The practical exam for West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Biology paper is a critical part of the exam year for science students. Having the correct specimen list and knowing what to expect can make a significant difference in your performance. For the 2025-2026 session, there is a published specimen list that many students are sharing and preparing with. In this guide, we present the full specimen list as reported publicly, explain what each specimen entails, show the required materials, and give practical advice on how to prepare effectively for the exam.
Because WAEC practical exams test your observational skills, biological knowledge, and ability to handle specimens and lab tasks under exam conditions, it is important to treat the specimen list as the primary guide for revision and practice. This article aims to give you a calm, clear, and complete picture of what to expect so you can step into the exam hall with confidence.
2025-2026 WAEC Biology Practical Specimen List
Based on the most recent publicly available resources, the specimen list for the 2025-2026 WAEC Biology practical exam includes multiple items from plants, animals, and nonliving ecological samples. Below is the compiled list (Specimen A through Specimen N).
Specimen List (Alternative A / 2025-2026):
| Specimen Code | Description |
|---|---|
| Specimen A | Mature fresh eggs of catfish |
| Specimen B | Fresh egg of domestic fowl (raw, with shell intact) |
| Specimen C | Picture / model / chart of uterus containing a foetus |
| Specimen D | Longitudinal section of ovary of “Pride of Barbados” flower |
| Specimen E | Leaf of “Pride of Barbados” flower |
| Specimen F | Panicum plant / Guinea grass (whole plant) |
| Specimen G | Cocoyam plant / Caladium plant (whole plant) |
| Specimen H | Corm of cocoyam |
| Specimen J | Dry humus in a beaker |
| Specimen K | Moist humus in a beaker |
| Specimen L | Ripe orange fruit (whole) |
| Specimen M | Longitudinal section of coconut fruit |
| Specimen N | Longitudinal section of fresh chili pepper fruit |
This list, if used properly in preparation, gives a solid base on what to expect in the practical exam and helps avoid surprises on exam day.
What Materials & Tools should be used for the Practical WAEC Biology Exam
Wars like practical biology require not just specimens but also materials and tools. For 2025-2026, the recommended equipment and reagents candidates should have (or expect their exam centre to provide) include: hand lens (magnifying lens), scalpel or razor blade or knife, forceps, hand gloves, spatula, Petri dish, Fehling’s solutions A and B, iodine solution. Also See: SS1 Biology Scheme of Work (First, Second & Third Term
Here is a breakdown of why each is important:
- Hand lens / magnifying lens: helps observe fine details on leaves, seeds, small fruits or dissected structures.
- Scalpel / razor blade / knife: needed for cutting open fruits (e.g. coconut, orange, chilli pepper), sectioning plant organs, or dissecting specimens.
- Forceps: useful when handling small or delicate parts without damaging them.
- Hand gloves: ensures hygiene and safety when handling organic specimens like fish eggs, humus, or dissected materials.
- Spatula: useful for soil or humus samples (dry or moist), for transferring small amounts.
- Petri dish: for holding small specimens or dissected parts for observation.
- Fehling’s solutions A & B, iodine solution: for biochemical tests (e.g. testing for starch, sugar), which are often part of Biology practical exams.
If you are preparing for the practicals in advance, make sure you or your school lab has access to these materials. It’s wise to check before exam day so that you avoid being caught unprepared.
What you should Expect in the 2026 WAEC Biology Practical Exam
Understanding the specimen list and tools is just the start. It is also important to know what kinds of tasks or questions can come up during the practical exam. Based on past WAEC Biology practical exams and specimen lists, candidates can expect a variety of tasks that test different biology skills.
Observation and Description of Specimens
Many questions will likely ask you to observe given specimens — this can include plant parts (leaf, corm, whole plant), fruits (orange, coconut, chilli pepper), and possibly animal-related specimens (fish eggs, fowl egg). You may need to: identify parts, describe shapes, textures, features, internal structure (in case of cut sections), or note external features like leaf venation.
For example, with a longitudinal section of a coconut fruit, you might be asked to identify parts such as pericarp, endosperm or embryo. With a leaf of Pride of Barbados flower, you might identify leaf arrangement, venation pattern or leaf margin.
Dissections and Internal Anatomy / Sectioning
Specimens like the fish egg, fowl egg, or even floral organs (ovary section of a flower) may require careful observation — possibly dissecting, slicing or sectioning. This tests your ability to handle biological tools and understand internal anatomy or developmental stages. For the chart of uterus with fetus, questions may test understanding of mammalian reproduction, foetal development, or pregnancy anatomy.
Ecology / Soil / Humus / Environment-based Questions
With specimens such as dry humus or moist humus in a beaker, the exam might test ecological concepts: soil composition, organic matter, decomposition, or differences between dry and moist soil conditions. Candidates may be asked about soil texture, soil organisms, humus role in soil fertility or water retention.
