The pioneer Grade 10 CBC exams will see the first cohort of senior-school learners sit a series of written School Based Assessment (SBA) papers in October. These tests complement practicals and projects done earlier in the year and aim to measure competencies, not just memorised facts.
Key Takeaways
- What: The first Grade 10 CBC written SBA cycle includes 17 subject papers across three learning pathways.
- When: Written tests begin on 5 October 2026 and schools must upload scores by 23 October 2026.
- How: Principals download assessments, teachers administer and score them, and results are uploaded to the KNEC CBA portal.
- Focus: The system prioritises practicals, projects and applied skills, with written papers completing a holistic assessment profile.
Overview of the Grade 10 CBC exams
The Grade 10 CBC exams are part of the new Senior School assessment model under Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum. This is the first nationwide cycle that combines hands-on practical work completed in the second term with written SBA papers in the third term. The aim is to produce a fuller picture of each learner’s abilities by assessing knowledge, skills and application.
Assessment sequence: practicals first, written tests next
During the second term learners completed projects and practical assessments in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Computer Studies, Agriculture, Music and Dance, Home Science and Electricity. These activities assessed the learners’ ability to apply skills in real or simulated contexts.
After those practicals, the October written papers will test theoretical knowledge across the subjects each learner has taken in their chosen pathway. This staggered approach ensures that both the doing and the knowing elements of learning are recorded and evaluated.
Grade 10 CBC exams: subjects and learning pathways
The written SBA papers cover three main pathways: STEM, Social Sciences and Arts & Sports. The 17 subject papers are distributed across these areas and include:
- STEM: Core and Essential Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Studies, Home Science, Agriculture, Electricity.
- Social Sciences: Business Studies, History & Citizenship, Geography, and religious education options (CRE, HRE, IRE).
- Arts & Sports: Music & Dance, and Sports & Recreation.
Students sit written tests only for the subjects in their personalised subject combination, so most candidates will take only a few papers in October rather than all 17.
How the exams will be administered
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) requires principals to access assessment materials via the KNEC CBA portal. Once materials are available, principals download them and subject teachers administer the tests, score learner work, and upload scores back to the portal within the set window.
To protect assessment integrity, principals use school credentials and a one-time password for portal access. Schools are advised to use the portal’s user manual and the provided support functions if they experience login or access issues.
Technical and material considerations
KNEC’s guidelines note that some assessment tools include colour images. Schools should either print these materials in colour or make them available on digital devices so learners can see diagrams and charts clearly. This ensures fair assessment where visual detail matters.
Principals are also required to keep complete records and evidence from the assessments. Good record-keeping creates an audit trail, supports transparency and helps teachers track learner progress over time.
What this means for teachers, parents and schools
This first Grade 10 SBA written cycle is a major test of CBC implementation. Teachers need to coordinate practicals, prepare learners for the written phase, and ensure reliable submission of scores. Schools should check digital readiness—portal access, internet connectivity and devices for colour materials—well before the start date.
For parents and learners, the October exams represent the consolidation of months of learning. Results from both practicals and written papers will give a clearer view of learners’ competencies and readiness for further education or vocational pathways.
Where to find curriculum and exam resources
Schools and teachers preparing for the Grade 10 CBC exams can use curriculum designs and practice exams to guide revision and assessment planning. Relevant resources include subject-specific curriculum designs and past-style CBC exams. Examples of available materials:
- Practice CBC exam papers and sample tests to familiarise learners with SBA-style questions.
- Grade 10 curriculum designs that outline expected competencies and learning outcomes for senior school subjects.
- Senior school curriculum designs for pathway planning and subject combinations.
- CBC lesson plans to support classroom teaching linked to assessed competencies.
As the pioneer cohort sits these Grade 10 CBC exams, schools should follow KNEC’s timelines and procedures closely, ensure secure and clear presentation of all assessment materials, and maintain accurate records to support fair and reliable SBA reporting.
