The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has officially published the May/June 2026 Senior Certificate (SC) and National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations timetable. Exams run from Monday, 11 May 2026 to Thursday, 25 June 2026 — spanning seven weeks, with two daily sessions at 09:00 and 14:00.
Whether you are an NSC candidate improving your November 2025 results, or an adult writing the SC (Adult Matric) for the first time, this guide gives you the complete timetable, subject-by-subject dates, and everything you need to know to prepare with confidence.
May/June SC & NSC 2026 Exam at a Glance
| MAY/JUNE 2026 EXAM — QUICK FACTS | |
| Exam session starts | Monday, 11 May 2026 |
| Exam session ends | Friday, 26 June 2026 |
| Total exam weeks | 7 weeks (36 exam days) |
| Morning session | 09:00 |
| Afternoon session | 14:00 |
| Non-exam days | 27 May & 15 June 2026 |
| Public holiday | Youth Day – 16 June 2026 (no exams) |
| Schools close | Friday, 26 June 2026 |
| SC candidates | May only write subjects marked with * |
| Organised by | Department of Basic Education (DBE) |
Download Full May/June 2026 SC/NSC Exam Timetable
Use the table below to find your subject’s exact exam date and session time. Subjects marked with * (asterisk) are the only ones Senior Certificate (SC/Adult Matric) candidates may write.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD MAY/JUNE SC/NSC EXAM TIMETABLE 2026
| DATE | 09:00 SESSION | 14:00 SESSION |
| WEEK 1 | ||
| Mon 11 May | Hindi/Gujarati/Tamil/Telugu/Urdu HL P1, FAL P1, SAL P1 (2hrs)Arabic/French/Hebrew/Italian/Modern Greek/Serbian/Spanish SAL P1 (2hrs)Latin SAL P1 (3hrs) | English HL P3 (3hrs) *English FAL P3 (2½hrs) *English SAL P3 (2½hrs) |
| Tue 12 May | Portuguese/German HL P1, FAL P1, SAL P1 (2hrs) | History P1 (3hrs) * |
| Wed 13 May | Hindi/Gujarati/Tamil/Telugu/Urdu HL P2, FAL P2, SAL P2 (2hrs)Arabic/French/Hebrew/Italian/Modern Greek/Serbian/Spanish SAL P2 (2hrs)Latin SAL P2 (2hrs) | Afrikaans HL P3 (3hrs) *Afrikaans FAL P3 (2½hrs) *Afrikaans SAL P3 (2½hrs) |
| Thu 14 May | SA Sign Language HL P3 (3hrs)Mandarin SAL P1 (2hrs) | isiZulu/isiXhosa/siSwati/isiNdebele HL P3 (3hrs) *, FAL P3 (2½hrs) *, SAL P3 (2½hrs)Sepedi/Sesotho/Setswana/Xitsonga/Tshivenda HL P3 (3hrs) *, FAL P3 (2½hrs) *, SAL P3 (2½hrs) |
| Fri 15 May | Portuguese/German HL P2, FAL P2, SAL P2 (2hrs) | Mathematics P1 (3hrs) *Mathematical Literacy P1 (3hrs) *Technical Mathematics P1 (3hrs) |
| WEEK 2 | ||
| Mon 18 May | Mandarin SAL P2 (2hrs)Nautical Science P1 (3hrs)CAT P2 Theory (3hrs) * | Mathematics P2 (3hrs) *Math Literacy P2 (3hrs) *Technical Mathematics P2 (3hrs) |
| Tue 19 May | Engineering Graphics and Design P1 (3hrs) | Accounting P1 (2hrs) * |
| Wed 20 May | Hindi/Gujarati/Tamil/Telugu/Urdu HL P3, FAL P3 (2½hrs)Portuguese/German HL P3, FAL P3 (2½hrs) | History P2 (3hrs) * |
| Thu 21 May | Sport and Exercise Science (3hrs)Civil Technology (3hrs) | Afrikaans HL P1 (2hrs) *Afrikaans FAL P1 (2hrs) *Afrikaans SAL P1 (2hrs) |
| Fri 22 May | Information Technology P2 Theory (3hrs) * | Physical Sciences (Physics) P1 (3hrs) *Technical Sciences P1 (3hrs) |
| WEEK 3 | ||
| Mon 25 May | Dance Studies (3hrs) | Physical Sciences (Chemistry) P2 (3hrs) *Technical Sciences P2 (1½hrs) |
| Tue 26 May | CAT P1 Practical (3hrs) * | Economics P1 (2hrs) * |
| Wed 27 May | NON-EXAMINATION DAY | |
| Thu 28 May | Engineering Graphics and Design P2 (3hrs) | Geography P1 – Climate, Geomorphology & Map Work (3hrs) * |
| Fri 29 May | Marine Sciences P1 (2½hrs)Mechanical Technology (3hrs) | Life Sciences P1 (2½hrs) * |
