KNEC KCSE Subjects Codes and Groups

The Ministry of Education has authorised a maximum of 30 subjects to be offered in secondary schools in Kenya under the 8.4.4 curriculum. Schools can decide, according to manpower and resources, the list of KCSE subjects (and codes) that will be examined by KNEC.

KNEC requires a student to take at least 7 subjects (a maximum of 9) to be graded and awarded a KCSE certificate.

KNEC changed the grading system, which started with the 2023 candidates. There are only two compulsory subjects: English, Kiswahili, or Kenya Sign Language, and Mathematics.

See also: How to Check KCSE 2025 Results Online on KNEC Portal

The remaining 5 subjects will be selected from any of the 5 optional subjects which the student performs best.

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Usually, the school decides the list of subjects to be offered; hence, a student does not have much choice but to select from the available list.

KCSE Subjects Assessed and their Codes

Read: How to Check KCPE Results.

KCSE Subject Grouping and Selection Guide

Here is a guide on how the subjects in high schools are categorised in the 5 groupings:

GROUP 1 SUBJECTS (Core Subjects)

With effect from 2023, mathematics is compulsory, and any 1 best language (English, Kiswahili or Kenya Sign Language).

• English 101
• Kiswahili 102
• Mathematics A or B 121/122

GROUP 2 SUBJECTS (Sciences)

• Biology 231
• Physics 232
• Chemistry 233
• Biology for the Blind 236
• General Science 237

A General Science student must take Biology or Biology for the Blind as a second science subject.

GROUP 3 SUBJECTS (Humanities)

• Geography  312
• History and Government 231
• Christian Religious Education 313
• Islamic Religious Education 314
• Hindu Religious Education 315

Read: List of Accredited Engineering Courses in Universities in Kenya

GROUP 4 SUBJECTS (Applied Technical Subjects)

• Computer Studies 451
• Agriculture 443
• Home Science 441
• Art and Design 442
• Woodwork 444
• Metalwork 445
• Building Construction 446
• Power Mechanics 447
• Electricity 448
• Drawing and Design 449
• Aviation Technology 450

GROUP 5 SUBJECTS (Languages and Others)

• Business Studies 565
• French 501
• German 502
• Arabic 503
• Kenya Sign Language 504
• Music 511

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