Proposed KCSE 2025 Grading System Explained Ahead of Results Release

As candidates wait for the release of the 2025 KCSE results, fresh details have emerged on the proposed grading system that will be used by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).

The new grading approach outlines how subjects will be selected, how mean grades will be calculated, and how points will be awarded per subject.

Each subject has a unique code used during registration and marking.

Here is how the KCSE 2025 Mean Grade Will Be Calculated

Under the proposed structure, a candidate’s final KCSE mean grade will be based on seven subjects, made up of 2 compulsory subjects and the 5 best-performed subjects.

Compulsory Subjects

Include one language subject, English, Kiswahili, or Kenyan Sign Language, and mathematics.

Other Subjects

The five best-performing subjects by the candidate.

The mean grade will be calculated using: Language + Mathematics + Best 5 Subjects

Minimum Subject Requirements

KNEC requires candidates to register for at least seven subjects, but students are encouraged to take 8 or 9 subjects to improve their chances of a better mean grade.

Subject Groups Breakdown

Group I

English (101), Kiswahili (102), and Mathematics (121 or 122)
Group II

At least two sciences, such as Biology (231), Physics (232), Chemistry (233), and Special options available for blind candidates
Group III
- At least one humanities subject, including History and Government (311), Geography (312), Religious Education (CRE, IRE, or HRE – only one allowed)
Additional Subject
- Selected from Groups II, III, IV, or V, including technical and applied subjects.

KCSE Points and Grades Explained

Each subject is awarded points based on performance. The points are then added together to determine the candidate’s mean grade.

Points	Grade
12	A (Plain)
11	A−
10	B+
9	B
8	B−
7	C+
6	C
5	C−
4	D+
3	D
2	D−
1	E

The highest points are (12 points)A, and the Lowest grade: (1 point) E

Special Mean Grade Symbols and Their Meaning

KNEC may issue special symbols on result slips in certain situations:

X – Candidate was absent in all subjects
Y – One or more results cancelled
U – Entry requirements not met
CRNM – Course requirements not met (Teacher, Business, or Technical exams)
P – Results pending
W – Results withheld

Subject Grading Highlights (Selected Subjects)

English (101)

A: 80–100 marks
C: 50–54 marks
E: Below 30 marks

Kiswahili (102)

A: 78–100 marks
C: 48–52 marks
E: Below 28 marks

Mathematics (121)

A: 70–100 marks
C: 37–42 marks
E: Below 12 marks

Sciences

Biology: A starts at 80 marks
Physics: A starts at 60 marks
Chemistry: A starts at 65 marks

Humanities

History & Government: A from 80 marks
Geography: A from 66 marks
CRE: A from 90 marks

Agriculture

A grade awarded for 88 marks and above

Kenyansnews.com will continue to monitor KNEC updates and share verified information as soon as the official grading structure is confirmed.
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