| WEEK 4 | ||
| Mon 1 June | Design P1 (3hrs) | Life Sciences P2 (2½hrs) * |
| Tue 2 June | SA Sign Language HL P1 (2hrs)Nautical Science P2 (3hrs) | isiZulu/isiXhosa/siSwati/isiNdebele HL P1 (2hrs) *, FAL P1 (2hrs) *, SAL P1 (2hrs)Sepedi/Sesotho/Setswana/Xitsonga/Tshivenda HL P1 (2hrs) *, FAL P1 (2hrs) *, SAL P1 (2hrs) |
| Wed 3 June | Electrical Technology (3hrs) | Accounting P2 (2hrs) * |
| Thu 4 June | IT P1 Practical (3hrs) * | English HL P1 (2hrs) *English FAL P1 (2hrs) *English SAL P1 (2hrs) |
| Fri 5 June | Consumer Studies (3hrs)Hospitality Studies (3hrs) | Business Studies P1 (2hrs) * |
| WEEK 5 | ||
| Mon 8 June | Dramatic Arts (3hrs) | Geography P2 – Rural/Urban Settlements, Economic Geography & Map Work (3hrs) * |
| Tue 9 June | SA Sign Language HL P2 (2½hrs) | isiZulu/isiXhosa/siSwati/isiNdebele HL P2 (2½hrs) *, FAL P2 (2½hrs) *, SAL P2 (1½hrs)Sepedi/Sesotho/Setswana/Xitsonga/Tshivenda HL P2 (2½hrs) *, FAL P2 (2½hrs) *, SAL P2 (1½hrs) |
| Wed 10 June | Tourism (3hrs) | Afrikaans HL P2 (2½hrs) *Afrikaans FAL P2 (2½hrs) *Afrikaans SAL P2 (1½hrs) |
| Thu 11 June | Maritime Economics (3hrs)Equine Studies (3hrs) | English HL P2 (2½hrs) *English FAL P2 (2½hrs) *English SAL P2 (1½hrs) |
| Fri 12 June | Visual Arts P1 (3hrs) | Business Studies P2 (2hrs) * |
| WEEK 6 | ||
| Mon 15 June | NON-EXAMINATION DAY | |
| Tue 16 June | YOUTH DAY – PUBLIC HOLIDAY (no exams) | |
| Wed 17 June | Agricultural Technology (3hrs) | Economics P2 (2hrs) * |
| Thu 18 June | Marine Sciences P2 (2½hrs) | Agricultural Sciences P1 (2½hrs) * |
| Fri 19 June | Music P1 Theory (3hrs) | Religion Studies P1 (2hrs) * |
| WEEK 7 | ||
| Mon 22 June | Agricultural Management Practices (3hrs) | Religion Studies P2 (2hrs) * |
| Tue 23 June | Music P2 Comprehension (1½hrs) | Agricultural Sciences P2 (2½hrs) * |
| Wed 24 June | CAT P1 Rewrite Practical (3hrs) *IT P1 Rewrite Practical (3hrs) * | |
| Thu 25 June | — | — |
| Fri 26 June | SCHOOLS CLOSE | |
ℹ️ IMPORTANT: SC candidates may ONLY write subjects marked with an asterisk (*). Subjects without an asterisk are for NSC candidates only.
Key Subject Dates: Quick Reference for Popular Subjects
Planning your study schedule? The table below shows exact dates for the most popular NSC/SC subjects:
| Subject | Paper 1 Date | Paper 2 Date |
| Mathematics | Friday 15 May (14:00) * | Monday 18 May (14:00) * |
| Mathematical Literacy | Friday 15 May (14:00) * | Monday 18 May (14:00) * |
| Physical Sciences | Friday 22 May (14:00) * | Monday 25 May (14:00) * |
| Life Sciences | Friday 29 May (14:00) * | Monday 1 June (14:00) * |
| Accounting | Tuesday 19 May (14:00) * | Wednesday 3 June (14:00) * |
| Business Studies | Friday 5 June (14:00) * | Friday 12 June (14:00) * |
| Economics | Tuesday 26 May (14:00) * | Wednesday 17 June (14:00) * |
| History | Tuesday 12 May (14:00) * | Wednesday 20 May (14:00) * |
| Geography | Thursday 28 May (14:00) * | Monday 8 June (14:00) * |
| English HL | Thursday 4 June (14:00) * | Thursday 11 June (14:00) * |
| Afrikaans HL | Thursday 21 May (14:00) * | Wednesday 10 June (14:00) * |
Important Dates to Note
Non-Examination Days
- Wednesday, 27 May 2026 — Non-Examination Day (no papers written)
- Monday, 15 June 2026 — Non-Examination Day (no papers written)
Public Holiday
- Tuesday, 16 June 2026 — Youth Day (public holiday; NO exams written)
CAT and IT Rewrite Practicals
- Wednesday, 24 June 2026 — Computer Applications Technology (CAT) P1 Rewrite Practical (3hrs) *
- Wednesday, 24 June 2026 — Information Technology (IT) P1 Rewrite Practical (3hrs) *
NSC vs SC (Adult Matric): What Is the Difference?
