Matric exams 2026: Finals run from 13 October to 26 November countdown at 29 days

As of 14 September 2026, South Africa’s Class of 2026 has 29 days until the National Senior Certificate final written examinations begin. The Department of Basic Education’s official timetable sets the main NSC exam period from 13 October to 26 November 2026.

Daily exam sessions and first papers

The exam timetable schedules papers in two daily sessions, at 09:00 and 14:00. The very first paper on the timetable is Computer Applications Technology Paper 1 Practical, with Mathematics Paper 1 following shortly after in the first week.

Practical assessments already underway

Some subjects have already begun assessments. Visual Arts and Design practical assessments run from 14 September to 13 October. Performing Arts practicals began in August and continue through to 9 October. The Life Orientation common assessment task was written on 1 September.

Elections and exam scheduling

The local government elections on 4 November fall during the NSC writing period. The Department of Basic Education has confirmed that no exams are scheduled on election day, or on the days immediately before and after it, to accommodate schools being used as voting stations.

What learners and parents should note

With just over four weeks to go, education officials and tutoring bodies are urging matriculants to move from general revision into focused, past-paper practice, particularly for high-weighting subjects.

Provincial education departments typically run “Spring School” holiday programmes during the September break to provide structured revision time; learners and parents are advised to contact their provincial department or school to confirm whether such a programme is being offered locally.

Pre-exam risks and official guidance

The Department has flagged common pre-exam risks: fake timetables, leaked-paper scams, and dishonest “exam assistance” offers that circulate on social media in the weeks before writing begins. Officials are urging learners and parents to rely only on the timetable and instructions issued directly by the Department or their school.