VerifiedThe 2026 Matric Final Exam Timetable for South Africa
The Department of Basic Education published the official October/November 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination timetable in February 2026. The papers below come straight from that timetable.
Key Dates
- Pledge signing: Friday, 9 October 2026
- First examination: Tuesday, 13 October 2026
- Last examination: Thursday, 26 November 2026
Tip: Use this timetable to plan a daily revision schedule. Start with your final exam dates and work backwards.
Matric Final Exam Timetable, Week by Week
Week 1: 12 – 16 October 2026
- 13 Oct: Computer Applications Technology P1 (practical); German and Indian language P1 papers
- 14 Oct: Information Technology P1 (practical); Portuguese and other second additional language P1 papers
- 15 Oct: English HL/FAL/SAL P3
- 16 Oct: Economics P1; Mechanical Technology; Design P1
Week 2: 19 – 23 October 2026
- 19 Oct: isiZulu, isiXhosa, siSwati and isiNdebele P3; Agricultural Sciences P1
- 20 Oct: Afrikaans HL/FAL/SAL P3; History P1; Maritime Economics
- 21 Oct: Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Xitsonga and Tshivenda P3; SASL HL P3; Information Technology P2 (theory)
- 22 Oct: Accounting P1; Engineering Graphics and Design P1; Marine Sciences P1
23 Oct: Mathematics P1, Mathematical Literacy P1 and Technical Mathematics P1
Week 3: 26 – 30 October 2026
- 26 Oct: Mathematics P2, Mathematical Literacy P2, Technical Mathematics P2; Sport and Exercise Science
- 27 Oct: Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Xitsonga and Tshivenda P1; SASL HL P1; Engineering Graphics and Design P2
28 Oct: English HL/FAL/SAL P1; Accounting P2
29 Oct: Geography P1; Computer Applications Technology P2 (theory) - 30 Oct: Physical Sciences (Physics) P1; Technical Sciences P1; Tourism
Week 4: 2 – 6 November 2026
- 2 Nov: Physical Sciences (Chemistry) P2; Technical Sciences P2; Religion Studies P1
- 3 to 5 Nov: non-examination days
- 6 Nov: isiZulu, isiXhosa, siSwati and isiNdebele P1; Consumer Studies; Hospitality Studies
Week 5: 9 – 13 November 2026
- 10 Nov: isiZulu, isiXhosa, siSwati and isiNdebele P2; Electrical Technology; Nautical Science P1
11 Nov: Afrikaans HL/FAL/SAL P1; Business Studies P1 - 12 Nov: Geography P2; Religion Studies P2
- 13 Nov: Life Sciences P1; Equine Studies; several second additional language P2 papers
Week 6 and Week 7: 16 – 26 November 2026
- 16 Nov: Life Sciences P2; Dramatic Arts; Civil Technology
19 Nov: English HL/FAL/SAL P2; History P2
20 Nov: Afrikaans HL/FAL/SAL P2; Economics P2 - 23 Nov: Agricultural Technology; Music P1 (theory)
24 Nov: Agricultural Management Practices; Marine Sciences P2; Dance Studies - 25 Nov: Music P2 (comprehension)
- 26 Nov: Computer Applications Technology P1 rewrite and Information Technology P1 rewrite (practical) — the last papers of the 2026 examinations
Other Examination Dates
- 1 September 2026: Life Orientation common assessment task (2½ hours)
- 12 October 2026: Life Orientation common assessment task rewrite (2½ hours)
- 3 August to 9 October 2026: Performing Arts practical examinations
- 14 September to 13 October 2026: Visual Arts and Design practical examinations
Reminder: Be sure to confirm the exam venue and times with your school closer to each exam day.
For enquiries, contact the Department of Basic Education on 012 357 3900, and check the official timetable for the full list of papers per subject.
Plan your study timetable around these dates, and good luck to everyone writing in 2026.