The May/June 2026 timetable serves two types of candidates. Understanding which qualification applies to you is essential — it determines which subjects you can write and how your results are calculated.
| Feature | NSC (Grade 12) | SC (Adult Matric) |
| Who is it for? | Learners under 21 in full-time school | Adults 21+ who left school before Grade 12 |
| Subjects required | 7 (incl. Life Orientation) | 6 (Life Orientation excluded) |
| Assessment method | Exam (75%) + SBA/class mark (25%) | 100% exam-based – no class mark |
| Exam session | October/November each year | May/June ONLY |
| Curriculum | CAPS | NCS (slightly different) |
| Pass requirement | Min 40% in Home Lang + 5 subjects | Min 40% in Home Lang + 4 subjects |
| Timetable subjects | All subjects on timetable | Only subjects marked with * (asterisk) |
| NQF Level | NQF Level 4 | NQF Level 4 |
| University access | Bachelor’s / Diploma / Higher Cert | Bachelor’s / Diploma / Higher Cert (most unis) |
ℹ️ Both the NSC and the SC are NQF Level 4 qualifications. They carry equal weight for most employment and tertiary education applications in South Africa.
✅ Who Can Write the May/June 2026 Exams?
NSC Candidates (subjects without asterisk restriction)
- Learners who wrote the November 2025 NSC exams and want to improve specific subjects
- Candidates who were absent during the November 2025 exams due to a valid, documented reason
- Part-time learners who are under 21 and left Grade 12 less than three years ago
SC (Senior Certificate/Adult Matric) Candidates
- Adults aged 21 and older who did not complete Grade 12 through the traditional school route
- Adults who wrote their matric exams more than three years ago and either failed or want to improve
- Candidates who completed at least Grade 9 (Standard 7) or hold an equivalent NQF Level 1 qualification
- In exceptional cases, youth aged 18–20 who are not in school may apply through the provincial Head of Education
ℹ️ SC candidates can ONLY register for May/June exams — they cannot write in the November NSC session.
⭐ What Does the Asterisk (*) Mean on the Timetable?
This is one of the most common questions from SC (Adult Matric) candidates. The asterisk (*) next to a subject means it is available to Senior Certificate candidates. If a subject has no asterisk, it is exclusively for NSC candidates.
Examples of subjects SC candidates CAN write (marked with *): Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, History, Geography, Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, English HL/FAL, Afrikaans HL/FAL, African Languages.
Examples of subjects SC candidates CANNOT write (no asterisk): Civil Technology, Mechanical Technology, Electrical Technology, Dance Studies, Dramatic Arts, Tourism, Design, Marine Sciences — and several others listed in the full timetable above.
Second Chance Matric Programme 2026: How to Register
The Second Chance Matric Programme (SCMP) gives candidates another opportunity to write or improve their matric results. Here is how to register:
Registration Deadline
The closing date for May/June 2026 registration was 6 February 2026. No late applications are accepted. If you missed this deadline:
- NSC candidates: You can register for the November 2026 session (closing date: 13 March 2026)
- SC candidates: You will need to wait until the May/June 2027 session — SC candidates cannot write in November
How to Register
- NSC candidates: Register in person at your school or nearest district education office
- SC candidates: Register online via www.eservices.gov.za or manually at a district education office
- Bring a certified copy of your South African Identity Document
- Bring your previous statement of results or Grade 12 school report
- Confirm which subjects you are rewriting or completing
Documents Required
- Certified copy of South African ID (green barcoded ID or Smart ID card)
- Latest matric statement of results (for rewrites/improvements)
- Grade 9 or equivalent school report (for first-time SC candidates)
Study Tips: How to Prepare for May/June 2026 Matric Exams
The May/June session gives candidates a shorter preparation window than the November exams, so planning is critical.
