101/1
English (Functional Skills) Large Print
8.00 am – 10.00 am
2 hours
101/1
English (Functional Skills) Braille
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
101/1
English (Hearing Impaired)
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
233/1
Chemistry
2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
2 hours
233/1
Chemistry Large print
2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
2 hours
Tuesday 04/11/2025 – Mathematics and English Paper 2
Paper Code
Paper Name
Session
Duration
121/1
Mathematics Alt. A
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
121/1
Mathematics Alt. A Large Print
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
121/1
Mathematics Alt. A Braille
8.00 am – 11.00 am
3 hours
122/1
Mathematics Alt. B
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
122/1
Mathematics Alt. B Large Print
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
101/2
English (Comprehension, Literary Appreciation & Grammar)
2.00 pm – 4.30 pm
2 hours 30 minutes
101/2
English (Comprehension, Literary Appreciation & Grammar) Large print
2.00 pm – 4.30 pm
2 hours 30 minutes
101/2
English (Comprehension, Literary Appreciation & Grammar) Braille
2.00 pm – 5.00 pm
3 hours
101/2
English (Hearing Impaired)
2.00 pm – 5.00 pm
3 hours
Wednesday 05/11/2025 – Chemistry Paper 2 and English Paper 3
Paper Code
Paper Name
Session
Duration
233/2
Chemistry
8.00 am – 10.00 am
2 hours
233/2
Chemistry Large print
8.00 am – 10.00 am
2 hours
237/1
General Science
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
237/1
General Science Large print
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
101/3
English (Creative Composition and Essays based on Set Texts)
2.00 pm – 4.30 pm
2 hours 30 minutes
101/3
English (Creative Composition and Essays based on Set Texts) Large print
2.00 pm – 4.30 pm
2 hours 30 minutes
101/3
English (Creative Composition and Essays based on Set Texts) Braille
2.00 pm – 5.00 pm
3 hours
101/3
English (Hearing Impaired)
2.00 pm – 5.00 pm
3 hours
Thursday 06/11/2025 – Kiswahili Examinations
Paper Code
Paper Name
Session
Duration
102/2
Kiswahili (Lugha)
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
102/2
Kiswahili (Lugha) Large print
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
102/2
Kiswahili (Lugha) Braille
8.00 am – 11.00 am
3 hours
102/1
Kiswahili (Insha)
2.00 pm – 3.45 pm
1 hour 45 minutes
102/1
Kiswahili (Insha) Large Print
2.00 pm – 3.45 pm
1 hour 45 minutes
102/1
Kiswahili (Insha) Braille
2.00 pm – 4.15 pm
2 hours 15 minutes
Friday 07/11/2025 – Chemistry Practical
Paper Code
Paper Name
Session
Duration
233/3
Chemistry (Practical)
8.00 am – 10.15 am
2 hours 15 minutes
233/3
Chemistry (Practical) Large print
8.00 am – 10.15 am
2 hours 15 minutes
Monday 10/11/2025 – Mathematics Paper 2 and Kiswahili Fasihi
Paper Code
Paper Name
Session
Duration
121/2
Mathematics Alt. A
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
121/2
Mathematics Alt. A Large Print
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
121/2
Mathematics Alt. A Braille
8.00 am – 11.00 am
3 hours
122/2
Mathematics Alt. B
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
122/2
Mathematics Alt. B Large Print
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
102/3
Kiswahili (Fasihi)
2.00 pm – 4.30 pm
2 hours 30 minutes
102/3
Kiswahili (Fasihi) Large print
2.00 pm – 4.30 pm
2 hours 30 minutes
102/3
Kiswahili (Fasihi) Braille
2.00 pm – 5.00 pm
3 hours
Tuesday 11/11/2025 – Religious Education and Biology Paper 1
Paper Code
Paper Name
Session
Duration
313/1
Christian Religious Education
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
313/1
Christian Religious Education Large print
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
313/1
Christian Religious Education Braille
8.00 am – 11.00 am
3 hours
314/1
Islamic Religious Education
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
314/1
Islamic Religious Education Large print
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
314/1
Islamic Religious Education Braille
8.00 am – 11.00 am
3 hours
315/1
Hindu Religious Education
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
