The 2026 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination is scheduled to commence tomorrow, August 10, and will continue until September 5, the Department of Examinations has announced.

Accordingly, a total of 372,310 candidates are scheduled to sit for this year’s A/L examination, which will be conducted at 2,532 examination centres across the island.

The Commissioner General of Examinations, Indika Kumari Liyanage noted that all arrangements have been made to ensure the smooth conduct of the A/L examination, with examination centres, supervisory staff and other logistical requirements prepared ahead of the commencement of the examination.

She confirmed that a total of 372,310 candidates are scheduled to sit for the examination, including 264,496 school candidates and 107,814 private candidates.

Liyanage said that admission cards for school candidates have been sent to the respective school principals, while those of private candidates have been mailed to their addresses.

Candidates are required to have their signatures on the admission cards properly certified before entering the examination hall. 

She stated that if the admission card is lost, it can be re-downloaded from the official website of the Department of Examinations.

Liyanage also stated that candidates may use only a National Identity Card (NIC), valid driving licence, or valid passport for identity verification at the examination.

The Commissioner General of Examinations further stated that if a candidate’s NIC has been lost, two photographs used for a Postal Identity Card may be used as a temporary identification document, provided they are certified by the school principal for school candidates and by the relevant Grama Niladhari for private candidates.

Students have been advised to arrive at examination centres at least one hour before the scheduled starting time and carefully follow the examination timetable.

The Department has also reminded candidates that mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, and notes are strictly prohibited inside examination halls.

Liyanage warned candidates against examination malpractice, noting that the results of many students had been suspended in previous years due to examination fraud.

She urged all candidates to strictly follow examination rules and regulations and assured that the Department of Examinations is prepared to provide necessary facilities in the event of an emergency.

Meanwhile, the 2026 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination was held today at 2,723 examination centres across the island, with 294,089 candidates sitting for the examination.