1. Build Your Study Timetable Around the Exam Dates
Use the full exam timetable above to work backwards. Start by listing your subjects in the order they appear on the timetable, then block off study time for each — prioritising subjects you write first and those you find most challenging.
2. Practise With Past Papers
DBE past exam papers are the single most effective study resource. They are available free of charge on the DBE website (www.education.gov.za) and on platforms like Past Papers South Africa. Practise under exam conditions — set a timer, no notes.
3. Know Your Session Time
Double-check whether each of your subjects falls in the 09:00 morning session or the 14:00 afternoon session. Arriving at the wrong time or wrong venue counts as absent.
4. Use the Non-Exam Days Wisely
27 May, 15 June, and 16 June (Youth Day) are exam-free days. Use these for intensive revision of upcoming subjects rather than rest.
5. Pay Attention to Special Rules for IT and CAT
Computer Applications Technology (CAT) and Information Technology (IT) have both a Practical paper and a Theory paper. CAT P2 Theory is on 18 May; CAT P1 Practical is on 26 May. IT P2 Theory is on 22 May; IT P1 Practical is on 4 June. Do not confuse the practical and theory sessions.
6. Look After Yourself
Sleep 7–8 hours per night during exam season. Eat balanced meals and drink water. Physical exercise, even a 20-minute walk, reduces stress hormones and improves focus. Do not pull all-nighters the evening before an exam — your recall will suffer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to the most common questions about the May/June 2026 SC/NSC matric exam timetable:
Q: When do the May/June 2026 matric exams start?
A: The exams begin on Monday, 11 May 2026, starting with language papers in the morning session at 09:00 and English HL/FAL/SAL Paper 3 at 14:00.
Q: When do the May/June 2026 matric exams end?
A: The final exam day is Wednesday, 24 June, with schools officially closing on Friday, 26 June 2026.
Q: What time do matric exams start in 2026?
A: There are two daily sessions: the morning session starts at 09:00 and the afternoon session starts at 14:00. Always check your specific subject’s session time on the official timetable.
Q: Who writes the May/June 2026 exams?
A: Two groups write in May/June: (1) NSC candidates who are rewriting subjects to improve their results from the 2025 November exams; and (2) Senior Certificate (SC/Adult Matric) candidates who can ONLY write in May/June and not in November.
Q: What does the asterisk (*) mean on the timetable?
A: Senior Certificate (SC) candidates may ONLY sit for subjects that are marked with an asterisk (*). If a subject has no asterisk, it is only available to NSC candidates.
Q: Can I write the May/June exam to improve my NSC marks?
A: Yes. NSC candidates who wrote the November 2025 exams and want to improve specific subjects can register for the May/June 2026 supplementary session, also known as the Second Chance Matric Programme.
Q: Is the SC (Adult Matric) harder than the NSC?
A: The SC is 100% exam-based — there is no School-Based Assessment (SBA) class mark to cushion you. Many adults find this more challenging than the NSC, where up to 25% of the final mark comes from schoolwork done during the year.
Q: Are there any non-exam days in May/June 2026?
A: Yes. Wednesday 27 May and Monday 15 June are designated non-examination days. Tuesday 16 June is Youth Day, a public holiday — no exams are written.
Q: Where can I download the official May/June 2026 timetable PDF?
A: The official timetable is available for download from the Department of Basic Education website at www.education.gov.za. You can also check your provincial education department’s website (e.g., WCED, KZN DoE).
Q: What was the registration deadline for May/June 2026 exams?
A: The registration closing date for both NSC and SC candidates for the May/June 2026 session was 6 February 2026. No late registrations are accepted. Missed it? The next window is the November 2026 NSC exams (SC candidates must wait until June 2027).
Hear me out!
The May/June 2026 matric exams represent a genuine second chance — whether you are rewriting to improve an NSC subject or completing your Adult Matric through the Senior Certificate route. The seven-week window starting 11 May 2026 covers all major subjects across both the 09:00 and 14:00 sessions.
Use the full timetable above to plan your preparation now. Download the official PDF from www.education.gov.za, confirm your exam centre, and get started with past papers. Your matric certificate opens the door to higher education, learnerships, and employment in South Africa — and this is your opportunity to earn it.
| ⚠️ Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only and is based on the official May/June 2026 SC/NSC Examinations Timetable published by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) in February 2026. Always verify dates, venues, and registration requirements through official sources: www.education.gov.za or your provincial Department of Education. The DBE reserves the right to amend the timetable. |
