The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has welcomed the smooth start to the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, with no major irregularities reported on the first day.
The examinations commenced across the country on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, with candidates in all nine provinces sitting for Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Paper 1 Practical and various language papers.
The department attributed the positive start to extensive preparations by national and provincial education departments to safeguard the integrity and credibility of the examinations.
With the first day concluded without major reported disruptions, the department said it remained encouraged by initial reports from provinces and would continue monitoring the administration of the examinations to ensure that candidates complete the cycle under fair, secure and conducive conditions.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has extended her best wishes to the Class of 2026, urging candidates to approach their examinations with confidence, discipline and perseverance.
“The commencement of the 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations is an important moment for our learners and the basic education sector. Every examination represents an opportunity for learners to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired over the years.
“We encourage the Class of 2026 to approach each paper with confidence, remain focused and give their very best. As a nation, we have a collective responsibility to support our learners as they take this important step towards their futures,” Gwarube said.
Examinations continue
Today candidates will write Information Technology Paper 1 Practical, alongside several language papers.
These include Arabic, French, Italian, Mandarin, Modern Greek, Serbian, Spanish and Latin Second Additional Language Paper 1, as well as Portuguese Home Language, First Additional Language and Second Additional Language Paper 1.
The department said provincial education departments, examination officials, school management teams and educators remain central to ensuring that examination protocols are consistently implemented and that any emerging challenges are addressed promptly.
It also called on parents, guardians and communities to continue providing learners with emotional and practical support throughout the examination period.
A stable and encouraging environment, the department said, is essential to enabling candidates to perform to the best of their abilities.
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As the examinations progress, the DBE will continue working with provincial education departments to monitor implementation, safeguard examination integrity and ensure that candidates have every opportunity to complete their examinations successfully.
The department wished all candidates well and reiterated its commitment to ensuring a credible and successful 2026 NSC examination cycle. – SAnews.gov.za
