The final countdown is on for the May/June 2026 Senior Certificate (SC) and National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. For many South African students, these exams represent a crucial opportunity to improve previous results or achieve their matriculation goals. Whether you're an NSC candidate looking to upgrade subjects or an adult learner pursuing your Senior Certificate, understanding the key dates and requirements is vital for success. Here's what you need to know as the May/June 2026 matric timetable approaches.
May/June 2026 Matric Exam Schedule: Key Dates
The May/June 2026 examination period officially kicks off on Monday, 11 May 2026, and will conclude on Wednesday, 24 June 2026. Schools will officially close for the term on Friday, 26 June 2026.
Exams will be conducted in two daily sessions: a morning session starting at 09:00 and an afternoon session at 14:00. The very first paper will be written on Monday, 11 May 2026, at 14:00, comprising English HL P3, English FAL P3, and English SAL P3.
Please note the non-examination days: Wednesday, 27 May 2026, and Monday, 15 June 2026. Additionally, Tuesday, 16 June 2026, is Youth Day, a public holiday, and no exams will be written.
Eligibility for May/June 2026 Matric Exams
NSC May/June Eligibility:
These exams are primarily for NSC Part-time Repeater candidates who wrote the NSC examination between 2008 and 2025. You must have a valid School Based Assessment (SBA) mark for the subjects you intend to write. It is important to note that no new subjects can be registered for; this is for improving existing results.
Senior Certificate (SC) May/June Eligibility:
The Senior Certificate exams South Africa 2026 are aimed at adult learners aged 21 and over who possess a GETC, Grade 9 pass, or an NQF Level 1 equivalent, or who have an incomplete SC or NSC qualification. In exceptional circumstances, out-of-school youth aged 18-21 may also qualify. A key difference for SC candidates is that SBA is not a requirement; the final exam accounts for 100% of the mark.
Understanding NSC and SC Pass Requirements
NSC Pass Requirements:
To achieve an NSC pass, candidates must obtain at least 40% in three subjects (including your Home Language) and a minimum of 30% in three other subjects. Crucially, full SBA evidence must be submitted and validated for the relevant subjects.
SC Pass Requirements:
For the SC pass requirements, the criteria are 40% in three subjects (including your Home Language) and 30% in two other subjects, one of which must be an official language. A subminimum of 20% is required in the sixth subject.
Important Deadlines, Fees, and Next Steps
The registration deadline for the May/June 2026 exams was 6 February 2026. Unfortunately, no late registrations are accepted. Keep these dates in mind:
- Remarking Fee: R120 per subject
- Rechecking Fee: R30 per subject
- Viewing of Scripts Fee: R230 (after remark or recheck)
Applications for remarking or rechecking of scripts for the November 2025 exams were open from 13 January 2026 to 27 January 2026. Admission letters are typically available about three weeks before the exams commence. Ensure you verify your personal details within 21 days after results are released to request any corrections.
Special Considerations for IT and CAT Exams
Candidates taking Information Technology (IT) and Computer Applications Technology (CAT) should be aware of specific requirements for the DBE exam dates 2026. Evidence of attending practical classes is mandatory.
For CAT P1 and IT P1, special practical rewrite sessions are scheduled for Wednesday, 24 June 2026. Ensure you meet the attendance requirements to be eligible for these special sittings.
The May/June 2026 SC and NSC examinations are a significant milestone for many learners aiming for a matric upgrade 2026 or completing their qualifications. With the exam period drawing near, it's essential to stay organised and informed. Focus on your preparation, adhere to the exam schedule, and ensure all your documentation is in order. We wish all candidates the very best of luck!
