For the first time in Tanzania’s education system, more than 1.6 million Standard Four pupils will sit for their National Assessment Examinations starting Wednesday, October 22, 2025, under the newly revised national curriculum aligned with the 2014 Education Policy (2023 edition), NECTA Standard Four Exams Start Tomorrow Under New Curriculum
This historic exercise marks the beginning of a new era in primary education, designed to assess learners’ competencies and skills rather than rote memorization. The new curriculum emphasizes practical learning, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
NECTA Ensures Security and Readiness Nationwide
The National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA) has directed all regional and district examination committees to strengthen security measures at every examination center to ensure a safe and fair testing environment.
“A total of 1,586,140 candidates have been registered for this year’s Standard Four National Assessment,” said Professor Mohamed. “Among them, 768,290 are boys and 817,850 are girls.”
Number of Registered Pupils by Gender
| Category | Number of Pupils | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Boys | 768,290 | 48.31% |
| Girls | 817,850 | 51.69% |
| Total | 1,586,140 | 100% |
Subjects to Be Tested
According to NECTA, pupils will sit for six core subjects, grouped under science and arts disciplines, alongside three optional languages.
| Category | Subjects |
|---|---|
| Science Subjects | Integrated Science (Mathematics, Geography, and Environmental Studies) |
| Arts Subjects | Sports, Kiswahili, English, Tanzanian History & Ethics |
| Optional Languages | Chinese, Arabic, French |
The inclusion of optional foreign languages is part of the government’s effort to expand global communication skills and align the education system with international standards.
Inclusion for Pupils with Functional Needs
NECTA has ensured that 5,750 pupils with Functional Needs will participate in this year’s examinations. Special arrangements, exam papers, and tools have been prepared to meet their specific learning requirements.
| Type of Disability | Number of Pupils |
|---|---|
| Low Vision | 1,164 |
| Blind | 111 |
| Hearing Impairment | 1,161 |
| Intellectual Disabilities | 1,641 |
| Physical Disabilities | 1,673 |
| Total | 5,750 |
Strong Measures to Prevent Cheating
NECTA and regional examination committees have implemented strict measures to curb exam malpractice. All invigilators have undergone special training sessions to ensure that the assessment is administered transparently and professionally.
“We have worked closely with local authorities to seal all loopholes that could lead to cheating or information leaks. also Our priority is fairness and credibility,” said Professor Mohamed.
Purpose of the Assessment
The Standard Four National Assessment plays a crucial role in measuring pupils’ mastery of Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic (3Rs) — key foundational skills needed for higher learning levels. So Professor Mohamed explained that the exam results will help identify strengths and weaknesses in the learning process, guiding teachers and policymakers to improve instruction and educational outcomes.
“This assessment provides valuable feedback to educators and helps strengthen teaching strategies in schools. It’s a vital tool for monitoring the quality of education,” he noted.
A Major Step in Education Reform
Generally the 2025 Standard Four assessment marks a major step in Tanzania’s education reform journey, emphasizing competency-based learning and inclusivity. It reflects the government’s commitment to equipping pupils with the skills needed for a dynamic, knowledge-based economy. As pupils prepare to sit for their exams tomorrow, teachers, parents, and education officials across the nation express optimism that the new curriculum will raise the standard of education and nurture a generation of confident, capable learners.
