Nearly 1.2 Million Tanzanian Students Begin Primary School Leaving Examination
Over 1.1 million primary school students across Tanzania will commence their crucial Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) today, with significant national educational implications.
The national examination will involve 1,172,279 candidates, comprising 535,138 boys and 637,141 girls, who will be tested across six core subjects: Kiswahili, English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Social Studies, and Civics and Vocational Skills.
Examination authorities have emphasized strict monitoring and zero tolerance for academic misconduct. Recent data reveals that 61 students had their results nullified in the previous year due to cheating and inappropriate answer sheet content, highlighting the critical need for academic integrity.
This year’s examination includes 4,679 candidates with special needs, demonstrating Tanzania’s commitment to inclusive education. The assessment will accommodate students with various disabilities, including visual, hearing, and intellectual challenges.
A significant development accompanies this year’s PSLE: Tanzania will simultaneously launch its first national assessment for Standard Two pupils, aligned with recent curriculum reforms. This diagnostic test aims to evaluate student learning and provide targeted educational support without affecting class progression.
Education experts warn that exam malpractice can have devastating consequences, potentially derailing a student’s academic trajectory and undermining the entire educational system’s credibility.
The examination represents a pivotal moment for Tanzania’s young learners, symbolizing their academic progression and future opportunities.
