Hybrid format for Jan 2026 CSEC examinations

The Education Ministry announced on Monday the January 2026 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations will be administered using hybrid format, marking a significant shift in the way students complete their assessments. According to the announcement posted on the Ministry’s Facebook page, the Paper One of the examinations will strictly be conducted digitally, with no printed question paper or answer sheets provided. Candidates will view their question paper on a computer and will select their answers directly on screen.
Subsequently Paper Two and Paper 3 components however will be taking a hybrid format. In this arrangement, questions will appear on screen while students will write their answers in hybrid answer booklets that will be provided. In a video previously posted by the Ministry on December 24, 2025 it was stated that this method aims to provide another level of security for examination papers, to reduce the volume of printed paper used and to introduce candidates to full e-assessment.
The Ministry indicated that these changes apply only to the January 2026 examinations and are part of an ongoing efforts to modernise assessments delivery and integrate technology into the examination process. Students, parents and schools are being encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new format ahead of exam day to ensure a smooth transition. Only recently, the Guyana Digital School was officially launched, promising to transform education and equip students with the skills needed for the 21st century. The initiative, the brainchild of President Dr Irfaan Ali, saw scores of pupils tuning in virtually from several regions across Guyana. Students from other CARICOM states also joined, with plans in place to extend full access to learners across the region when the programme opens.
According to President Ali, the digital school is more than just an online platform; it is a gateway to  digital learning and an enabler of essential skills for students, particularly those who face challenges accessing traditional schooling.