The Department of Basic Education has released the full May to June 2026 National Senior Certificate exam timetable, with matric learners set to begin writing on Monday, 11 May. The schedule affects thousands of Grade 12 pupils across Gauteng, with exams running for over six weeks and concluding on Friday, 26 June. The timetable outlines morning and afternoon sessions across key subjects, marking a critical academic period that will shape final year outcomes and progression into tertiary education or employment.
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Exams Begin with Language Papers on 11 May
The 2026 NSC exam cycle will open with language papers, which are typically prioritised at the start of the examination period.
On Monday, 11 May, learners will write:
- Language Paper 1 in the morning session (09:00)
- Language Paper 3 in the afternoon session (14:00)
This includes English Home Language, First Additional Language and Second Additional Language, depending on the learner’s subject selection.
Language exams are often used to set the pace for the exam season, requiring strong preparation and time management early on.
How The Exam Timetable is Structured
The timetable is designed to distribute subjects over a seven-week period, balancing cognitive load while allowing time between major papers.
Key structure details:
- Morning sessions: 09:00
- Afternoon sessions: 14:00
- Duration: 11 May to 26 June 2026
- Non-exam days included to allow for rest and preparation
According to the Department of Basic Education, this structure is intended to ensure fairness and reduce fatigue during the exam cycle.
Key Subjects Scheduled Throughout May
The first few weeks of the timetable include core subjects that are critical for most matric learners.
Major subjects include:
- History Paper 1 – Tuesday, 12 May (afternoon)
- Mathematics Paper 1 – Friday, 15 May (afternoon)
- Mathematics Paper 2 – Monday, 18 May (afternoon)
- Accounting Paper 1 – Tuesday, 19 May
- Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) – Friday, 22 May
- Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) – Monday, 25 May
A non-examination day is scheduled for Wednesday, 27 May, providing a break before the next phase of exams.
Exams Continue into June with Final Subjects
The exam period extends into June, with a mix of science, humanities and elective subjects.
Early June highlights:
- Geography Paper 1 – Thursday, 28 May
- Life Sciences Paper 1 – Friday, 29 May
Final weeks include:
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Religion Studies
- Agricultural Sciences
Important dates to note:
- Monday, 15 June: Non-examination day
- Tuesday, 16 June: Youth Day (public holiday)
Among the final papers:
- Economics Paper 2 – Wednesday, 17 June
- Religion Studies Paper 2 – Monday, 22 June
The final examination will take place on Friday, 26 June 2026.
Why The June Exams Matter for Gauteng learners
The May to June NSC exams form a critical part of the academic calendar for matric learners.
While these are not the final NSC exams written later in the year, they:
- Serve as a benchmark for final exam readiness
- Contribute to year-end assessments and internal marks
- Help identify academic gaps ahead of final exams
For Gauteng learners, where competition for university placements is high, performance during this period plays a key role in academic planning and support interventions.
Preparation Pressure Builds in Second Term
The release of the timetable signals the start of an intensive academic period.
With just over four weeks between the start of the second term and the first exam, learners are expected to:
- Complete syllabus coverage
- Begin structured revision
- Balance schoolwork with exam preparation
Teachers and schools also use this period to finalise assessments and provide targeted support.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The NSC exam timetable affects more than just learners.
For Gauteng households, it has broader implications:
- Adjustments to daily routines to support studying
- Increased demand for quiet, stable study environments
- Pressure on families to support academic performance
- Potential impact on household schedules, especially where multiple children are writing exams
The exam period also highlights ongoing challenges such as access to electricity, study resources and safe learning spaces.
FAQ: Matric 2026 June Exams Explained
When do the 2026 June NSC exams start?
They begin on Monday, 11 May 2026.
When do the exams end?
The final exam is scheduled for Friday, 26 June 2026.
What time do exams start?
Morning sessions begin at 09:00 and afternoon sessions at 14:00.
Are there breaks during the exam period?
Yes, there are non-examination days, including 27 May and 15 June.
Do these exams count towards final results?
They contribute to internal assessments and help prepare learners for final NSC exams later in the year.
What Happens Next
Following the June exam cycle, learners will return to class in the third term, where focus will shift to final revision and preparation for the year-end NSC examinations.
Performance during this period is expected to inform academic support strategies, with schools identifying areas where learners may need additional intervention ahead of final exams.
