Congratulations on successfully accessing the UNEB results for the UCE exams 2025, the second year since the UNEB numerical grading system for ranking UCE candidates from D1 to F9 was replaced with letter grades of A, B, C, D, and E, following the introduction of a competency-based curriculum, Uganda’s New Lower Secondary Curriculum (NLSC).

This shift is part of a broader education reform that integrates Continuous Assessment, Project Work, and the End-of-Cycle examination to give a more holistic measure of a learner’s competency. The final grade for each subject is derived from both Continuous Assessment (20%) and the End-of-Cycle examination (80%).

This article is a quick guide on how understand and interpret UCE results, starting with what each of the four letters stands for.

A (Exceptional Achievement) – This isn’t just your standard ‘A’. It means the student has demonstrated an extraordinary level of competency by applying knowledge and skills creatively and innovatively in real-life situations.

B (Outstanding Performance) – A student with a ‘B’ has demonstrated a high level of competence in the subject and can effectively apply what they have learned in familiar and somewhat unfamiliar situations.

C (Satisfactory Performance) – This grade reflects an adequate level of understanding and competency with the ability to apply knowledge and skills in familiar situations.

D (Basic Achievement) – The student has grasped the fundamental concepts and can apply knowledge and skills at a basic level.

E (Elementary Performance) – This is the lowest level, indicating the learner has achieved less than the basic level of competency and will struggle to apply knowledge and skills effectively in most scenarios.

What Do These Grades Mean for Your Results?
Instead of ranking students in Divisions 1-4 like before, UNEB now uses ‘Result’ categories on the transcript and certificate:

Result 1 – The student qualifies for a UCE certificate, having obtained at least a grade of D or better in at least one subject, and has met other requirements, such as sitting for the minimum number of subjects and having Project Work scores.

Result 2 – The student does not qualify for a certificate because they did not sit for some compulsory subjects, did not sit for a minimum of eight subjects, or did not have all Continuous Assessment or Project Work scores submitted.

Result 3 – The student has achieved only grade E in all subjects taken, meaning they have not met the minimum competency level for qualification.

NOTE: Because most senior four candidates appear as Result 1, parents should look at the individual subject grades (A–E) to understand their child’s actual performance, since Result 1 only confirms certification, not overall strength or weakness.

A candidate does not qualify for a UCE certificate if they obtain grade E in all subjects, fail to sit the minimum required number of subjects, miss compulsory subjects, or lack valid Continuous Assessment or Project Work scores as required by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).