The 2026 NSC final examinations run from Monday, 19 October 2026 to Friday, 27 November 2026. Examinations are divided into two national sessions:
- Morning Session (09:00): Candidates must be seated by 08:30. The mandatory 10-minute reading time begins at 08:50. Writing commences at 09:00.
- Afternoon Session (14:00): Candidates must be seated by 13:30. Reading time begins at 13:50. Writing commences at 14:00.
- Computer Applications Technology (CAT) & Information Technology (IT) P1 Practical: Written in the second week of October (prior to full commencement).
Official 2026 NSC Exam Timetable by Subject Cluster
The DBE structures the National Senior Certificate to ensure high-volume subjects (such as Languages, Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, and Physical Sciences) have adequate revision buffers between papers. Below is the standardized calendar schedule for core subjects:
| Week / Date Window | Session | Subjects & Papers | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Week (Mid-October) | Morning (09:00) | Computer Applications Technology (CAT) P1 (Practical) Information Technology (IT) P1 (Practical) |
3 Hours 3 Hours |
| Week 1: Day 1 (Mon, 19 Oct) | Morning (09:00) | English Home Language (HL) P1 English First Additional Language (FAL) P1 |
2 Hours 2 Hours |
| Week 1: Day 2 (Tue, 20 Oct) | Morning (09:00) | Accounting Paper 1 (Financial Accounting) | 2 Hours |
| Week 1: Day 4 (Thu, 22 Oct) | Morning (09:00) | Business Studies Paper 1 | 2 Hours |
| Week 2: Mon (26 Oct) | Morning (09:00) | Mathematics Paper 1 (Algebra, Calculus, Finance) Mathematical Literacy Paper 1 (Finance, Data) |
3 Hours 3 Hours |
| Week 2: Wed (28 Oct) | Morning (09:00) | Life Sciences Paper 1 (Reproduction, Endocrine) | 2.5 Hours |
| Week 2: Fri (30 Oct) | Morning (09:00) | Mathematics Paper 2 (Trig, Geometry, Stats) Mathematical Literacy Paper 2 (Maps, Measurement) |
3 Hours 3 Hours |
| Week 3: Mon (02 Nov) | Morning (09:00) | Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) | 3 Hours |
| Week 3: Wed (04 Nov) | Morning (09:00) | Life Sciences Paper 2 (Genetics, Evolution) | 2.5 Hours |
| Week 3: Fri (06 Nov) | Morning (09:00) | Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) | 3 Hours |
| Week 4: Mon (09 Nov) | Morning (09:00) | Geography Paper 1 (Climate, Geomorphology) | 3 Hours |
| Week 4: Wed (11 Nov) | Morning (09:00) | English HL & FAL Paper 2 (Literature) | 2.5 / 2 Hours |
| Week 4: Fri (13 Nov) | Morning (09:00) | History Paper 1 | 3 Hours |
| Week 5: Mon (16 Nov) | Morning (09:00) | Economics Paper 1 | 2 Hours |
| Week 5: Wed (18 Nov) | Morning (09:00) | Tourism / Civil Technology | 3 Hours |
| Week 6: Wrap-up (23–27 Nov) | Morning / Afternoon | Agricultural Sciences, Music, Drama, Visual Arts P2 | Various |
Official Source Link
The definitive National Senior Certificate examination circular is distributed by provincial education departments and published on www.education.gov.za. Always verify your specific school admission letter for room assignments and language variations (e.g. Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sepedi).
The 10-Minute Reading Time: Rules and Strategic Value
Under Section 14 of the National Regulations on the Conduct of Matric Examinations, every candidate is granted 10 minutes of compulsory reading time immediately prior to the designated start time of writing (08:50 to 09:00 for morning papers, and 13:50 to 14:00 for afternoon papers).
What is strictly prohibited during reading time:
- No pens, pencils, or highlighters in hand: You may not write on the question paper, mark margins, underline words, or write notes on rough paper.
- No calculators: You cannot begin punching numbers or storing variables.
- No opening of supplementary annexures until authorized by the chief invigilator.
How top achievers use reading time strategically:
- Page count verification: Verify that the number of printed pages matches the number indicated on the front cover. Alert the invigilator immediately if pages are blank, blurred, or missing.
- Scan the entire paper: Quickly identify which questions look straightforward and which look demanding. For Mathematics and Physical Sciences, note where multi-mark diagram questions are located.
- Choose optional questions early: In subjects like English Literature or History where you choose between essay topics, make your decision during this 10-minute window so you can start writing the moment the bell rings.
DBE Exam Room Regulations & Script Protocols
Warning on Cell Phones & Smart Devices
Possession of a cellular phone, smart watch, fitness tracker, digital audio device, or unauthorized notes inside the examination room—even if switched off or inside a school bag—constitutes a serious irregularity under DBE Policy. A finding of irregularity can result in the immediate nullification of the candidate's paper and a ban from writing NSC examinations for 1 to 3 years.
Stationery Checklist
- Pens: Black or dark blue ballpoint pens only. Red, green, or erasable friction pens are strictly forbidden.
- Pencils & Erasers: HB pencils for sketches, diagrams, and graphs (e.g. Science ray diagrams or Geography contour lines).
- ID & Admission Letter: Original South African Green Barcoded ID, Smart ID Card, or certified copy, alongside the official DBE Examination Admission Letter containing your candidate number.
- Scientific Calculator: Must be non-programmable, non-graphical, and have no memory expansion cards (e.g., Casio fx-82ZA Plus II or Sharp EL-W535SA). Calculator lids must be removed and placed on the floor.
- Pencil Case: Must be completely transparent (clear plastic / ziplock). Opaque pencil cases are not allowed on the desk.
What to Do if an Exam Paper Clashes
A timetable clash occurs when a candidate is enrolled in two subjects that are scheduled during the exact same session (for example, Tourism and an Agricultural elective). In these rare instances:
- The school principal reports the clash to the Provincial District Assessment Directorate prior to the commencement of the exams.
- The candidate writes the first paper at the standard time (09:00).
- Upon finishing, the candidate remains under the strict supervision of an invigilator during a quarantine isolation break (no access to internet, phones, or outsiders).
- The candidate then writes the second paper during the subsequent session under dedicated invigilation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should I arrive at the examination centre?
You should arrive at the school or exam centre at least 45 minutes before the exam begins (08:15 for 09:00 sessions and 13:15 for 14:00 sessions). Candidates who arrive more than one hour after writing has commenced will not be permitted to enter the examination room under any circumstances.
What happens if I fall ill on the day of an exam?
If you are too ill to write, your parent or guardian must contact the school principal immediately and obtain an official medical certificate from a registered medical doctor on the exact day of the missed examination. The medical certificate must state that you were medically unfit to write. You will then be allowed to write that paper during the May/June rewrite cycle without penalty.
Can I bring water into the examination hall?
Yes, but water must be in a completely clear, transparent plastic bottle with the commercial paper/plastic label entirely peeled off to ensure no unauthorized notes are hidden behind the label.