Mauritius Grade 4, Grade 5 and NCE Exams Postponed, SC and HSC Go Ahead

Mauritius has announced that national examinations for Grade 4, Grade 5 and the National Certificate of Education (NCE) have been postponed, while the School Certificate (SC) and Higher School Certificate (HSC) examinations will go ahead as planned.

The decision affects thousands of primary and lower-secondary school students across the island. The Grade 4 and Grade 5 assessments are sat by pupils in the upper years of primary school, while the NCE is the national exam taken at the end of Grade 9, marking the conclusion of lower secondary education.

The SC, equivalent to O-Levels and sat at the end of Grade 11 (Form V), and the HSC, equivalent to A-Levels and sat at the end of Grade 13 (Form VI/Upper VI), are the two most high-stakes public examinations in Mauritius. Both are administered by the Mauritius Examinations Syndicate (MES), the government body responsible for national assessments. The decision to maintain these sittings reflects the critical importance placed on them for university entrance and career pathways.

The postponements come against the backdrop of a period of disruption in Mauritius, with a curfew having been imposed and public transport affected in parts of the island. The authorities have been managing the balance between public safety and the academic calendar, particularly for older students for whom missing exam dates could have significant consequences.

SC and HSC candidates who arrived late at examination centres due to transport disruptions were previously granted additional time to complete their papers, signalling that authorities are taking practical steps to protect students sitting these critical exams.

No revised dates for the Grade 4, Grade 5 and NCE exams have been confirmed at this stage. Parents and students are advised to monitor official announcements from the Ministry of Education and the Mauritius Examinations Syndicate.

What this means: If your child is sitting Grade 4, Grade 5 or NCE exams, their sittings have been postponed and new dates have yet to be announced. If your child is sitting the SC or HSC, exams are continuing and attendance is expected. Families should stay in contact with their schools and check MES communications for updates.

Source: Le Defi Media