Biochemical Tests and Food / Plant / Cellular Tests
Using reagents like Fehling’s solutions or iodine solution, practical tasks often include testing for starch, reducing sugar, or presence of certain compounds in fruits, seeds or plant tissues. For instance, testing orange or coconut for presence of starch or sugar, or testing leaf cells for starch storage. This checks your knowledge of plant physiology and basic biochemistry.
Drawing and Labelling
Another common task is drawing and labelling key structures. For example: cross-section of a fruit, leaf anatomy, plant root system, seed, embryo inside an egg, or parts of a flower. These drawings are often required to be neat, labelled correctly, and sometimes compared (e.g. monocot vs dicot leaf). Many past practicals place importance on accurate sketches.
In sum, the practical exam tests a broad range of skills — from observation and dissection to biochemical tests and ecological understanding. Being familiar with the specimens and practicing accordingly gives you a big advantage.
How to Prepare for WAEC Biology Practical 2026 Specimen
Having the list is one thing. Preparing effectively is another. Below are practical steps you should take to make your preparation efficient and effective.
- Collect actual specimens where possible
Practice with real specimens similar to those on the list: fresh catfish eggs, fowl eggs, fruits (orange, coconut, chilli pepper), plants (Panicum, cocoyam or Caladium), and soil/humus samples. Having real specimens helps you get used to textures, smells, internal structures and practical handling. - Get and practice with the required tools
Ensure you or your school lab has hand-lens, scalpel, forceps, gloves, Petri dish, reagents (iodine, Fehling’s solutions), spatula and gloves. Practice cutting, sectioning, examining — and always observe safety and hygiene rules. - Practice observation and drawing
Work on making clear, labelled diagrams of leaves, fruits, plant parts, dissected eggs, or any specimen you observe. Pay close attention to detail (veins, seed structure, embryo, pericarp, etc.). Practice proper labelling and rules (title, magnification, labels, key). - Revise related theory
Since practicals test not only observation but also knowledge, revise plant physiology (photosynthesis, respiration, nutrition), reproduction (plant and animal), taxonomy (monocot/dicot, plant groups), ecology (soil, humus, ecosystem), anatomy (organs, cells), and biochemistry tests (starch, sugar, protein). - Simulate exam conditions
Time yourself while performing tasks, practice using limited equipment, or group-work if your exam centre uses shared specimens. Practicing under exam-like conditions helps you manage time and stress. - Stay updated with any official announcements
Sometimes WAEC may release changes, or specimen alternatives. Keep in touch with your teachers and official WAEC communication channels for updates.
By preparing thoroughly according to these steps, you increase your chances of doing well in the practical exam—especially since practicals are often a deciding factor in final grades.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Biology Practical Exam
Even with proper preparation, some common mistakes can reduce your performance. Being aware of these helps you avoid them.
- Relying on memory only, not actual specimens: Many students memorize specimen lists but have never handled real samples. This can lead to confusion when the real specimen looks different from what is memorized. Always practice with real or close-to-real specimens.
- Poor or absent drawings / sketches: Since drawings and labelling make up part of practical marks, sloppiness can cost you. Always draw neatly, label correctly, and follow standard drawing rules (title, magnification if needed, key).
- Mixing up specimen codes: Specimen letters (A, B, C…) must match whatever the examiner gives. Mislabelling specimen codes can lead to wrong answers.
- Ignoring hygiene and safety: Handling specimens improperly or without gloves can lead to contamination or injury. Always follow safety rules.
- Ignoring theory behind practicals: Practical exams often include questions on function, structure, ecological importance or biochemical processes. If you only focus on observation without understanding, you may lose marks.
- Poor time management: Practical exam often has limited time. Spending too long on one specimen or task can leave you short on other tasks. Practice under timed conditions.
Avoiding these mistakes helps ensure your practical exam performance reflects your actual knowledge and skills.
What to Do if WAEC Updates or Changes Specimens
Even though the 2025-2026 specimen list above is widely circulated, it is possible for your exam centre or WAEC to adjust or provide alternative specimens. Here is what you should do to stay safe and prepared.
- Check official sources: Before your exam, confirm with your school or official WAEC notices whether the specimen list remains the same. Schools often receive official specimen documents directly from WAEC.
- Be flexible in preparation: While focusing on the listed specimens, also review basic biology practical knowledge — plant anatomy, cell structure, common experiments (microscopy, staining, food tests, ecology). That way, you are ready even if there is a surprise specimen.
- Practice general lab skills: Skills such as dissection, drawing, using reagents, handling slides and microscopes — these are useful no matter what the specimen is. Basic lab competence gives you adaptability.
- Work in groups where allowed: If specimens are shared among candidates in the lab, practice group tasks and lab etiquette. Understand how to share tools, record observations, and work fast and neat.
This flexible, broad-based preparation approach helps even if changes occur.
How Teachers and Schools Should Prepare for WAEC Biology Practicals
The practical exam is not just for students — schools and teachers have a big role. Proper preparation ensures that practical sessions go smoothly and fairly.
