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The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams are a crucial milestone in every student’s academic journey. The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has officially released the KCSE 2025 Timetable, and candidates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the dates to help them prepare efficiently.
Whether you’re searching for the KCSE exam schedule 2025, the KCSE timetable 2025 pdf download, or need to know when the KCSE 2025 exams begin, this guide has everything you need.
When Do KCSE 2025 Exams Start?
The KCSE 2025 exams will follow this timeline:
- Project-based assessments: January to July 2025
- Rehearsal Day: Friday, 17th October 2025
- Main written exams: Start Monday, 3rd November 2025
- Final day of exams: Friday, 21st November 2025
👉 Note: Some oral and practical exams such as French, Arabic, Home Science, and Music begin as early as 21st October 2025.
KCSE Timetable 2025 PDF Download
You can now download the official KCSE 2025 timetable PDF directly from KNEC or through our link below:
🔗 KCSE Timetable 2025 PDF Free Download
The document contains:
- Daily schedule
- Subject codes
- Paper durations
- Braille and large print versions
- Practical and oral session timings
Highlighted KCSE 2025 Exam Dates (Main Papers)
Here’s a breakdown of key examination dates:
Monday, 3rd November 2025
- English Paper 1: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Chemistry Paper 1: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday, 4th November 2025
- Mathematics Paper 1 (Alt A/B): 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- English Paper 2: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday, 5th November 2025
- Chemistry Paper 2 / General Science: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- English Paper 3: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Thursday, 6th November 2025
- Kiswahili Paper 2 (Lugha): 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- Kiswahili Paper 1 (Insha): 2:00 PM – 3:45 PM
Friday, 7th November 2025
- Chemistry Practical: 8:00 AM – 10:15 AM
…and the exams continue through to Friday, 21st November with Physics Practical.
KCSE 2025 Main Examination Timetable (Written Papers)
Date | Time | Paper | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
Monday, 3 Nov | 8:00 AM | English Paper 1 (Functional Skills) | 2 hrs |
2:00 PM | Chemistry Paper 1 | 2 hrs | |
Tuesday, 4 Nov | 8:00 AM | Mathematics Paper 1 (Alt. A / B) | 2 hrs 30 mins |
2:00 PM | English Paper 2 (Comprehension & Grammar) | 2 hrs 30 mins | |
Wednesday, 5 Nov | 8:00 AM | Chemistry Paper 2 / General Science | 2 hrs / 2 hrs 30 mins |
2:00 PM | English Paper 3 (Composition & Set Texts) | 2 hrs 30 mins | |
Thursday, 6 Nov | 8:00 AM | Kiswahili Paper 2 (Lugha) | 2 hrs 30 mins |
2:00 PM | Kiswahili Paper 1 (Insha) | 1 hr 45 mins | |
Friday, 7 Nov | 8:00 AM | Chemistry Practical | 2 hrs 15 mins |
Monday, 10 Nov | 8:00 AM | Mathematics Paper 2 (Alt. A / B) | 2 hrs 30 mins |
2:00 PM | Kiswahili Paper 3 (Fasihi) | 2 hrs 30 mins | |
Tuesday, 11 Nov | 8:00 AM | CRE / IRE / HRE Paper 1 | 2 hrs 30 mins |
2:00 PM | Biology Paper 1 | 2 hrs | |
Wednesday, 12 Nov | 8:00 AM | CRE / IRE / HRE Paper 2 | 2 hrs 30 mins |
2:00 PM | History and Government Paper 1 | 2 hrs 30 mins | |
Thursday, 13 Nov | 8:00 AM | Biology Paper 2 | 2 hrs |
2:00 PM | History and Government Paper 2 | 2 hrs 30 mins | |
Friday, 14 Nov | 8:00 AM | Biology Practical | 1 hr 45 mins |
Monday, 17 Nov | 8:00 AM | Geography Paper 1 | 2 hrs 45 mins |
2:00 PM | Physics Paper 1 | 2 hrs | |
Tuesday, 18 Nov | 8:00 AM | Business Studies Paper 1 | 2 hrs |
2:00 PM | Agriculture Paper 1 | 2 hrs | |
Wednesday, 19 Nov | 8:00 AM | Geography Paper 2 | 2 hrs 45 mins |
2:00 PM | Physics Paper 2 | 2 hrs | |
Thursday, 20 Nov | 8:00 AM | Business Studies Paper 2 | 2 hrs 30 mins |
2:00 PM | Agriculture Paper 2 | 2 hrs | |
Friday, 21 Nov | 8:00 AM | Physics Practical | 2 hrs 30 mins |
Special Subjects & Projects
Students taking technical or creative subjects such as:
- Art and Design
- Agriculture
- Woodwork
- Computer Studies
…will need to complete project work from January to July 2025, with milestones submitted online by KNEC deadlines.
KNEC Exam Day Instructions for Candidates
To ensure everything runs smoothly:
- Report to the exam room 15 minutes early.
- No phones, smartwatches, or unauthorized materials are allowed.
- Write your index number and name clearly on each script.
- Use blue or black ink, and only use pencil for diagrams.
- Bring necessary tools: geometry sets, calculators (non-programmable), and mathematical tables.
Penalties for KCSE Irregularities
Avoid all forms of cheating or misconduct. According to the KNEC Act No. 29 of 2012:
- Subject cancellation for irregularities.
- Centre-wide cancellation for widespread cheating.
- Jail terms and fines for impersonation or revealing exam content.
Study Tips for KCSE 2025 Success
- Start revision early using the timetable as a guide.
- Create a personalized study schedule aligned with the exam calendar.
- Focus on past KCSE papers and KNEC-approved revision materials.
- Get support from teachers, peers, and online learning platforms.
- Prioritize rest and healthy habits as the exam approaches.
KCSE 2025 Timetable FAQs
Q: Is the KCSE 2025 timetable out?
✅ Yes, it’s officially released by KNEC.
Q: When do KCSE 2025 written exams start?
🗓️ Monday, 3rd November 2025.
Q: How can I download the KCSE timetable 2025 PDF?
📥 Use the link in this post or visit https://www.knec.ac.ke.
Q: Are calculators allowed in KCSE 2025?
🧮 Yes, non-programmable calculators are allowed for subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and more.
Final Thoughts
The KCSE 2025 timetable is not just a schedule—it’s a strategy guide. It helps you organize your study plan, reduce last-minute panic, and boost your confidence. Download your copy, mark your calendar, and commit to excellence.
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Find KCSE Past papers Read or Download KCSE Past Papers Here
KCSE Past Papers
THE 2025 KCSE EXAMINATION TIMETABLE
2025 KCSE Timetable
2025 KCSE Time table instructions
The timetable has given out several guidelines including
2025 KCSE timetable guidelines directed to Supervisors, Invigilators teachers, and candidates. Simplified guideline include
- Exam will begin at 8.00am
- No extra time will be added. The correct time will be indicated on each paper
- Time for reading through the paper is part of the time allocated but for some special papers instructions may directed otherwise
- After the allocated time is over, the invigilator and supervisor should ensure that the candidate’ answer script has the student’s name, index number, and signature.
- Students are only to take the subject they are registered for.
2025 KCSE Timetable Guidelines and Instructions to teachers and candidates

Betty is a qualified teacher with a Bachelor of Education (Arts). In addition, she is a registered Certified Public Accountant. She has been teaching and offering part-time accounting services for the last 10 years. She is passionate about education, accounting, writing, and traveling.