Sri Lanka's General Certificate of Education Advanced Level examination will run from August 10 to September 5 across 2,532 centres nationwide, with over 280,000 candidates registered to sit the tests.
The 2026 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination will commence on Monday, August 10 and conclude on September 5, according to an announcement by the Department of Examinations. Commissioner General Indika Kumari Liyanage confirmed that comprehensive arrangements have been finalised to conduct the examinations across the country, with 2,532 examination centres, 326 coordinating centres and 32 regional collection centres established.
The total number of registered candidates differs between sources. According to the Department of Examinations, 282,310 candidates have applied, comprising 264,496 school candidates and 17,814 private candidates. However, the Commissioner General stated the figure as 372,310 candidates, including 264,496 school candidates and 107,814 private candidates. Admission cards have been distributed to school candidates through principals and to private candidates via mail. Those who lose their cards may download replacements from the Department's official website, though signatures must be certified before presentation at examination centres.
Candidates must carry accepted identification documents, including a National Identity Card, valid driving licence, or valid passport. In cases where a National Identity Card is lost, two certified photographs for a Postal Identity Card may serve as temporary identification, with certification required from school principals or Grama Niladharis depending on candidate status.
Strict regulations will be enforced throughout the examination period. Mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, notes and unauthorised materials are prohibited in examination halls. The Commissioner General warned candidates against examination malpractice, noting that student results have been suspended in previous years due to fraud. All candidates have been instructed to arrive at least one hour before their scheduled examination time and to carefully review the timetable to confirm whether papers are scheduled for morning or afternoon sessions.
