August 10, Colombo (LNW): The 2026 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination is currently happening (10), with more than 372,000 candidates taking part in the examination, which will run until September 05.
A total of 372,310 candidates are expected to sit the examination this year at 2,532 centres located across the country. Of the total, 264,496 are school candidates, while 107,814 are private applicants.
Commissioner General of Examinations Indika Kumari Liyanage said the Department had completed the necessary preparations to conduct the examination without disruption. Examination centres, supervisory personnel and other logistical arrangements have been organised in advance, she said.
Candidates have been reminded to ensure that their admission cards are in order before reporting to the examination centres. In particular, the signature appearing on an admission card must be properly certified. Those who have misplaced their admission cards can obtain another copy by downloading it through the Department of Examinations’ official website.
For identity verification, candidates will be permitted to present only a National Identity Card, a valid driving licence or a valid passport.
Special arrangements have also been outlined for candidates who have lost their NICs. School candidates may use two photographs submitted for a Postal Identity Card as temporary identification if the photographs have been certified by their school principal. Private candidates may use the same arrangement, provided the photographs are certified by the relevant Grama Niladhari.
The Department has advised candidates to reach their respective examination centres at least an hour before the scheduled commencement of each paper. They have also been urged to check the examination timetable carefully and ensure they attend each paper at the correct time.
Strict restrictions will apply inside examination halls. Mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth-enabled devices, written notes and other unauthorised materials will not be permitted.
Liyanage has also cautioned candidates against attempting to gain an unfair advantage during the examination. She noted that examination authorities had been compelled to withhold the results of a significant number of candidates in previous years because of examination-related offences.
Candidates have therefore been urged to familiarise themselves with the examination regulations and comply with all instructions issued by officials. The Department has meanwhile said it is prepared to make the necessary arrangements should an emergency arise during the examination period.