The Department of Examinations Sri Lanka has issued an official notice prohibiting all tuition classes, revision sessions, and seminars organized for candidates appearing for the 2026 G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) examination.
The ban takes effect under Section 22 of the Public Examinations Act to ensure a fair and transparent examination environment across all test centers island-wide.
Key Rule Notice: > * A/L Tuition Ban Start Date: August 4, 2026 (from midnight)
- Ban End Date: Until the conclusion of the G.C.E. A/L examination on September 5, 2026 > * Exam Dates: August 10, 2026 – September 5, 2026 across 2,532 centers
Important Dates for 2026 A/L Exam Restrictions
The restrictions apply strictly during the designated time frame. Students, teachers, and tuition institutes must follow these dates carefully.
| Event / Exam | Restriction Start Date | Exam Period | Banned Period Ends |
| G.C.E. A/L Exam 2026 | August 4, 2026 (Midnight) | August 10 – September 5, 2026 | September 5, 2026 |
| Grade 5 Scholarship Exam 2026 | August 5, 2026 (Midnight) | August 9, 2026 | August 9, 2026 |
What Activities Are Strictly Prohibited?
Under Section 22 of the Public Examinations Act, several examination-related activities are completely banned during this period:
- Tuition Classes & Seminars: Conducting physical or online tuition classes, subject lectures, workshops, or group discussions for exam candidates.
- Model Question Papers: Printing, distributing, or circulating model papers or predicted examination question papers.
- Promotional Media: Publishing, distributing, or possessing banners, leaflets, brochures, posters, or digital advertisements claiming to offer predicted exam questions.
- Media Broadcasts: Running exam-oriented special lectures or promotional content via television, radio, or electronic platforms.
Legal Action for Violations
The Department of Examinations warned that strict legal action will be taken against individuals or institutions violating these regulations.
Any person or institution caught organizing classes, sharing model papers, or displaying promotional materials will be prosecuted under the Public Examinations Act.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does the 2026 A/L tuition class ban start?
The ban on tuition classes, seminars, and workshops for the 2026 G.C.E. A/L examination comes into force from 12.00 midnight on August 4, 2026.
Can tuition centers distribute model papers during the ban period?
No. Printing, distributing, or publishing model papers, handouts, or predicted question papers (in print or electronic format) is strictly illegal during the ban period.
When does the G.C.E. A/L exam 2026 take place?
The 2026 G.C.E. Advanced Level examination runs from August 10 to September 5, 2026 at 2,532 examination centers island-wide.
Conclusion
Students are advised to complete their revision work ahead of the deadline and utilize the final days for self-study. Stay updated with official notices to avoid falling for false rumors or unauthorized classes.
Bookmark this page (slexams.lk) for future examination updates, and share this guide with your classmates and study groups!
