An education policy and research think-tank, Link for Education Governance (LEG), has commended education stakeholders including the Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) for professionally and efficiently administering this year’s three national public exams under the free user-fee policy.

The 2026 national examinations, PSLCE, JCE and MSCE —were administered from 1st June to 4th July 2026.

LEG Executive Director, Dr. Limbani Nsapato, told Zodiak Online Monday that the process was largely successful, inclusive and free of major malpractice.

"We followed closely the administration of the 2026 national public exams. Apart from zero leakage, the free user-fee policy allowed more students, including those from underprivileged backgrounds, to sit for the exams, making the process inclusive and accessible to all," he said.

Dr. Nsapato added that security during the exams was tightened, which helped stamp out malpractices such as leakage and cheating.  

He, however, noted a few minor challenges.

He said, "There were a few issues such as some students’ names missing from the exam register and delays in paying a few invigilators. But these were addressed and did not affect the integrity of the exams."

Minister of Education, Bright Msaka, has also commended district councils, ministry officials and MANEB for the successful administration.

"I commend the district councils, the ministry and MANEB officials for ensuring that the exams were conducted successfully this year," he said.

According to MANEB, a total of 623,106 candidates sat for the 2026 national examinations across Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education, Junior Certificate of Education, and MSCE levels.