The Oyo State Common Entrance Examination 2026 timetable has been released for primary school pupils preparing to move into secondary school. Officially described by the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology as the 2026 Screening/Placement Exercise, the examination is the entry assessment used for pupils transitioning from primary school into Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1).

This follows the approval of a revised school calendar after the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) suspended its strike, which was triggered by the kidnapping incident in Oriire Local Government Area

According to the timetable, the 2026 Oyo State placement examination will hold on Thursday, August 6, 2026.

For parents, guardians and school owners, the release of the timetable offers clarity on the exam date, the papers to be written and the time pupils are expected to sit for each paper.

What Is the Oyo State Common Entrance Examination?

The examination many parents refer to as the Oyo State Common Entrance Examination is officially called the Screening/Placement Exercise. It is organised for primary school pupils who are seeking admission or placement into secondary school.

In simple terms, it is the assessment used to determine transition from the primary level into JSS1 in Oyo State schools.

Although people often use “common entrance” as the everyday name, the official timetable labels it as a Placement Exercise.

Oyo State Common Entrance Examination 2026 Date

The timetable shows that the Oyo State common entrance examination 2026 will take place on:

• Thursday, August 6, 2026

Unlike the BECE for JSS3 students, the placement examination is a one-day exercise with two papers.

Oyo State Common Entrance Timetable 2026

Below is the full timetable for the 2026 Oyo State Screening/Placement Exercise.

Subjects for the Oyo State Placement Examination 2026

Candidates will write two papers:

• Mathematics Group (Paper I)
• English Language Group (Paper II)

These two subjects focus on the foundational skills pupils are expected to have before entering secondary school. Mathematics tests number work, basic reasoning and quantitative ability, while English Language assesses reading, comprehension, grammar and communication skills.

How to Prepare Pupils for the Oyo State Common Entrance Examination 2026

Now that the Oyo State common entrance timetable 2026 has been released, parents and schools can begin targeted preparation. A few practical steps can help pupils perform better.

1. Focus heavily on Mathematics and English

Since the examination consists of only two papers, revision should be concentrated on English Language and Mathematics.

2. Use revision questions and practice exercises

Pupils should work on comprehension passages, spelling, sentence construction, arithmetic, number work and word problems.

3. Make pupils familiar with exam timing

The first paper begins by 9:00 a.m., while the second paper starts by 11:30 a.m. Pupils should know this ahead of the exam day.

4. Arrive early at the exam venue

Late arrival can affect concentration and create unnecessary stress. Parents should plan transport and movement well in advance.

5. Confirm instructions from the school

Schools may issue directions on registration slips, writing materials, venue arrangements and reporting time. Such instructions should be followed carefully.

Oyo State Common Entrance Examination 2026 Summary

Here is a quick summary of the key details:

• Exam name: Oyo State Screening/Placement Exercise 2026
• Common name: Oyo State Common Entrance Examination 2026
• Who it is for: Primary school pupils moving into secondary school
• Date: Thursday, August 6, 2026
• Subjects: Mathematics Group (Paper I) and English Language Group (Paper II)
• Duration: 2 hours for each paper

Piece of Advice on Oyo State Common Entrance Examination 2026

The release of the Oyo State Common Entrance Examination 2026 timetable gives parents, schools and pupils enough time to prepare for the transition into secondary school. Since the examination will hold on Thursday, August 6, 2026, early revision and proper planning will be important.

Parents should help pupils focus on English Language and Mathematics, while schools should ensure that candidates receive all the information they need before the examination day. There will be some questions on General Knowledge and ICT.

FAQ: Oyo State Common Entrance Examination 2026

When is the Oyo State Common Entrance Examination 2026?

The Oyo State Common Entrance Examination 2026 will hold on Thursday, August 6, 2026.

What is the official name of the Oyo State Common Entrance Examination?

The official name on the timetable is 2026 Screening/Placement Exercise.

Who will write the Oyo State placement examination 2026?

The examination is for primary school pupils moving into secondary school, especially those seeking entry into JSS1.

What subjects will candidates write in the Oyo State Common Entrance Examination 2026?

Candidates will write:

• Mathematics Group (Paper I)
• English Language Group (Paper II)

What time will the Oyo State common entrance exam start?

The first paper, Mathematics Group (Paper I), will start at 9:00 a.m.

Is the Oyo State Common Entrance Examination the same as the placement exercise?

Yes. The timetable refers to it officially as the Screening/Placement Exercise, but many parents and schools commonly call it the Common Entrance Examination.