Comparison of the 2023 and 2024 U.C.E. Examination Timetables

The Uganda Certificate of Education (U.C.E.) examination timetable for both 2023 and 2024 follows a structured pattern aimed at organizing practical and theory sessions for various subjects. However, there are some notable differences and similarities in the arrangement, subject placement, and overall structure of the two exam years.

Similarities

1. Briefing Day: Both timetables begin with a mandatory briefing session. In 2023, this occurred on Friday, 13th October, while for 2024, it is scheduled for Friday, 11th October. This highlights a consistent focus on preparing students with proper instructions.

2. Core Subjects Early in the Schedule: Core subjects like Mathematics, Geography, Chemistry, and Biology are placed early in both timetables. For example, in both years, Geography appears in mid-October, followed by Chemistry practicals and Mathematics shortly after.

3. Examination Duration: The standard duration of 2 to 3 hours for most papers, including Mathematics, Physics, and History, remains unchanged across the two years. This reflects UNEB’s consistent evaluation format.

4. Practical Sessions: Practical subjects, such as Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Art, dominate the midsection of both timetables. In both years, Physics practicals take place in late October or early November, with Art practicals spread throughout the exam period.

Differences

1. Subject Placement Shifts: A noticeable change between 2023 and 2024 is the rearrangement of certain subjects. For example, Computer Studies, which was examined on Tuesday, 31st October 2023, appears later in 2024, scheduled for 1st November. Similarly, Religious Education papers in 2023 occur in late October, while in 2024 they have been moved up slightly.

2. Conclusion of the Exams: The 2023 timetable ends on Friday, 17th November, with technical subjects such as Technical Drawing and Electrical Practice. In contrast, the 2024 timetable concludes earlier on Friday, 8th November, suggesting a tighter schedule for the latter year.

3. Additional Languages: Both years feature the examination of regional languages, but their placement varies slightly. In 2023, languages like Luganda and Runyankore are scheduled for 14th November, while in 2024, they are positioned a few days earlier.

4. Duration of Exams: In 2024, there is a slight adjustment to some paper durations. For instance, while Physics practicals maintain the 2-hour duration in both years, some subjects, such as Entrepreneurship Education, have been streamlined in 2024 to align better with other similar subjects.

The comparison of the 2023 and 2024 U.C.E. timetables reveals a largely consistent structure, with minor adjustments in subject placement and exam duration. The focus on maintaining core subjects early, followed by practicals and specialized subjects, demonstrates UNEB's commitment to a structured examination process. However, subtle changes in the placement of certain subjects and the earlier conclusion of the 2024 timetable reflect attempts to improve efficiency and manage the workload of both students and invigilators.