WAEC 2025/2026 Grading System Explained (A1 – F9)
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Is the WAEC Grading System?
- Letter Grades and Their Meaning (A1 – F9)
- Percentage Ranges for Each Grade
- Why Understanding WAEC Grades Matters
- How WAEC Grades Affect University Admission
- Legal vs Private Candidate Grading
- Comparisons: WAEC vs NECO vs University Grading
- Common Mistakes Interpreting WAEC Grades
- Student Examples: What Your Grades Mean
- Summary Table
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
If you’re a Nigerian student waiting for your WAEC result in 2025 or 2026, you’ll see grades like A1, B2, C4, and so on. But what do they mean? This article explains the WAEC grading system in clear, simple terms, with examples and answers to questions you might have.
2. What Is the WAEC Grading System?
WAEC uses a nine-point grading scale ranging from A1 (highest) to F9 (lowest) to show how well you did in your exams. Each grade matches a performance level, like “Excellent” or “Credit.” This system is used across West African countries for standard secondary school exams.(Wikipedia, Waec Africa)
3. Letter Grades and Their Meaning (A1 – F9)
Here’s what each WAEC grade stands for:
- A1 – Excellent
- B2 – Very Good
- B3 – Good
- C4, C5, C6 – Credit
- D7, E8 – Pass
- F9 – Fail
(Waec Africa, Nuffic)
Credit (C4–C6) is a solid result. Pass (D7, E8) means you passed but may not be enough for college admission. Fail (F9) means you didn’t meet the requirement.(Edusiastic, Nuffic)
4. Percentage Ranges for Each Grade
Here’s how marks translate into grades:
| Grade | Percentage Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 75% – 100% | Excellent |
| B2 | 70% – 74% | Very Good |
| B3 | 65% – 69% | Good |
| C4 | 60% – 64% | Credit |
| C5 | 55% – 59% | Credit |
| C6 | 50% – 54% | Credit |
| D7 | 45% – 49% | Pass |
| E8 | 40% – 44% | Pass |
| F9 | 0% – 39% | Fail |
| (Waec Africa, FirstClassNigeria) |
Bigger percentages earn better grades. Always aim for at least a credit (C6) in key subjects like English and Mathematics.
5. Why Understanding WAEC Grades Matters
Knowing your WAEC grades helps you:
- Assess your performance honestly
- Apply for schools based on actual grades
- Decide if retakes are needed
- Understand strengths and weaknesses for future improvement
6. How WAEC Grades Affect University Admission
Most universities require at least C6 (Credit) in key subjects. Higher grades (B2, B3, A1) boost your chance for scholarships, competitive programs, and good admission choices. D7 or E8 may disqualify you from certain courses.(Asetena Pa, Edusiastic)
7. Legal vs Private Candidate Grading
Whether you wrote in school (May/June exam) or privately, the same grading system applies. WAEC doesn’t change grades based on candidate type.(Waec Africa)
8. Comparisons: WAEC vs NECO vs University Grading
- WAEC: A1–F9
- NECO uses the same scale
- Universities use percentage-based honors (1st class, etc.)(Wikipedia)
Understanding these differences helps align your WAEC grades with higher education requirements.
9. Common Mistakes Interpreting WAEC Grades
- Thinking D7 is a credit—it’s only “pass.”
- Assuming pass means good for competitive courses.
- Not understanding that C4 is better than C6.
- Ignoring that F9 is a complete fail.
- Overlooking that higher percentages don’t always mean higher rankings if scaled differently.
10. Student Examples: What Your Grades Mean
Example A: Aisha gets A1, B2, C4, D7, F9
- A1 in English — excellent
- B2 in Math — very good
- C4 in Biology — credit
- D7 in Chemistry — pass
- F9 in Physics — fail; needs retake
Example B: Emeka scores C5, C6, B3, B2, A1
- This mix shows strong performance and good readiness for admission.
11. Summary Table Before Conclusion
| Grade | Score % | Meaning | Next Step for Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 75–100% | Excellent | Aim to maintain/highstand |
| B2 | 70–74% | Very Good | Great choice, keep studying |
| B3 | 65–69% | Good | Solid performance |
| C4–C6 | 50–64% | Credit | Minimum pass, acceptable |
| D7–E8 | 40–49% | Pass | Retake for degree courses |
| F9 | Below 40% | Fail | Must retake before progressing |
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Which grade is best?
- A1 is the highest.
- Is C6 a pass or credit?
- It’s still a credit.
- Can D7 let me enter university?
- Generally no, except for non-competitive programs.
- Does B2 beat B3?
- Yes—B2 is stronger.
- Is E8 acceptable?
- It’s a pass but not ideal for admission.
- When should I retake?
- If D7 or lower in key subjects.
- Is F9 replaceable?
- Yes—retake in GCE or next exam.
- Will all grades stay valid?
- Yes—WAEC results don’t expire.
- Do universities recalculate WAEC grades?
- No—they use as is.
- What does ABS mean?
- Absent for that subject.
13. Conclusion
This guide breaks down the WAEC 2025/2026 grading system from A1 to F9—what each means, the percentage they correspond to, and how it impacts your education journey. Aim for at least credit (C4–C6), but strive for higher. If you fall short, don’t be discouraged—you can improve through retakes. Understanding your grades helps you plan better and succeed ahead. You’ve got this!
