The 2026 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination begins today (10) and will continue until September 5, according to the Department of Examinations.
A total of 372,310 candidates are sitting for this year’s examination at 2,532 examination centres across the country. This includes 264,496 school candidates and 107,814 private candidates.
Commissioner General of Examinations Indika Kumari Liyanage said all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination, including the preparation of examination centres, supervisory staff and other logistical requirements.
Candidates are required to have their signatures on their admission cards properly certified before entering the examination hall. If an admission card has been lost, it can be downloaded again from the official website of the Department of Examinations.
For identification purposes, candidates may use only a National Identity Card, valid driving licence or valid passport.
If a candidate’s NIC has been lost, two photographs used for a Postal Identity Card may be accepted as temporary identification, provided they are certified by the school principal for school candidates or the relevant Grama Niladhari for private candidates.
The Department has advised candidates to arrive at their examination centres at least one hour before the scheduled starting time and to carefully follow the examination timetable.
Mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices and notes are strictly prohibited inside examination halls.
Liyanage also warned candidates against examination malpractice, noting that the results of many candidates had been suspended in previous years due to examination-related fraud.
She urged all candidates to strictly follow examination rules and regulations and assured that the Department is prepared to provide the necessary facilities in the event of an emergency.
