BECE Results Withheld or Cancelled? Here’s What It Means and What to Do

The release of the BECE results is always an exciting moment for students and parents. For many, it’s the gateway to gaining admission into Senior High School (SHS). However, some candidates are often shocked to find strange symbols like ‘W’ (Withheld) or ‘*’ (Cancelled) instead of their grades.

Please kindly Share this Article on WhatsApp, Facebook and other Social Media Platform Using the Button Below. Thanks For Sharing🙏

If you’ve found yourself in this situation, don’t panic. This guide explains what those marks mean, why they appear, and the steps you should take.

Table of Contents

What Does ‘W’ (Withheld) Mean?

When your subject grade is marked with ‘W’, it means WAEC has withheld that result. This usually happens when the examining body suspects some form of irregularity or malpractice during the exam.

Reasons may include:

Suspected cheating in the exam hall.
Collusion between candidates.
Use of unauthorized materials.
Cases where scripts or answer booklets appear identical.

Important: Withheld results are not always permanent. WAEC conducts investigations, and if you are cleared, your results may later be released.

**What Does ‘*’ (Cancelled) Mean?**

A grade marked with an asterisk ‘*’ means the subject has been cancelled. This is more serious than withheld results. It indicates that WAEC found strong evidence of malpractice in that subject.

Cancellation can be:

Subject Cancellation – Only the affected paper is cancelled.
Entire Results Cancellation – In severe cases, all your results may be cancelled.

Unfortunately, if a subject is cancelled, WAEC does not reverse it.

Where to Get More Information

If your results show ‘W’ or ‘*’, you are advised to visit the WAEC irregularities portal:

https://irreg.waecgh.org

On this site, you can:

Check updates on withheld or cancelled results.
Find official notices and press releases from WAEC.
Get clarity on whether your withheld result has been released or confirmed as cancelled.

What Should Candidates Do?

Stay Calm – Don’t panic immediately. Withheld results may later be released if no malpractice is proven.
Check the Irregularities Portal Regularly – Updates are usually posted there.
Contact Your School Authorities – Your school may receive official communication from WAEC about the issue.
Be Honest With Yourself – If you know you were involved in malpractice, the cancellation may be final.
Focus on the Future – Even if a subject is cancelled, it doesn’t mean the end of your academic journey. Work with what you have and consider your available options.

How to Avoid Withheld or Cancelled Results in the Future

Always follow exam rules and regulations.
Avoid carrying foreign materials into the exam hall.
Never rely on leaked papers or so-called “apor”.
Listen to invigilators’ instructions.

Remember: WAEC takes examination malpractice very seriously, and the consequences can affect your entire future.

Conclusion

Seeing a ‘W’ or ‘*’ on your BECE results can be disappointing, but it’s not the end of the road. While withheld results may later be released, cancelled results are usually final.

The best thing you can do is visit irreg.waecgh.org for official updates and stay informed. No matter the outcome, there are always other educational opportunities ahead.