Matrics, here’s what you’re writing next week

The 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations continue next week, with matric pupils preparing for practical assessments, language papers and key subject examinations from Tuesday, 13 October, to Friday, 16 October.

The schedule includes Computer Applications Technology (CAT) and Information Technology (IT) practical examinations, English Paper 3, Economics and several language papers across the four days.

With different subjects scheduled for morning and afternoon sessions, matric learners should check the official October/November 2026 examination timetable to confirm their specific papers, starting times and durations.

Tuesday, 13 October

The week begins with a practical examination for CAT learners.

• 9am: Computer Applications Technology Paper 1 Practical, three hours.
• 2pm: Hindi, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu Home Language (HL), First Additional Language (FAL) and Second Additional Language (SAL) papers, as listed on the official timetable.
• 2pm: Hebrew SAL.
• 2pm: German HL, FAL and SAL Paper 1.

Learners writing afternoon language papers should confirm the exact subject and language level applicable to them.

Wednesday, 14 October

IT learners take their turn in the practical examination room on Wednesday morning.

• 9am: Information Technology Paper 1 Practical, three hours.
• 2pm: Arabic, French, Italian, Mandarin, Modern Greek, Serbian and Spanish SAL Paper 1.
• 2pm: Latin SAL Paper 1, three hours.
• 2pm: Portuguese HL, FAL and SAL Paper 1.

The afternoon session covers a range of additional-language examinations, so learners should double-check their individual entries.

Thursday, 15 October

English learners are scheduled to write Paper 3 on Thursday morning, with the duration depending on their language level.

• 9am: English HL Paper 3, three hours.
• 9am: English FAL and SAL Paper 3, two-and-a-half hours each.
• 2pm: Hindi, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu Paper 2, according to the relevant language level.
• 2pm: Hebrew Paper 2.
• 2pm: German HL, FAL and SAL Paper 2.

Learners should ensure they know which English paper applies to them and how much time they will have to complete it.

Friday, 16 October

The week closes with Economics and Mechanical Technology and Design examinations on Friday morning.

• 9am: Economics Paper 1, two hours.
• 9am: Mechanical Technology and Design Paper 1, three hours.

These examinations mark the final scheduled papers in this four-day period.

What matrics should remember

As the NSC examinations continue, learners should use the official timetable to verify their subjects, paper numbers, examination venues and starting times.

It is also worth checking any instructions issued by their schools, particularly for practical examinations, which may have additional arrangements.

With several papers scheduled at the same time, learners should confirm their own examination requirements rather than relying on the general weekly schedule alone.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com

Source: The Citizen