The 2026 National Senior Certificate exams officially started on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, with pupils taking the final lap of the year.
The exams will conclude Thursday, 26 November 2026.
The examinations begin with Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Paper 1 practical on Tuesday, followed by several language papers. On Wednesday, 14 October, candidates will write Information Technology Paper 1 practical, while English Paper 3 follows on Thursday, 15 October, with exam times varying by language level. The first week wraps up on Friday, 16 October, with Economics Paper 1 and Mechanical Technology and Design Paper 1.
The final full week starts on Monday, 23 November, with Agricultural Technology and Music, followed by more subjects through Thursday, 26 November, when CAT and IT practical rewrite examinations are scheduled.