315/1
Hindu Religious Education Large print
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
315/1
Hindu Religious Education Braille
8.00 am – 11.00 am
3 hours
231/1
Biology
2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
2 hours
231/1
Biology Large print
2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
2 hours
236/1
Biology (For the Blind) Braille
2.00 pm – 4.30 pm
2 hours 30 minutes
Wednesday 12/11/2025 – Religious Education Paper 2 and History Paper 1
Paper Code
Paper Name
Session
Duration
313/2
Christian Religious Education
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
313/2
Christian Religious Education Large print
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
313/2
Christian Religious Education Braille
8.00 am – 11.00 am
3 hours
314/2
Islamic Religious Education
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
314/2
Islamic Religious Education Large print
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
314/2
Islamic Religious Education Braille
8.00 am – 11.00 am
3 hours
315/2
Hindu Religious Education
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
315/2
Hindu Religious Education Large print
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
315/2
Hindu Religious Education Braille
8.00 am – 11.00 am
3 hours
311/1
History and Government
2.00 pm – 4.30 pm
2 hours 30 minutes
311/1
History and Government Large print
2.00 pm – 4.30 pm
2 hours 30 minutes
311/1
History and Government Braille
2.00 pm – 5.00 pm
3 hours
Thursday 13/11/2025 – Biology Paper 2 and History Paper 2
Paper Code
Paper Name
Session
Duration
231/2
Biology
8.00 am – 10.00 am
2 hours
231/2
Biology Large print
8.00 am – 10.00 am
2 hours
236/2
Biology (For the Blind) Braille
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
311/2
History and Government
2.00 pm – 4.30 pm
2 hours 30 minutes
311/2
History and Government Large print
2.00 pm – 4.30 pm
2 hours 30 minutes
311/2
History and Government Braille
2.00 pm – 5.00 pm
3 hours
Friday 14/11/2025 – Biology Practical
Paper Code
Paper Name
Session
Duration
231/3
Biology (Practical)
8.00 am – 9.45 am
1 hour 45 minutes
231/3
Biology (Practical) Large print
8.00 am – 9.45 am
1 hour 45 minutes
236/3
Biology (Practical for Blind Candidates) Braille
8.00 am – 10.15 am
2 hours 15 minutes
Monday 17/11/2025 – Geography and Physics
Paper Code
Paper Name
Session
Duration
312/1
Geography
8.00 am – 10.45 am
2 hours 45 minutes
312/1
Geography Large print
8.00 am – 10.45 am
2 hours 45 minutes
312/1
Geography Braille
8.00 am – 11.15 am
3 hours 15 minutes
232/1
Physics
2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
2 hours
232/1
Physics Large Print
2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
2 hours
237/2
General Science
2.00 pm – 4.30 pm
2 hours 30 minutes
237/2
General Science Large print
2.00 pm – 4.30 pm
2 hours 30 minutes
Tuesday 18/11/2025 – Business Studies and Agriculture
Paper Code
Paper Name
Session
Duration
565/1
Business Studies
8.00 am – 10.00 am
2 hours
565/1
Business Studies Large print
8.00 am – 10.00 am
2 hours
565/1
Business Studies Braille
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
443/1
Agriculture
2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
2 hours
443/1
Agriculture Large print
2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
2 hours
443/1
Agriculture Braille
2.00 pm – 4.30 pm
2 hours 30 minutes
Wednesday 19/11/2025 – Geography Paper 2 and Physics Paper 2
Paper Code
Paper Name
Session
Duration
312/2
Geography
8.00 am – 10.45 am
2 hours 45 minutes
312/2
Geography Large print
8.00 am – 10.45 am
2 hours 45 minutes
312/2
Geography Braille
8.00 am – 11.15 am
3 hours 15 minutes
232/2
Physics
2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
2 hours
232/2
Physics Large print
2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
2 hours
Thursday 20/11/2025 – Business Studies Paper 2 and Agriculture Paper 2
Paper Code
Paper Name
Session
Duration
565/2
Business Studies
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
565/2
Business Studies Large print
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
565/2
Business Studies Braille
