KAMPALA, Uganda — The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has released the official timetable for the 2025 Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), confirming that this year’s exams will begin on Nov. 3.
According to UNEB, PLE candidates will be formally briefed on Friday, Oct. 31, a mandatory session where pupils will be guided on rules, examination conduct, and procedures before sitting for their first papers.
The written exams will run for two days, starting on Monday, Nov. 3, and concluding on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Subjects include Mathematics, Social Studies and Religious Education, English Language, and Science.
UNEB Executive Director Dan Odongo said a total of 818,010 candidates have registered for PLE this year, up from 797,444 in 2024. The figure reflects a 2.5% increase in candidature at the primary school level.
Of these, 51.5% are girls and 48.5% are boys, continuing the trend of higher female participation in national examinations. A total of 3,619 candidates with special needs will also sit for the exams under UNEB’s Special Needs Education (SNE) program, which has grown by 4.5% this year.
UNEB emphasized that all schools must strictly adhere to the timetable and ensure pupils are adequately prepared. The board also warned against malpractice, reminding candidates and supervisors that involvement in cheating could result in the cancellation of results.
“This year’s PLE marks another milestone in assessing learners’ achievement and readiness for post-primary education. We call upon all stakeholders—parents, teachers, and candidates—to play their part in ensuring the smooth running of the examinations,” Odongo said.
Uganda’s PLE 2025 starts Nov. 3 with Mathematics and Social Studies, followed by English and Science on Nov. 4. UNEB confirms 818,010 pupils will sit the exams
Government sponsorship under the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program will cover a significant number of candidates, while others are privately sponsored.
The PLE is the first step in Uganda’s national examination cycle, followed by the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE), which will be held later in November.
2025 Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) Timetable
Friday, Oct. 31, 2025
Morning: Briefing of candidates on directions and caution (mandatory)
Monday, Nov. 3, 2025
Morning (9:00 a.m.) – Mathematics
Afternoon (2:00 p.m.) – Social Studies & Religious Education
Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025
Morning (9:00 a.m.) – English Language
Afternoon (2:00 p.m.) – Science
Key Notes for Candidates & Parents
All pupils must attend the briefing on Oct. 31; failure to do so may affect participation in the exams.
Candidates should be seated at least 30 minutes before the start of each paper.
Each session allows extra time for learners with special needs, as directed by UNEB.
Malpractice (copying, smuggling notes, or using mobile phones) can lead to cancellation of results.
