The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education has officially released Circular No. 31/2026, detailing the official school term calendar and major national examination dates for 2027.
If you are a student, parent, or teacher preparing for the upcoming academic year, the GCE Advanced Level (A/L) exam is scheduled for August 2027, while the GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) exam will take place in December 2027.
Here is the complete breakdown of the 2027 school term calendar, public holidays, and national exam schedules.
2027 Sri Lanka School Term Dates & Exam Schedule Key Facts
- Authority:Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education
- Official Circular: Circular No. 31/2026
- Total School Days:197 days for government & government-approved private schools
- GCE A/L Examination:August 2027
- GCE O/L Examination:December 2027
2027 School Term Calendar Breakdown
Government and government-approved private schools will conduct 197 school days in 2027, taking public holidays and examination periods into consideration.
If any school day is cancelled due to emergency or special circumstances, school authorities are required to arrange make-up sessions to complete the required number of days.
Sinhala and Tamil Medium Schools
| Term | Duration | Start Date | End Date |
| 1st Term | Period 1 | January 4, 2027 | April 9, 2027 |
| 2nd Term | Period 2 | April 26, 2027 | July 30, 2027 |
| 3rd Term | Period 3 | August 30, 2027 | December 3, 2027 |
Muslim Schools
The term calendar for Muslim schools will feature adjusted schedules divided into multiple periods across the year to align with standard religious calendars.
2027 National Examination Schedule
The Department of Examinations will host the primary national student assessments during the following months:
- G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) Exam:Scheduled for August 2027
- G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) Exam:Scheduled for December 2027
⚠️ Note on Grade 5 Scholarship Examination: The specific month for the 2027 Grade 5 Scholarship exam was not explicitly detailed in the initial release of Circular 31/2026. We will update this post as soon as the Department of Examinations releases further timetables.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the 2027 A/L exam date in Sri Lanka?
The G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) examination is scheduled to be held in August 2027.
What is the 2027 O/L exam date in Sri Lanka?
The G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) examination is scheduled to take place in December 2027.
How many school days are scheduled for 2027 in Sri Lanka?
According to Circular No. 31/2026, government and approved private schools will conduct a total of 197 school days in 2027.
When does the first term of school start in 2027?
For Sinhala and Tamil medium schools, the first term begins on January 4, 2027.
Bookmark this page (slexams.lk) to get real-time timetable releases, subject-wise exam schedules, and syllabus notices. Share this update with your classmates, parents, and teachers to help them plan ahead for 2027!
