NATIONAL NEWS - For thousands of matriculants across South Africa, their years of schooling are about to culminate in one of the most important exam periods of their lives, as the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) final exams start this week.
According to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), 71 302 full-time candidates are registered to write the NSC examinations in the province this year, along with 13 834 part-time and repeat candidates.
The examination period stretches over seven weeks, with 28 examination days, before the final papers are written in November.
Although the exam period officially begins on Tuesday 13 October with Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Paper 1, Thursday 15 October will see an even larger group of matriculants, including those of George’s schools, sitting down for English Paper 3.
CAT is a popular subject at many high schools, which means a significant number of learners will already be putting their skills to the test before Thursday. The practical exam assesses candidates’ ability to work with computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets and databases.
On Wednesday 14 October, Information Technology (IT) candidates will tackle their first practical examination.
What is being written this week?
The first week begins with practical examinations and a selection of language papers before the much larger group of English candidates enters examination venues on Thursday.
English Paper 3 takes centre stage
For many matriculants, Thursday will mark their first encounter with the final examination timetable, as the English Paper 3 tests their creative and practical writing skills.
The paper requires learners to demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively through essays and transactional writing, including formal letters, speeches, reports and articles.
English Home Language candidates will have three hours to complete the paper, while First Additional Language and Second Additional Language candidates will have two-and-a-half hours. All three examinations begin at 09:00.
Matric final examination timetable: 13-16 October
Tuesday 13 October
- 09:00 - Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Paper 1 - Practical
- 14:00 - Selected foreign languages, Paper 1
Wednesday 14 October
- 09:00 - Information Technology (IT) Paper 1 - Practical
- 14:00 - Selected foreign languages, Paper 1
Thursday 15 October
- 09:00 - English Paper 3 - Home Language (HL), First Additional Language (FAL) and Second Additional Language (SAL)
- 14:00 - Selected foreign languages, Paper 2
Friday 16 October
- 09:00 - Economics Paper 1 and Mechanical Technology
- 14:00 - Design Paper 1.
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