Matric exams 2026: Here’s what will be written this week
· The South African
The 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) final examinations enter their second week, with matric learners across South Africa preparing for another busy schedule.
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The examinations began on Tuesday, 13 October, and are scheduled to conclude on Thursday, 26 November.
Week 2, running from Monday, 19 October, to Friday, 23 October, includes several major Home Language papers, Accounting Paper 1 and Mathematics Paper 1.
Learners are encouraged to check the official timetable carefully and ensure they arrive at their examination venues well before their papers begin.
READ | Matric exams 2026: What you can and can’t take into the exam room
What time do matric exams start?
The Department of Basic Education’s 2026 NSC timetable has two standard examination sessions.
- Morning session: 09:00
- Afternoon session: 14:00
Learners should plan their journeys in advance and allow enough time to reach their examination venues. Arriving late can add unnecessary pressure during an already demanding examination period.
Paper durations and any subject-specific arrangements should be checked against the official examination timetable.
Friday is a key day for mathematics learners
Friday, 23 October, is particularly important for learners taking Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy or Technical Mathematics, with all three Paper 1 examinations scheduled for the morning session.
Accounting learners also face an important paper earlier in the week, with Accounting Paper 1 scheduled for Thursday morning.
Meanwhile, language learners will write several Home Language and additional-language Paper 3 examinations throughout the week.
Tips for the second week of matric exams
As the examination period continues, learners should make time to revise upcoming topics, prepare the stationery and other materials permitted for each paper, and check their examination timetables daily.
Getting enough sleep, eating properly and allowing sufficient travel time can also help learners manage examination stress.