- Procure specimens and materials in advance: Teachers should ensure the school lab gets the required specimens (plants, eggs, fruits, humus, etc.) and materials (scalpels, Petri dishes, reagents) early. This gives students time to practice.
- Organize mock practical sessions: Schools should run mock practicals using the specimen list so students gain hands-on practice under exam-like conditions. This improves students’ confidence and helps identify areas needing more attention.
- Ensure hygiene and safety: Because many specimens involve organic materials, schools must ensure lab hygiene, provide gloves and safety tools, and teach proper disposal of waste.
- Teach practical techniques and diagrams: Teachers should instruct students on how to dissect, observe, draw and label correctly. Also teach how to perform common biochemical or ecological tests.
- Update students with any changes or announcements from WAEC: Sometimes WAEC may update specimen lists or instructions. Schools should check official WAEC communication channels and relay updates to students quickly.
Good preparation by teachers and schools helps students succeed and ensures fairness during the practical exam.
Study Plan for Students Preparing for WAEC Biology Practical 2026
Having a plan helps you stay organized and cover all needed areas. Here’s a suggested weekly study plan for a student preparing for the 2025-2026 WAEC Biology practical exam:
| Week | Focus / Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Collect and list all specimens; obtain required materials and reagents; read theory on plant & animal structures. |
| 2 | Practice handling and observing plant specimens (leaves, roots, whole plants). Practice drawing and labelling plant parts. |
| 3 | Work on fruits and seeds: cut open oranges, coconuts (if possible), chilli pepper; observe structure; practice internal anatomy. |
| 4 | Work on animal-related specimens (eggs — fish eggs, fowl eggs). Practice dissection or observation carefully. |
| 5 | Practice ecological and soil specimens (humus, soil samples). Observe texture, moisture, composition. Revise ecology theory. |
| 6 | Practice biochemical tests (iodine, sugar tests) on plant-based samples: leaves, seeds, fruits. Understand reactions. |
| 7 | Run mock practical exams under timed conditions. Practice drawing, labelling, answering likely exam questions. |
| 8 | Revision: revisit weakest areas, polish diagrams, revise theory, prepare lab tools, ensure readiness. |
This plan spreads out practice, mixing theory and hands-on work. It builds confidence and ensures coverage of all specimen types and tasks.
Why the 2025-2026 Specimen List Matters to Every WAEC Biology Candidate
Using the correct specimen list ensures that you focus your preparation on exactly what you might encounter. It avoids waste of time on irrelevant specimens. It also reduces stress because you know what to expect, which specimens to collect, which tools to prepare, and what type of tasks (dissection, drawing, observation, tests) to practise.
For many students, practical exam performance can significantly affect final grades. Strong practical scores, combined with good theory scores, make the difference between passing and excelling. By working with the official specimen list and preparing carefully, you stand a good chance of doing well.
Moreover, having a structured approach (specimen list → tools → practice → mock exams → revision) helps build discipline and reduces exam anxiety. It gives you control and clarity, which often yield better results.
Common Questions & Answers about WAEC Biology Practical Specimens
Q. Is the 2025-2026 specimen list final or subject to change?
The list widely circulated (Specimen A–N as above) is described as “approved” for the 2025-2026 cycle. However, exam bodies sometimes make adjustments or provide alternatives. That is why it is important to confirm with your school or official WAEC notice before the exam.
Q. Can I practice with substitute specimens if I cannot access the exact ones?
Yes. If you cannot find exactly “cocoyam” or “Pride of Barbados” flower, you can practise with similar plants (especially for leaves, root systems, or fruit structures). The goal is to practise observation, dissection, drawing and understanding of biological structures — which transfer across similar specimens.
Q. Do I absolutely need all the tools and reagents for preparation?
Ideally yes. Having and practising with the proper tools (scalpel, forceps, reagents, hand-lens) teaches you correct lab handling. If your school lab will provide them, you need to be familiar with their use. For safety and accuracy, these tools are necessary.
Q. Will the examiner expect neat diagrams and labelling?
Yes. Drawing and labelling are often a key part of the practical exam. Neat, accurate, labelled drawings earn good marks. Poor or incorrect drawings may result in mark deductions even if your observations are correct.
Q. How much time should I spend on practical preparation?
That depends on your current familiarity. If you are just starting, allocate more time (2–3 hours per specimen type). If you already know lab work, 30–60 minutes per session may be enough. The weekly plan above gives a balanced guide.
Conclusion
As you prepare for the 2025-2026 West African Examinations Council Biology practical exam, using the correct specimen list and practising with real specimens is crucial. The specimen list (Specimen A–N) gives clear guidance on what to expect. Combine that with proper tools, careful observation, neat drawings and good theory understanding, and you will increase your chances of success significantly.
Don’t wait until the last moment. Begin early, practice often, and make sure you understand each specimen’s structure, function, and possible exam tasks. Use mock practicals to simulate exam conditions. Always confirm with your school on the official specimen list.