Ministry Says ‘No More Than 3 Subjects,’ Imposes A-Level Cap After Pamushana Genius Scores 56 Points

Government Caps A-Level Subjects After Student Scores 56 Points In 12 Exams

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has moved to impose a strict cap on exam subjects after a student’s extraordinary achievement of scoring 56 points across 12 A-Level subjects resurrected national debate. The ministry will now enforce a limit of three principal subjects at Advanced Level and nine at Ordinary Level, aiming to shift focus from quantity to depth of learning.

This decisive policy change follows the remarkable 2025 examination results of Mukudzei Ziveyi, a 19-year-old student from Pamushana High School in Masvingo Province. Ziveyi achieved 56 points, a feat involving exams in subjects from Aerospace Mathematics to Crop Science, far exceeding the standard three-subject load.

Ministry Mandates “In-Depth Mastery” Over “Accumulation”

Director of Communication and Advocacy in the ministry, Taungana Ndoro, clarified the new directive. He stated the policy is designed to ensure quality and integrity within the new Heritage Based Curriculum.

“The ministry has a clear and revised policy on this matter. To ensure depth of learning, quality of instruction and the integrity of learner outcomes, MoPSE has instituted a cap on the number of examinable subjects. The standard is a maximum of nine subjects at Ordinary Level and three principal subjects at Advanced Level in the Heritage-Based Curriculum,” he said.

Mr Ndoro emphasised the rationale behind the cap, linking it directly to concerns raised by cases like Ziveyi’s.

“This decisive move aims to promote profound understanding and competency in core learning areas, prevent pupil burnout from excessive academic loads and align all schools and learners with a standardised, manageable curriculum framework.”

The Student’s Sleepless Nights And Family Sacrifice

In an interview with Zimpapers in January 2026, Mukudzei Ziveyi detailed the immense effort behind his grades, motivated by a dream to study Aerospace Engineering at MIT. He described a gruelling schedule facilitated by a special exam timetable.