Public Information · Matric 2026 · Examination timetable
Matric exams and election week: your timetable for 2–6 November
Chemistry is on Monday, followed by a three-day exam break. Check Friday’s papers and official revision resources.
Update, 10 November 2026: papers on 11–13 November
Matric candidates should check the remaining week against their own examination admission documents. The Department of Basic Education’s October/November 2026 NSC timetable lists these sessions:
Wednesday, 11 November: Afrikaans Home Language, First Additional Language and Second Additional Language Paper 1 at 09:00. Business Studies Paper 1 follows at 14:00.
Thursday, 12 November: Geography Paper 2 at 09:00, covering settlements, South Africa’s economic geography and map work. Religion Studies Paper 2 is at 14:00.
Friday, 13 November: Life Sciences Paper 1 at 09:00. The afternoon session includes specified foreign-language papers and Equine Studies; candidates taking those subjects should read the full timetable rather than rely on this shortlist.
This is an NSC timetable summary, not a replacement for a candidate’s admission letter or a school’s instructions. Check your subject, language level, paper number and venue.
Original guide: 2–6 November 2026
The DBE’s National Senior Certificate timetable has papers on Monday and Friday next week, with a three-day pause around the municipal elections. Check your own subjects before arranging transport or revision.
These are the Department of Basic Education’s national NSC sessions for 2–6 November 2026. Follow your examination centre’s instructions and your individual subject entries.
The week at a glance
| Date | Start | Paper and duration |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 2 November | 09:00 | Physical Sciences (Chemistry) P2: 3 hours; Technical Sciences P2: 1½ hours |
| Monday 2 November | 14:00 | Religion Studies P1: 2 hours |
| Tuesday 3–Thursday 5 November | — | No examinations |
| Friday 6 November | 09:00 | isiZulu, isiXhosa, siSwati and isiNdebele P1 (Home Language, First Additional Language and Second Additional Language): 2 hours |
| Friday 6 November | 14:00 | Consumer Studies and Hospitality Studies: 3 hours |
The break does not cover the whole week
In its 6 October examination statement, the Western Cape Education Department explained that 3–5 November are exam-free because of the local government elections. It also identified Monday, 9 November as a non-examination day because of Diwali.
Use the gap to plan for the next paper without overlooking the Friday sessions. Match the full subject name, paper number and language level to your own examination details.
If a timetable message circulating online conflicts with your examination information, ask your school or examination centre to resolve it. Keep the official timetable available, and confirm your venue and reporting arrangements before travelling.
Revision help from official sources
The DBE’s past examination papers provide practice material for revision. Use the appropriate subject, paper and language version, and check your answers against the accompanying memorandum.
The department’s Second Chance support page brings together subject resources, study guides and examination materials. The programme supports candidates who have not met the requirements of the NSC or Senior Certificate, including eligible part-time NSC candidates.
Families can help with a quieter study space and practical arrangements for travel. A short check of the next paper and its starting time can prevent a misunderstanding of the break from becoming a missed examination.