Nearly one million candidates have registered to write the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, with the Department of Basic Education declaring itself ready for the October/November matric exam period.
A record 962 832 candidates are registered for this year's matric examinations, making the Class of 2026 the largest full-time cohort to sit for the NSC examinations to date.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube announced the department's state of readiness in Pretoria on Sunday, confirming that preparations had been completed to support candidates across all nine provinces.
“All candidates have been provided with all the support they would need to perform, and I am happy to declare that learners are ready for the 2026 NSC Exams,” the Minister said.
2026 Matric Exam Registration Numbers
Of the 962 832 candidates registered for the 2026 matric exams, 815 051 are full-time candidates. This represents an increase of 48 508 full-time candidates compared with the previous year.
The remaining 147 781 candidates are registered as part-time candidates, including those who want to improve their previous matric results.
The examinations will take place across approximately 7 100 examination centres nationwide, requiring extensive coordination between the Department of Basic Education and provincial education departments.
Gwarube said the department had audited examination centres and adopted a risk-based monitoring approach to ensure that supervision and resources are directed to areas where they are most needed.
Matric Exam Papers and Marking Centres Ready
The Department of Basic Education has confirmed that the setting, moderation and quality assurance of examination materials have been completed.
All question papers and examination instruments have been reviewed by the department and approved by Umalusi, the quality assurance body responsible for general and further education and training qualifications.
The department has also strengthened security throughout the production and distribution of examination papers. These measures include vetting examination officials and working with national and provincial law enforcement structures.
To prepare for marking, 189 marking centres have been established, with 51 104 qualified and experienced educators recruited to mark examination scripts.
A standardised national marking approach will be used, supported by strict quality-control measures and strengthened moderation of school-based assessments. These processes are intended to protect the credibility and integrity of the National Senior Certificate.
Support Programmes Help Learners Prepare for Matric
The Department of Basic Education has implemented its 2026 Learner Support Programme across all 75 education districts, reaching 159 180 learners at 1 262 centres.
The programme provides additional teaching, revision and examination preparation opportunities, particularly for progressed learners, learners who need extra academic support and schools facing performance challenges.
Learners have also received access to revision guides, previous examination papers, online learning materials, digital notes and mock examinations.
These resources are intended to help matric candidates revise key topics, identify gaps in their knowledge and become familiar with examination requirements before writing their final papers.
Second Chance Matric Programme Supports Part-Time Candidates
The Second Chance Matric Programme continues to assist part-time candidates, including those seeking to improve their matric results.
Support is provided through after-hours and weekend classes at 41 centres, learning materials distributed to 84 centres and 15 provincial learner workshops.
Candidates can also access class monitoring, free online study resources and educational broadcasts on radio and television.
These initiatives give learners additional opportunities to prepare for their examinations and improve their academic performance.
Department Addresses Learning Disruptions Experienced by Class of 2026
Gwarube acknowledged that the Class of 2026 experienced disruptions to schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during the transition from the Intermediate Phase to the Senior Phase.
In response, the department strengthened curriculum coverage, used assessment information to identify learning gaps and provided additional revision opportunities to help learners prepare for their final examinations.
The Minister also appealed to parents and guardians to support matric candidates at home by giving them enough time and space to study.
“So, we appeal to parents, not to burden learners with a load of household chores nor expect them to run family errands. Please give them the space and support they need to perform at their very best in these exams,” the Minister said.
Zero-Tolerance Approach to Matric Exam Irregularities
The Department of Basic Education has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to examination irregularities and reinforced candidate and parent pledge agreements to promote honesty and accountability.
A 24-hour examination hotline is available for members of the public to report suspicious activities that could compromise the integrity of the 2026 matric examinations.
The department has also developed contingency plans to address potential operational challenges, including severe weather and community disruptions.
Gwarube urged communities not to disrupt examinations to express dissatisfaction over service delivery, political matters or socioeconomic challenges.
“I appeal to communities not to prejudice the Matric Class of 2026 by disrupting the NSC Exams for service delivery, political, or socio-economic dissatisfaction. The NSC candidates cannot resolve societal problems; it is Ministers, as elected representatives, who must account. Please do not go to schools; come to our offices in Pretoria and in parliament,” Gwarube said.
She emphasised that all South Africans have a responsibility to ensure that candidates can write their examinations in a safe and secure environment without unnecessary interruptions.
Class of 2026 Declared Ready for Matric Exams
After considering the preparations reported by all nine provincial education departments, Gwarube formally declared the Department of Basic Education and the Class of 2026 ready for the NSC examinations.
With nearly one million candidates registered, the department says examination centres, marking arrangements, learner support programmes and security measures are in place for the 2026 matric examination period.
The focus now shifts to ensuring that candidates can complete their examinations under fair, safe and well-managed conditions.
