The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has begun strict enforcement of limits on the number of subjects learners may sit at Ordinary and Advanced Level, restricting O-Level candidates to a maximum of nine subjects while maintaining the three-principal-subject requirement at A-Level with effect from this year.
The move is part of broader efforts to enhance learning quality by prioritising depth of understanding over the accumulation of numerous subjects, in line with the full rollout of the Heritage-Based Curriculum.
The policy comes amid national discussion triggered by the outstanding performance of Pamushana High School learner Mukudzei Ziveyi, who sat for 12 A-Level subjects in the 2025 examinations and achieved a record 56 points. While the feat was widely celebrated, education authorities expressed concern that such cases could create unhealthy academic pressure and shift focus away from meaningful learning.
Addressing the issue, the Ministry’s Director of Communication and Advocacy, Mr Taungana Ndoro, said the subject cap is a deliberate and necessary intervention to protect the integrity of the education system.
“The ministry has put clear limits in place to promote effective learning, quality teaching and reliable academic outcomes. At Ordinary Level, learners may sit up to nine subjects, while Advanced Level remains capped at three principal subjects under the Heritage-Based Curriculum,” he said.
Mr Ndoro noted that the policy is designed to encourage subject mastery, minimise learner fatigue and ensure uniform implementation across all schools.
“This framework supports the development of real competencies while ensuring that learners follow a standardised and manageable curriculum nationwide,” he added.
Under the previous system, Government covered 55 percent of examination fees for candidates taking up to seven O-Level subjects and three A-Level subjects, with learners required to pay the full cost for any additional subjects. Those who exceeded the recommended numbers often faced increased academic pressure and higher financial demands.
In media interviews after the release of his results, Ziveyi acknowledged that preparing for 12 subjects required extended study hours, reduced time per subject and special timetable arrangements approved by the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council to prevent clashes.
Mr Ndoro also pointed out that the three-subject A-Level structure aligns with university and college admission requirements, which generally cap entry points at 15 for most degree programmes.
Responding to concerns about possible grade inflation, he dismissed the claims, insisting that the national examination system remains robust.
“Zimsec employs strict quality control mechanisms such as moderation, standardisation and post-marking reviews. Higher pass rates reflect improved teaching methods, learner dedication and focused ministry support not compromised standards,” he said.
The ministry said its immediate priority is to ensure full compliance with the policy while providing support to schools and learners to excel within the approved academic limits.
