What Is the PLE? A Guide to Uganda's Primary Leaving Examination
The Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) is the national examination sat by pupils in Primary Seven (P7) in Uganda, set and marked by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB). Candidates are examined in four subjects — English Language, Mathematics, Integrated Science, and Social Studies and Religious Education — and the result determines placement in secondary school. It is normally sat in early November, with results released the following late January.
What is the PLE?
The Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) is the national examination sat by pupils at the end of Primary Seven (P7) in Uganda. It is set and marked by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), and the result determines a pupil’s placement in secondary school.
Which subjects are examined in the PLE?
Four subjects are examined: English Language, Mathematics, Integrated Science, and Social Studies and Religious Education. Each is sat as a separate paper.
Who sits the PLE?
Pupils in their final year of primary school — Primary Seven — sit the PLE. Most candidates are around 12 to 14 years old, though age varies.
How is the PLE graded?
Each of the four subjects is graded from 1 (best) to 9, written D1 through F9. The four subject grades are added together to give an aggregate, so the best possible aggregate is 4 and the worst is 36. The aggregate places a candidate in a division — results are reported as Division 1, 2, 3, 4 or U (Ungraded). The exact aggregate range for each division is set by UNEB and can be revised, so confirm the current cut-offs with your school or with UNEB directly rather than relying on figures published elsewhere.
When is the PLE sat, and when do results come out?
The PLE is normally sat in early November, at the end of the school year, and UNEB normally releases the results in late January of the following year. The 2025 examination followed this pattern: candidates sat in November 2025 and results were released on 30 January 2026. Exact dates are set by UNEB each year, so check uneb.ac.ug or your school for the current timetable.
Is the aggregate system changing?
UNEB has publicly proposed replacing the aggregate and division system with an assessment framework based on individual subject performance, partly to reduce examination malpractice. As of August 2026 this is a proposal — no change has been announced, and the aggregate and division system remains in force. Any change would be announced by UNEB.
How should a pupil revise for the PLE?
Consistent practice on past-style questions is more effective than re-reading notes. Work through questions under timed conditions, mark them honestly, and revisit the topics you get wrong rather than the ones you already know.
Is Fly PLE affiliated with UNEB?
No. Fly PLE is an independent free practice platform. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Uganda National Examinations Board.
Grading rules, registration deadlines and the examination timetable are set by UNEB and can change from year to year. For the current official position, see uneb.ac.ug. Fly PLE is not affiliated with UNEB.
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