The 2026 October/November NSC examinations run from 13 October to 25 November 2026. Follow the official subject-specific timetable supplied by your school for each paper.
Being a responsible matric learner starts by knowing when your exams are scheduled for and creating a study timetable that helps you prioritize your learning. Hopefully, you have already been working hard throughout the year. Remember that 25% of your final matric mark comes from your work throughout your final year.
The remaining 75% will come from these final examinations. So make sure you thoroughly understand the timetable when you write your subjects and everything else required of you for extra peace of mind.
Full Matric Exam Timetable 2026
The 2026 October/November NSC examinations run from 13 October to 25 November 2026. As of 22 October 2026, the examination session is already underway. Use your school’s subject-specific timetable and the official DBE timetable for your own papers.
The 2026 CAT Paper 1 practical is on 13 October and the IT Paper 1 practical is on 14 October. Other practical and assessment dates depend on your subjects; use the official timetable supplied by your school.
The 2026 CAT Paper 1 practical is on 13 October and the IT Paper 1 practical is on 14 October. Other practical and assessment dates depend on your subjects; use the official timetable supplied by your school.
Is Matric Rewrite Still Open For 2026?
The class of 2025 received its results in January 2026. For a rewrite, check the official DBE registration rules and deadline for the specific examination session; do not use a previous cohort’s deadline.
If you have missed the cut-off date for this year, don’t despair! Another opportunity to register will open again with the class of 2026’s results. Don’t confuse these dates with the upgraded matric option for learners older than 21, which is run by academic institutions and often allows enrollments throughout the year, although exams will occur in set exam periods.
How Long is a Matric Rewrite?
The earliest you can finish a matric rewrite is in 6 months. This happens when you register for the May/June examination session directly after the year you wrote matric in November/December (i.e., if you wrote in Oct/Nov/Dec 2026, you could rewrite in May/June 2027). If you need to brush up on a few of your poor-performing subjects simply, this is a great way to get back on track for your academic goals speedily.
However, it is important to address why you failed the subject(s) in the first place. If you need further time in a better learning environment to truly achieve your best, it is better to plan ahead for that than try to rush the result and risk another failure.
How Much Does Matric Rewrite Cost?
If you opt to self-register for a matric rewrite through the Department of Basic Education, you can register for a matric rewrite for free. There are also free classes offered throughout the year at the Department to help guide you through some of the material, location-dependent.
However, depending on the reasons for your academic underperformance, this alone may not be enough to help you achieve better results on your rewrite. If you need course material, more intensive classes, or a different learning environment, you have some options. You can either look for distance learning opportunities, register at a college offering matric rewrites, or return to school and repeat your final year. These opportunities will carry fees with them, however. Contact your educational institution of choice to see what these will be.
If you are a proud member of the class of 2026 and are already looking forward to the final exam session of your school career, we wish you much luck! And remember- even if you underperform on your matric, there are plenty of options to help you get better marks and shape your educational future your way. Study hard!
