Nearly one million learners prepare to write South Africa’s 2026 matric exams

South Africa is preparing for one of its biggest matric examination periods yet, with nearly one million candidates expected to sit for the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

The Department of Basic Education has confirmed that 962,832 candidates have registered for the October/November exams, marking a significant milestone for the country’s education system.

The record numbers also bring renewed attention to the support learners need as they prepare for a crucial stage in their academic journeys.

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube declared the department ready for the examinations in Pretoria on Sunday, following preparations involving all nine provinces.

Record numbers put exam preparations in focus

Of the registered candidates, 815,051 are writing full-time, representing an increase of 48,508 compared with last year.

A further 147,781 candidates are registered part-time, including those returning to improve their previous results.

The examinations will take place across approximately 7,100 examination centres nationwide, requiring coordination between provincial education departments, schools and examination officials.

Gwarube said the department had assessed its examination centre network and introduced risk-based monitoring to ensure that supervision and resources were directed where they were needed most.

Question papers and other examination materials have also completed the setting, moderation and quality assurance processes, with Umalusi approving the examination instruments.

Security measures have been strengthened throughout the production and distribution process, including the vetting of examination officials and cooperation with law enforcement agencies.

The department has also established 189 marking centres and recruited 51,104 qualified and experienced educators to mark examination scripts.

Extra support for learners ahead of the exams

While examination logistics remain a priority, the department has also expanded learning support to help candidates prepare.

Its 2026 Learner Support Programme has reached 159,180 learners across 1,262 centres in all 75 education districts.

The programme provides additional revision opportunities, particularly for learners who have progressed through grades while needing extra support and schools facing academic performance challenges.

Learners have also received access to previous examination papers, revision guides, digital notes, online learning materials and mock examinations.

For those returning to complete matric or improve their marks, the Second Chance Matric Programme offers additional opportunities to prepare.

Support includes after-hours and weekend classes at 41 centres, learning materials distributed to 84 centres and 15 provincial learner workshops.

Free online study resources, class monitoring and educational broadcasts on radio and television provide further options for candidates who need help with their studies.

Class of 2026 faces its own challenges

The department has acknowledged that this year’s matric candidates experienced schooling disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly when moving from the Intermediate Phase to the Senior Phase.

In response, it has focused on strengthening curriculum coverage, identifying learning gaps through assessments and providing additional revision opportunities.

For many learners, the final weeks before matric examinations can be demanding, making access to resources and a supportive environment especially important.

Gwarube has urged parents and guardians to help candidates concentrate on their preparation by reducing unnecessary responsibilities at home.

The minister appealed to families not to overload learners with household chores or errands while they prepare for their examinations.

Her message highlights a role that extends beyond schools and education officials: families can also help create the conditions learners need to study, rest and perform to the best of their abilities.

Department takes a firm stance on examination irregularities

Maintaining the credibility of the matric qualification remains another priority.

The department has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to examination irregularities and strengthened pledge agreements for candidates and parents to reinforce the importance of examination integrity.

A 24-hour examination hotline is also available for members of the public to report suspicious activity.

Contingency plans have been put in place to address potential disruptions, including severe weather and community unrest.

Gwarube has appealed to communities not to interrupt examinations to raise concerns about service delivery, political disputes or socioeconomic challenges.

She stressed that matric candidates should not bear the consequences of problems they are not responsible for resolving, urging communities to direct their grievances to government offices instead of disrupting schools.

A national effort to protect the Class of 2026

With preparations completed across all nine provinces, the department has formally declared itself ready for the 2026 NSC examinations.

For the nearly one million candidates preparing to write, the coming weeks represent the culmination of years of schooling, revision and personal effort.

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