The Complete Guide to Preparing for National Exams in Ethiopia

Hello, future graduate! 👋

If you’re reading this, you’re likely preparing for one of Ethiopia’s national exams—whether it’s the Grade 8, Grade 10, Grade 12 National Exam, or the upcoming university entrance exam. And if you’re feeling nervous, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start—you’re in the right place.

This guide is written just for you: a student working hard under Ethiopia’s new curriculum, balancing school, family, chores, and big dreams. You don’t need expensive tutors or perfect conditions to succeed. You need clarity, a solid plan, and the right tools.

Best of all? You’re not alone. Platforms like EthioTemari.com offer free, curriculum-aligned lessons in English and Amharic to help you understand—not just memorize—what’s on the exam.

Let’s walk through everything you need, step by step.

Understanding Ethiopia’s National Exams

First, know what you’re preparing for. Ethiopia has several key national exams:

• Grade 8 National Exam: Taken at the end of primary school. Subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
• Grade 10 National Exam: Marks the end of the first cycle of secondary education. Includes Civics & Ethical Education, English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, and more.
• Grade 12 National Exam: The most important exam for university admission. Covers core subjects based on your stream (Natural Science, Social Science, or General).
• University Entrance Exam (Coming Soon): A new, unified exam for all university applicants, replacing the previous Grade 12-only selection. It will test general aptitude and subject knowledge.

All these exams now follow Ethiopia’s new curriculum, which focuses more on understanding, problem-solving, and real-life application—not just rote memorization.

Step 1: Know the Exam Format and Syllabus

Don’t study blindly. Start by getting the official syllabus or exam guidelines from your school or the Ethiopian Ministry of Education. Focus on:

• Which subjects are tested?
• How many questions? (Multiple choice? Short answer? Essay?)
• What topics carry the most weight? (e.g., In Grade 12 Math, Calculus may be 30% of the paper.)
• Are there practical or competency-based questions?

Example: In the Grade 12 Natural Science exam, Physics might include questions like: “Explain how Newton’s laws apply to a car braking suddenly.” This isn’t just recall—it’s application.

Tip: EthioTemari.com organizes lessons exactly by the new curriculum topics and grade levels. You can study only what’s relevant—no guesswork.

Step 2: Assess Your Current Level Honestly

Before making a study plan, find your starting point. Take a past exam paper (ask your teacher or look online) and try it under timed conditions.

Then, analyze:

• Which subjects did I score well in?
• Which topics confused me?
• Did I run out of time? Misread questions?

Be kind but honest. This isn’t about shame—it’s about strategy. If you struggle with English comprehension, you’ll need more reading practice. If math word problems trip you up, focus on translating words into equations.

Step 3: Build a Realistic Study Schedule (Tailored to You)

A good study plan fits your life—not the other way around.

Key principles:

• Start early: 3–6 months before the exam is ideal. If you’re short on time, focus on daily consistency—not marathon sessions.
• Study in blocks: 45–60 minutes of focused work, then a 10-minute break.
• Rotate subjects: Don’t study only math for a week. Mix subjects to avoid burnout.
• Include review days: Every weekend, review what you learned that week.

Sample Weekly Plan (Grade 12 Natural Science Student):

• Mon: Math (Calculus) + Physics (Mechanics)
• Tue: Chemistry (Stoichiometry) + English (Reading Comprehension)
• Wed: Biology (Genetics) + Math Practice
• Thu: Physics (Waves) + Chemistry Review
• Fri: Full subject review + self-quiz
• Sat: Take a past paper (timed)
• Sun: Rest + light review of mistakes

Use a notebook or free apps to track progress. And remember—even 30 minutes of quality study counts!

Step 4: Use Active Study Techniques (Not Just Rereading)

Passive reading won’t cut it under the new curriculum. You need to use knowledge, not just see it.

Try these proven methods:

• Retrieval practice: Close your notes and write everything you remember about a topic.
• Self-quizzing: Turn headings into questions (“What is photosynthesis?”).
• Teach someone: Explain a concept to a sibling, friend, or even your wall!
• Practice past papers: This is non-negotiable. Do at least 3–5 full exams before test day.

On EthioTemari.com, lessons include summaries, key ideas, and practice questions—so you can learn and apply in one place.

Step 5: Master Key Subjects Strategically

Each subject needs a slightly different approach. Here’s how to tackle the big ones:

Mathematics

• Focus on problem types that appear often (e.g., quadratic equations, functions, geometry proofs).
• Don’t just solve—understand why each step works.
• Keep an error log: note mistakes and review them weekly.

English

• Read short passages daily (news, stories, exam texts).
• Practice identifying main ideas, tone, and inferences.
• Learn common grammar rules (tenses, subject-verb agreement) through examples—not lists.

Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)

• Focus on concepts, not just formulas. Ask: “What does this law explain in real life?”
• Draw diagrams (e.g., cell structure, chemical reactions, force diagrams).
• Memorize units and symbols—many students lose easy marks here.

Social Studies (History, Geography, Civics)

• Use timelines and maps to visualize events and places.
• Link historical events to causes and effects—not just dates.
• For Civics, understand your rights, duties, and Ethiopia’s government structure.

Step 6: Use Free, Local Resources (Like EthioTemari.com)

You don’t need expensive materials. Ethiopia has amazing free resources made for you:

• EthioTemari.com: This free online platform offers clear, step-by-step lessons in English, Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and more—all aligned with the new national curriculum. Lessons are simple, visual, and designed for Ethiopian students preparing for national exams. Best of all? It’s 100% free.
• Ministry of Education past papers: Ask your teacher or check school notice boards.
• School teachers: Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. They want you to succeed!
• Study groups: Partner with 2–3 serious friends to quiz each other weekly.

Using EthioTemari.com, you can watch a 10-minute video on “Newton’s Laws,” then immediately try 5 practice questions—right in your browser, no data-heavy downloads.

Step 7: Take Care of Your Mind and Body

Your brain is your most important exam tool. Treat it well.

• Sleep 7–9 hours: Memory consolidates during sleep. All-nighters hurt performance.
• Drink water and eat balanced meals: Your brain needs fuel. Even simple meals with injera, shiro, or eggs help.
• Move daily: A 20-minute walk reduces stress and boosts focus.
• Manage stress: Breathe deeply, talk to someone, or write your worries in a journal.

Remember: you’re preparing for a test—not your entire worth. Do your best, and trust the process.

Step 8: Prepare for Exam Day

One week before the exam:

• Stop learning new topics. Focus on review and confidence-building.
• Do one full past paper under timed conditions.
• Prepare your materials: pens, ID, water bottle, watch.
• Visit the exam center if possible to reduce anxiety.

On exam day:

• Eat a light breakfast.
• Arrive early.
• Read all instructions carefully.
• Answer easy questions first to build momentum.
• Manage time: spend no more than 1–2 minutes per multiple-choice question.