277,452 pupils start Rwanda’s primary leaving exams

RWANDA — A total of 277,452 primary school pupils began their Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, according to the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA).

Education Minister Joseph Nsengimana officially launched the examinations at Remera Catholique Primary School in Kigali City.

Of the 277,452 candidates, 154,351 are girls and 123,101 are boys. The exams are being conducted in 1,182 examination centres across the country under a timetable set by NESA.

The examinations will run until July 9, with candidates sitting Mathematics and Kinyarwanda on the first day.

English, Social Studies and Religious Education are scheduled for the second day, while the final day will focus on Science and Elementary Technology.

Minister Nsengimana wished candidates success, expressing confidence that they were well prepared, and urged them to remain calm and focused throughout the examination period.

He also warned teachers against examination malpractice, particularly assisting students to cheat, saying those involved would face consequences.

“We want to remind teachers that such practices are prohibited. Anyone found engaging in them will face consequences,” he said.

The Primary Leaving Examinations will be followed by Ordinary Level and Advanced Level national examinations scheduled for July 15-22, 2026.