Matric 2026 exams are now just one week away

The biggest date on the High School education calendar is now only one week away, because, on 13th October, the Matric class of 2026 will sit for their first exams, capping off their basic education careers.

This year, the schedule starts with Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Paper 1, as well as a handful of Paper 1 language exams. Students will then sit for their various subjects until the final papers are written on 26th November. This will conclude seven weeks of exam writing for the nation’s matric students.

They will, however, have a three-day break between 3rd and 5th November, as well as a long weekend thanks to another non-examination day on Monday, 9th November.

We wish all Matric students, their support structures and schools, the best of luck for this usually hectic time.

Advice from the Department of Basic Education (DBE)

On social media, the DBE has been sharing various bits of advice in a countdown to the exams. Find the advice administered so far below:

Use colours and pictures to help you learn. Your brain responds well to visual information, so try using colour, diagrams, mind maps and other visual study methods.

Keep your study sessions short but effective. Give yourself shot, constructive breaks between sessions. A rested brain can focus and learn more effectively.

Be confident with the learning areas you know well and focus your brain energy on the sections that you find more challenging.

Be confident in the learning areas you know well, and use these final days to give extra attention to the sections you find challenging. Stay focused, keep practising, and trust the preparation you’ve put in.

Be positive. Make sure your brain holds onto the information you are learning by reminding yourself how important it is to remember the work and get the marks.

The timetable

The official Matric 2026 exam timetable is available as a PDF on the DBE website here.

For your convenience we have also provided it below in image form, but we highly recommend keeping an official eye on communication from the department, and from schools, about any changes to this schedule.

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