The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has released the timetable and guidelines for the 2026 Kenya Junior School Education Assessment Qualifying Test (KJSEA QT).
According to instructions obtained by The Kenya Times, KNEC said the qualifying test will assess a candidate’s ability to sit for KJSEA and will be conducted online.
According to the examination body, all candidates registered for the qualifying test must report to their designated assessment centres on March 23, 2026, for orientation before the online test.
During the orientation, KNEC stated that the candidates will be guided through the digital assessment process.
It further stated that candidates will receive their results and official result slips immediately after completing the test. The slips will be signed by the Sub-County Director of Education (SCDE) to facilitate registration for the KJSEA.
In the guidelines, the council stated that the time allocated for each paper must be strictly observed, with no additional time allowed.
“In case of any discrepancy, the time stated on the question paper should be taken as the correct one. Time for reading through questions is part of the time shown on the question paper, except where special paper instructions indicate otherwise,” read part of the instructions.
2026 KJSEA Qualifying Test Examination Schedule
| Day | Date | Time | Paper / Subject | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 23.03.2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | QT-JS 903 Mathematics | 2 hours |
| 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | BREAK | 1 hour | ||
| 11:30 a.m. – 1:10 p.m. | QT-JS 901 English | 1 hour 40 min | ||
| Tuesday | 24.03.2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 10:10 a.m. | QT-JS 905 Integrated Science | 1 hour 40 min |
| 10:10 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. | BREAK | 1 hour | ||
| 11:10 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. | QT-JS 902 Kiswahili | 1 hour 40 min |
Also Read: KNEC Releases 2026 KCSE Timetable and Guidelines
KNEC Guidelines and Instructions
The examination body has issued the following instructions to candidates:
- Candidates cannot leave the assessment room before the end of the allocated time unless granted special permission by the supervisor.
- Communication is prohibited during the assessment. No communication with other candidates or outsiders is allowed.
- Only materials expressly authorized by KNEC may be used.
- Mathematical tables printed by KNEC may be used, but no additional notes are allowed.
- If a calculator is permitted, only the specified non-programmable model may be used.
- Any disturbance in or near the assessment room will be treated as an assessment irregularity.
- Cell phones and electronic devices are strictly prohibited, and any candidate found in possession of such devices will have their results cancelled.
Also Read: PS Bitok Explains Why KNEC Should Not Punish Entire Class for Exam Cheating
Penalties for Assessment Irregularities
The council reminded candidates that committing assessment irregularities carries strict penalties.
Any candidate found cheating will have all results for the subject cancelled and receive an overall grade of “Y”. According to KNEC, widespread irregularities may lead to the cancellation of results for an entire assessment centre.
In addition, the Council warned that Serious offences, such as unauthorized disclosure of assessment material, can result in up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of Ksh2 million, or both.
Also among the precautions issued is a disclaimer that malicious damage to assessment material carries a term of up to 5 years’ imprisonment, a fine of Ksh 5 million, or both.
Impersonation of a registered candidate can lead to up to 2 years’ imprisonment, a fine of Ksh 2 million, or both, along with a three-year ban from KNEC assessments.
Candidates have been advised to adhere to all examination rules to avoid cancellation of results or legal consequences.
