Supplementary Exam Timetable 2026: Download PDF Here
If you did not pass one or more subjects in your Matric National Senior Certificate (NSC) in 2025, South African candidates can write supplementary exams in May/June 2026 to improve their results or complete outstanding subjects.
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Official timetables let you know the exact dates, times, and subjects you will write.
What Are Supplementary Exams in 2026?
Supplementary exams give learners a second opportunity to write matric subjects they previously failed or missed.
For 2026, the February/March supplementary cycle has been discontinued.
The May/June 2026 exam session now serves as the primary period for rewrites and supplementary exams.
This applies to both National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Senior Certificate (SC) candidates.
Are Supplementary Exams Still Held in South Africa?
Yes. Although the old February/March supplementary exam cycle has been phased out, learners can use the May/June timetable to rewrite or complete their failed subjects.
Registration for these exams takes place during the official registration window set by the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
When Will the Supplementary Timetable Be Published?
At the time of writing, the official May/June 2026 examination timetable has not yet been published directly on the Department of Basic Education’s website.
Many educational news sites list the PDF update page for the May/June 2026 Matric exam timetable once it is available.
How to Download the Supplementary Exam Timetable PDF
Once the Department of Basic Education releases it:
- Visit the official DBE website and look for the Exam Timetable PDF in the publications or news section.
- Check major educational resource sites that host official exam PDFs.
- Use “Matric 2026 May/June Exam Timetable PDF download” as your search phrase to find the official link once it is published.
The PDF can be downloaded to your phone, tablet, or computer. You can also print it for easy reference during exam revision and planning.
What Should the 2026 Timetable Include?
The official timetable PDF will show:
- The dates and times for each subject paper.
- Separate entries for NSC and SC candidate subjects if applicable.
- Information on oral or practical exam sessions, where necessary.
- Notes on any subjects offered only in specific sessions.
This timetable helps you plan your study schedule and make travel arrangements to the exam venue.
What If the PDF Isn’t Available Yet?
If the official timetable PDF has not been released on the DBE website, you can:
- Bookmark the DBE timetable page and check it regularly for updates.
- Visit provincial education department pages; some provinces publish their own exam PDFs before the national site.
- Ask your school or examination centre for the official timetable when it is released.
Can I Use Past Timetables to Prepare?
Yes. You can use previous years’ May/June or final exam timetables to estimate how the papers are spaced.
However, past timetables are not identical to the official 2026 version and only serve as a guide.
Always refer to the official PDF once it is published for exact dates and session times.
Are Timetable Changes Possible?
Yes. Exam dates and schedules can change due to national or provincial adjustments, so always confirm that you have the latest version of the PDF.
The DBE site or your school will notify you if any changes are made after release.
Where Else Can You Find the PDF?
In addition to the DBE, provincial education departments and official school communication channels often post or link to the timetable PDF.
Follow your education office’s official social media pages for timely updates.
FAQs
1. What is a Matric supplementary timetable?
It is a schedule that shows when you will sit each supplementary exam subject in 2026.
2. Where will the 2026 timetable PDF be published?
On the Department of Basic Education’s official website when it is released.
3. Can I download the timetable on my phone?
Yes. Once the PDF is published, you can download it to a phone, tablet, or computer.
4. Is the supplementary timetable the same as the final exam timetable?
Often, the May/June supplementary timetable is combined with the final exam timetable. Always check the title and notes in the PDF to be sure.
5. Why wasn’t a February/March supplementary timetable published for 2026?
The DBE phased out the February/March supplementary exams, replacing them with the May/June session.
6. How will I know when the PDF is released?
Check the DBE site regularly or contact your school for announcement updates.
7. Do NSC and SC candidates use the same PDF?
Sometimes there are separate schedules in one PDF, but both are usually available in the same download document.
8. Can the timetable change after it is published?
Yes. Exam authorities may update the schedule, so download the latest version.
9. Is the timetable available for past papers too?
No. Timetables only show dates and times, not past questions or papers.
10. Do I need the PDF for exam entry?
Yes. Schools often require you to know your exam dates and sessions to plan logistics and ensure you are available for all papers.