Matric exams begin: Department reports on NSC start

The Department of Basic Education announced that there was a positive start to the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, which officially started on Tuesday 13 October.

MATRIC FINAL EXAMS 2026 OFF TO ‘POSITIVE’ START

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) said that there was a smooth start to the NSC exams, as candidates across all nine provinces sat for Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Paper 1 Practical and various language papers on Tuesday 13 October.

A record 962,832 candidates registered are registered for the NSC 2026 exams. 815 051 are full-time and 147 781 part-time candidates. The exams run until 26 November.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) warned that cheating in any form will not be tolerated. Minister Siviwe Gwarube described the department’s approach as zero-tolerance.Gwarube also said candidate and parent pledge agreements have been introduced to promote integrity, alongside a 24-hour hotline for reporting suspected irregularities.

“The commencement of the 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations is an important moment for our learners and the basic education sector. Every examination represents an opportunity for learners to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired over the years. We encourage the Class of 2026 to approach each paper with confidence, remain focused and give their very best. As a nation, we have a collective responsibility to support our learners as they take this important step towards their futures,” said Minister Gwarube.

WHAT CANDIDATES NEED TO KNOW:

• Know your timetable. Mark down the dates of each of your papers and keep checking for any updates.
• Leave your phones behind. No cellphones will be allowed into exam venues.
• Leave your notes behind.
• Use free revision sources, such as past papers and study guides.

Take a look at what happens if a learner is sick during the NSC exams here.