The elimination of option B in the Lower Secondary Certificate (BEPC) examination ends the choice of whether or not to take the English test. Starting this 2026-2027 school year, it will concern all candidates. The BEPC, which certifies four years of lower secondary studies, will now be conducted without specific options and will include a mandatory English exam. Generally, BEPC candidates choosing option A, who take the English test, are in the majority. Additionally, two new subjects are being introduced: civic education and the arts, including music, visual art, dramatic arts, and dance. These new disciplines bring the total number of subjects taught in third year to ten. These major changes for students preparing to take the BEPC exam are part of implementing the new curriculum resulting from the reform of Madagascar's education system.