8.00 am – 11.00 am
3 hours
443/2
Agriculture
2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
2 hours
443/2
Agriculture Large print
2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
2 hours
443/2
Agriculture Braille
2.00 pm – 4.30 pm
2 hours 30 minutes
Friday 21/11/2025 – Final Day: Physics Practical
Paper Code
Paper Name
Session
Duration
232/3
Physics (Practical)
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
232/3
Physics (Practical) Large print
8.00 am – 10.30 am
2 hours 30 minutes
KCSE Instructions To All 2025 Candidates
If you are a KCSE candidate in 2025, KNEC has strict guidelines that all students must follow when taking their exams. So, before the official KCSE exam days arrive, you may want to familiarize yourself with these rules to avoid penalties or disqualification.
Arrive at the examination center at least 15 minutes before the start time (8:00 a.m. for morning sessions and 2:00 p.m. for afternoon sessions). Latecomers over 30 minutes will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances.
Candidates must be searched outside the examination room and seated at their desks before the exam begins.
Verify that the question paper matches the subject registered for. If maps or materials are missing, inform the supervisor immediately.
Write your name, index number, and signature correctly on the answer booklet. Use black or blue ink (no erasable pens) and pencil only for diagrams.
Number answers clearly and follow the question paper’s numbering system. Avoid writing in the margins and leave a blank line after each answer.
Do not remove any paper from the examination room. Rough work must be done in the answer booklet and left for collection.
Cell phones, unauthorized calculators, and any electronic devices are banned. Possession of these items will result in cancellation.
No communication is allowed between candidates or with outsiders during the exam.
Misconduct, such as causing disturbances or attempting to copy, will lead to severe penalties, including result cancellation.
Candidates involved in malpractice will have their entire subject results canceled and receive a “Y” grade.
Severe cases, such as impersonation or leaking exam material, may result in fines of up to KSh 2 million or imprisonment.
FAQs
Is there the KNEC July series 2025?
Yes, there will be a Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) KCSE July series in 2025. The registration period began on February 17 and will end on March 28.
Can one resit one subject in KCSE?
Yes, a candidate can retake one or more subjects in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination regardless of the year they sat for their exams, but it is important to note that your results will not change the initial Mena grade in your KCSE certificate during the first attempt.
Will there be KCSE in 2025?
Yes, like in previous years, in 2025, there will also be the KCSE exams, which start with the July series of exams, as well as a mid-year KCSE for repeat candidates. The official KCSE exam will begin with rehearsals on Friday, 17/10/2025, and end on Friday, 21/11/2025.
How do you register KCSE as a private candidate?
To register for KCSE as a private candidate, you can:
Go to the KNEC website (www.knec.ac.ke)
Download and fill out the private candidates’ registration forms
Pay the required fees
Report to the Subcounty Director of Education for further instructions
Hi, I’m Joseph, a Kenyan web developer who is the mind behind joweni.com. My work revolves around building practical digital tools like financial calculators and everyday web resources that make life a little easier. Along the way, I also share thoughts and analysis on Kenya’s tech and business space.
My journey started at Meru University of Science and Technology, and I sharpened my writing and editorial skills at platforms like TechMoran and TechArena. That mix of tech + storytelling is what shaped how I approach Joweni today.
When I’m not coding or writing, you’ll probably find me grinding ranks on Call of Duty: Mobile or geeking out on AI and machine learning, which I’m steadily working toward mastering.
