ESSLCE Hub: Ethiopia's Grade 12 National Exam
ESSLCE preparation, results, and free weekly ESSLCE model exams from Atenu
to · ሰኔ 22 – ሐምሌ 10, 2018 ዓ.ም.
About the ESSLCE
The Ethiopian Secondary School Leaving Certificate Examination (ESSLCE) is the national Grade 12 exit exam. It is administered by the Educational Assessment and Examination Service (EAES) and determines eligibility for university admission across Ethiopia.
Every candidate sits English, Mathematics, and the Scholastic Aptitude Test, plus the three subjects of their stream: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology for Natural Science, or History, Geography, and Economics for Social Science. Most papers contain 80 to 100 multiple-choice questions drawn from the Grade 9 to 12 national curriculum.
The exam is now fully computer-based (CBT); only a small number of exception cases sit on paper. That makes knowing the exam software as important as knowing the content. The resources on this page cover both.
ESSLCE subjects by stream
- English
- Mathematics
- Aptitude Test (SAT)
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- English
- Mathematics
- Aptitude Test (SAT)
- History
- Geography
- Economics
Wondering how hard the ESSLCE is? See the 2017 EC ESSLCE results for official pass rates by stream and school type.
Atenu ESSLCE model exams
From the first weekend of October to the third weekend of June, covering the full school year.
VIP Class
Full-year ESSLCE prep with feedback
Weekly model exams from the first weekend of October to the third weekend of June, with full answer keys, personal feedback, a progress dashboard, and an offline exam app. Pricing is shared on request through Telegram.
See the VIP ClassESSLCE exam-day checklist
- 1 One week before
- Check your official schedule: date, time, and location
- Practice the CBT exam software; the exam is fully computer-based, with paper kept only for a few exception cases
- Practice model exams and review the question format
- List the key topics per subject and focus your revision there
- 2 Two to three days before
- Print your admission card and keep it safe
- Prepare your Fayda card (the national digital ID), now the main identification required
- Plan transport to the exam center and test the route
- If you have a medical condition, inform the center with documentation
- Sleep well and cut the late nights
- 3 On exam day
- Arrive at least one hour early
- Bring your admission card, Fayda card, and allowed stationery
- Do not bring phones, books, smartwatches, or other restricted items
- Eat a good breakfast and stay calm
- 4 During the exam
- Follow the supervisors' instructions carefully
- Read directions before answering and flag hard questions for later
- If stress builds, use box breathing: four seconds in, four held, four out
- 5 After each paper
- Exit quietly and skip the answer comparisons
- Reset for the next subject, or rest. You did your part.
Find your ESSLCE exam center
Look up your official ESSLCE exam center with your registration details on the Ministry of Education portal:
Check your ESSLCE exam centerHow to use the ESSLCE exam software
Watch this before exam day so the software holds no surprises.
Official ESSLCE schedule
The subject-by-subject timetable for the 2018 EC (2025/26) sitting has not been released by EAES yet. It will be posted here as soon as it is public. Join the Telegram channel to get notified.
2017 EC ESSLCE results
Official numbers from last year's ESSLCE, from public EAES and Ministry of Education announcements:
- Sat the ESSLCE
- 582,902
- Passed (over 50%)
- 48,929
- Pass rate
- 8.4%
ESSLCE frequently asked questions
What is the ESSLCE?
The Ethiopian Secondary School Leaving Certificate Examination (ESSLCE) is the national Grade 12 exit exam, administered by the Educational Assessment and Examination Service (EAES). Your score determines eligibility for university admission in Ethiopia.
When is the 2018 EC exam?
The 2018 EC (2025/26) sitting runs from June 29 to July 17, 2026 (ሰኔ 22 – ሐምሌ 10, 2018 ዓ.ም.). The subject-by-subject timetable is published by EAES closer to the exam and will appear on this page once released.
Is the ESSLCE computer-based?
Yes. The exam is now fully computer-based (CBT); only a small number of exception cases sit on paper. Practice with the official exam software before exam day so the interface holds no surprises.
Is Atenu free?
Weekly ESSLCE model exams are free with instant scoring. The VIP Class, a full-year program with weekly exams, answer keys, personal feedback, and a progress dashboard, is paid; contact us on Telegram for current pricing.
How do I join the model exams?
Register once through the registration form and you get access to the weekly online exams, every Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 AM EAT from the first weekend of October to the third weekend of June. Exams are timed, auto-graded, and work on a phone.
Can I use Atenu on my phone?
Yes. The model exams and this site are built for mobile and tested on low-bandwidth connections.
Where do I get help?
Join the Atenu Telegram channel for announcements and support, or email info@atenu.org.
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