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The South Africa Matric Exam Timetable 2026 for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations has been published by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). The October/November 2026 NSC examination timetable includes examinations from 13 October to 26 November 2026, with selected practical assessments and earlier assessment activities taking place before the main examination period.

The official timetable includes morning and afternoon sessions, with many examinations scheduled at 09:00 or 14:00. Learners should use the official DBE timetable to confirm the exact paper, date and session for their subjects.

2026 South Africa Matric Exam Timetable Highlights

When Do the 2026 South Africa Matric Exams Start?

The 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations begin on Tuesday, 13 October 2026 according to the official DBE timetable. The first day includes Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Paper 1 practical examinations in the morning, along with several language papers in the afternoon. Information Technology Paper 1 practical examinations are scheduled for October 14.

The main NSC examination programme continues through November, with different subjects scheduled across morning and afternoon sessions.

When Do the 2026 Matric Exams End?

The official timetable lists 26 November 2026 as the final scheduled examination activity in the October/November NSC programme. On November 26, Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Paper 1 Rewrite Practical and Information Technology (IT) Paper 1 Rewrite Practical are scheduled.

Therefore, candidates should not assume that all learners finish their examinations on the same date. The final examination date depends on the subjects and examination requirements applicable to each learner.

Key 2026 Matric Examination Dates

Life Orientation CAT

• The official DBE timetable lists Life Orientation (LO CAT) for 1 September 2026, with a rewrite scheduled for 12 October 2026.

Performing Arts Practical Examinations

• Performing Arts practical examinations are scheduled from 3 August to 9 October 2026.

Visual Arts and Design Practical Examinations

• The timetable lists Visual Arts and Design practical examinations from 14 September to 13 October 2026.

Mathematics Paper 1

• Mathematics Paper 1 is scheduled for:
• Friday, 23 October 2026 at 09:00.
• Mathematical Literacy Paper 1 and Technical Mathematics Paper 1 are also scheduled during the same morning session.

Mathematics Paper 2

It  is scheduled for:

• Monday, 26 October 2026 at 09:00.
• Mathematical Literacy Paper 2 and Technical Mathematics Paper 2 are also listed for the morning session.

Physical Sciences Paper 1

• Physical Sciences (Physics) Paper 1 is scheduled for:
• Friday, 30 October 2026 at 09:00.
• Technical Sciences Paper 1 is also scheduled during the morning session.

Physical Sciences Paper 2

• Physical Sciences (Chemistry) Paper 2 is scheduled for:
• Monday, 2 November 2026 at 09:00.
• Technical Sciences Paper 2 is also scheduled during the morning session.

English Examination Dates

Learners should carefully check the specific English level and paper applicable to them.

According to the official DBE timetable:

• English HL/FAL/SAL Paper 3: 15 October 2026
• English HL/FAL/SAL Paper 1: 28 October 2026
• English HL/FAL/SAL Paper 2: 19 November 2026

The exact duration differs depending on the English subject level.

2026 Matric Exam Schedule: Important Dates

The dates above are taken from the official DBE October/November 2026 NSC timetable.

Morning and Afternoon Examination Sessions

The DBE timetable uses two main examination sessions:

• Morning session: 09:00
• Afternoon session: 14:00

However, the examination duration varies by subject and paper. Learners should therefore check the official timetable for both the starting time and the duration of their specific examination.

What Is the South Africa Matric Examination?

In South Africa, the term “matric” commonly refers to the National Senior Certificate examinations. The DBE describes the NSC examinations as the culmination of twelve years of formal schooling. The examination programme covers a wide range of subjects, including languages, Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Accounting, Business Studies, Geography, History and various technical and practical subjects.

How to Check the Official 2026 Matric Timetable

Learners can check the timetable through the Department of Basic Education website.

1. Visit the official Department of Basic Education website.
2. Go to the National Senior Certificate (NSC) Examinations section.
3. Open the 2026 November NSC Examination Timetable.
4. Find your subject and paper.
5. Check the examination date, starting time and session.
6. Save or download the official timetable for future reference.

Official DBE 2026 November NSC Examination Timetable

 Check Your Exact Subject and Paper

The 2026 matric examination programme contains many different subjects and papers. Some subjects have multiple papers, while practical examinations and rewrite sessions can take place on different dates. Learners should therefore not rely only on a list of major subjects such as Mathematics or Physical Sciences. The official DBE timetable should be checked for every subject a learner is registered to write. The DBE’s NSC examination page also provides examination resources, past papers and other information for learners preparing for the examinations.

Important Correction to Some Online Timetable Information

Some secondary timetable summaries may contain simplified or incorrect subject dates. For example, the official DBE timetable places English HL/FAL/SAL Paper 1 on 28 October 2026, not November 2. November 2 is scheduled for Physical Sciences (Chemistry) Paper 2 and other examinations.

For this reason, learners should use the official DBE timetable as the final reference when checking examination dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do the 2026 South Africa Matric exams start?

The main October/November 2026 NSC examination timetable begins on 13 October 2026. Some practical and assessment activities take place earlier.

When do the 2026 Matric exams end?

The final scheduled examination activity in the official timetable is on 26 November 2026, when CAT and IT Paper 1 rewrite practical examinations are scheduled.

When is Mathematics Paper 1 in 2026?

Mathematics Paper 1 is scheduled for 23 October 2026 at 09:00.

When is Mathematics Paper 2?

Mathematics Paper 2 is scheduled for 26 October 2026 at 09:00.

When is Physical Sciences Paper 1?

Physical Sciences (Physics) Paper 1 is scheduled for 30 October 2026 at 09:00.

When is Physical Sciences Paper 2?

Physical Sciences (Chemistry) Paper 2 is scheduled for 2 November 2026 at 09:00.

Where can I download the official matric timetable?

The official Department of Basic Education 2026 November NSC Examination Timetable is available on the DBE website.

Official Source

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is the official source for the South Africa National Senior Certificate examination timetable. The department’s NSC examination section provides the 2026 November timetable and other examination resources.

Department of Basic Education – Official Website

Download the Official 2026 November NSC Timetable

Important Notice

Examination dates and arrangements can be updated by the Department of Basic Education. Learners should check the latest official DBE timetable and any subsequent announcements before each examination. Click Here for More Details and Latest Updates