The 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations begin today, with Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli expressing confidence that this year’s matriculants will surpass the performance of the Class of 2025.
The examinations, which will run until 26 November, mark the culmination of years of schooling for Grade 12 learners across the country.
“We wish the class of 2026 well as they prepare to sit for the final matric exams. We have no doubt that they will surpass the class of 2025, which did considerably well; we look forward to a pass rate that is in the 90s,” Mhlauli said.
The Deputy Minister acknowledged the pressure that comes with the final examinations, urging learners to remain calm, trust their preparation and approach the examination period with confidence.
“We have no doubt that the work that they put in since the beginning of the year will be demonstrated when they do sit their final matric exams, and we really just want to remind them that they've got this.
“They know what they're supposed to be writing. The nerves should not make them start having anxiety. It's a very stressful period in their lives, but our message to them is that keep calm, you've got this, and we know that you'll do considerably well,” Mhlauli said.
The 2025 NSC examinations recorded a national pass rate of 88%, setting a benchmark for this year’s candidates.
The start of the examinations on Tuesday, 13 October, follow nationwide NSC pledge-signing ceremonies held on Friday, during which matriculants committed themselves to honesty, discipline and integrity throughout the examination period.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, in a message to Free State matriculants at the provincial ceremony in Qwaqwa, urged learners not to allow a momentary lapse in judgement to jeopardise years of hard work and sacrifice.
“Believe in yourselves, for we believe in you,” the President said.
Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube has also cautioned learners against examination irregularities, including bringing cellphones or crib notes into examination rooms.
“There are no shortcuts to success. A cellphone hidden in a pocket is not preparation. A leaked question paper is not intelligence. Copying another learner's work is not achievement,” the Minister said.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has urged learners to consult the official examination timetable to confirm their examination dates, times and subjects.
The first session on Tuesday includes the Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Paper 1 practical examination, while the second session includes Hindi, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu Home Language (HL), First Additional Language (FAL) and Second Additional Language (SAL) Paper 1, as well as Hebrew SAL and German HL, FAL and SAL Paper 1.
As the Class of 2026 begins this important milestone, learners are encouraged to remain focused, manage examination pressure and demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their schooling.
At a media briefing on Sunday, the DBE declared itself ready for the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, with a record 962 832 candidates registered to sit the October/November examinations.
– SAnews.gov.za
