Matric exams 2026 hit pause for Local Government Elections

South Africa’s National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination timetable has been adjusted to accommodate the 2026 Local Government Elections, with a three-day break in examinations.

The examinations will pause from** Tuesday, 3 November, to Thursday, 5 November, **before resuming on Friday, 6 November.

The changes follow the scheduling of the local government elections for Wednesday, 4 November, during the October/November matric examination period.

Monday, 9 November, has also been designated a non-examination day.

STUDY | Matric exams 2026: Why THESE past papers could be your secret weapon

Why the matric exam timetable has changed

The adjustment aims to minimise disruptions caused by election-related activities, including political gatherings and community protests, particularly around schools being used as examination centres.

During a state of readiness briefing on 8 October, Umalusi chief executive officer Mafu Rakometsi confirmed that the timetable had been amended to accommodate the elections.

“As was the case in 2021, this year’s examination timetable has had to be amended to accommodate the upcoming local government elections,” Rakometsi said.

He explained that Umalusi had previously identified political activities and community protests as potential threats to the smooth running of examinations.

With the elections falling during the examination period, related activities could affect examination operations.

Umalusi will work with assessment bodies, provincial education departments and other stakeholders to prevent election-related disruptions.

Appeal to communities to protect exam candidates

Rakometsi also called on political and community leaders, school principals, teachers and parents to help protect learners from unnecessary disruptions.

He noted that many schools used as voting stations also host extra classes during weekends and school holidays to help candidates prepare for their examinations.

Umalusi has urged stakeholders to minimise political activity around schools serving as examination centres and to ensure that candidates can continue preparing in a suitable environment.

The council stressed that every effort should be made to ensure that no learner is unfairly disadvantaged by election-related activities.

When did the 2026 matric exams start?

The NSC examinations began nationwide on Tuesday, 13 October and are due to conclude on Thursday, 26 November.

Candidates are encouraged to consult the official examination timetable to confirm their individual subject dates and plan their revision accordingly.

Week 4: 2 to 6 November

Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) opens the week on Monday, then the timetable breaks for three days. It’s breathing room – use it for Life Sciences and Business Studies revision.

Date

Time

Subject

Monday, 2 November

09:00Physical Sciences P2 – Chemistry (3 hours); Technical Sciences P2 (1½ hours)

Monday, 2 November

14:00Religion Studies P1 (2 hours)

Tuesday, 3 November

–No exams

Wednesday, 4 November

–No exams

Thursday, 5 November

–No exams

Friday, 6 November

09:00isiZulu / isiXhosa / siSwati / isiNdebele HL P1 (2 hrs), FAL P1 (2 hours), SAL P1 (2 hours)

Friday, 6 November

14:00Consumer Studies (3 hours); Hospitality Studies (3 hours)

Good luck to you if you’re writing matric exams in 2026!