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EZEKIEL PHALANA
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The Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed its readiness to administer the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, which are scheduled to take place from 13 October to 26 November 2026. The province has registered a record-breaking 203,794 candidates, making this the first NSC examination cohort in Gauteng to exceed 200,000 candidates.
The Department has outlined extensive preparations, learner support programmes, security measures and monitoring systems aimed at ensuring that the examinations are conducted in a fair, secure and credible environment. The NSC examinations mark the culmination of 12 years of formal schooling and represent a critical milestone for learners preparing to transition into higher education, further training and the world of work.
Of the registered candidates, 152,527 are full-time candidates, while 51,267 are part-time and repeater candidates. This represents an increase of 11,049 candidates compared with the 192,745 registered in 2025.
The 2026 examinations will cover 77 subjects and 155 question papers, administered at 1,065 registered and audited examination centres across Gauteng’s 15 education districts. The Department has also processed 2,381 examination accommodations and 19 language or mathematics concessions to ensure that qualifying candidates can participate fully and equitably in the examination process.
To strengthen examination security and oversight, approximately 1,700 monitors will be deployed throughout the examination cycle. Their responsibilities include checking examination centre readiness, verifying the secure storage and distribution of question papers, monitoring examination procedures, overseeing the collection and packaging of answer scripts, and supporting the integrity of marking and results processing.
The Department is targeting 100% monitoring coverage, exceeding the national requirement of 70%. Additional personnel, including private chief invigilators and resident monitors, have been appointed and trained to provide enhanced oversight at high-risk centres, including those with large candidate numbers, newly established centres and centres that experienced challenges in previous examination cycles.
Security measures have also been strengthened across the examination value chain. These include secure printing facilities, audited storage and distribution points, armed security escorts, strict access controls, surveillance systems and double-locking mechanisms. Real-time reporting systems and advanced security scanners will provide an additional layer of protection against examination irregularities, including the use of concealed electronic devices.
The Department has further reinforced its commitment to examination integrity through a provincial candidate pledge-signing initiative held on 9 October 2026. Candidates were reminded of the examination code of conduct and the serious consequences of dishonest or disruptive behaviour, which may include the nullification of results and exclusion from future examination cycles, depending on the severity of the offence.
Beyond operational readiness, the Department has implemented a range of academic interventions to strengthen learner performance. These include the Secondary School Improvement Programme (SSIP), the High Flyer Programme and the Just-in-Time Programme (JITP).
The SSIP provides targeted academic support to learners in priority and underperforming schools through Saturday classes, holiday revision sessions, examination preparation camps, tutoring, learning materials and additional educational resources. The programme focuses on key gateway subjects, including Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Accounting, English First Additional Language, Economics, Business Studies, History and Geography.
Meanwhile, the High Flyer Programme supports high-performing Grade 12 learners through specialised tuition, intensive revision camps, subject-specific resources and problem-solving sessions designed to help them achieve distinctions and bachelor-level passes.
The Just-in-Time Programme provides educators with targeted professional development and practical teaching support ahead of curriculum delivery and assessments. During the examination period, candidates will continue to benefit from daily revision opportunities across subjects to reinforce their preparation before each paper.
The Department’s confidence is underpinned by Gauteng’s recent examination performance. In 2025, the province achieved its highest-ever NSC pass rate of 89.1%, placing third nationally and producing 67,861 bachelor passes. All 15 districts recorded pass rates above 83%, with Johannesburg West achieving 96.20% and Gauteng East recording 83.70%.
As preparations reach their final stage, the Department has also advanced its arrangements for the marking phase. Twenty-seven marking centres have been identified and audited, while the appointment of approximately 14,800 marking personnel is underway. The Department aims to release the 2026 NSC results on 12 January 2027.
The Gauteng Department of Education has called on parents, guardians and communities to play an active role in supporting learners throughout the examination period. Families are encouraged to provide peaceful study environments, allow candidates sufficient time to prepare and rest, and protect learners from unnecessary disruptions.
Communities have also been urged not to block access routes or school entrances during the examinations, as such disruptions could prevent candidates from writing their papers and potentially delay their progression to further education and training.
The Department has encouraged all candidates to remain disciplined, manage their time effectively, limit social media distractions and uphold the principles of honesty, hard work and integrity. Learners are reminded that cheating has no place in the NSC examination system and that their commitment to the examination pledge must be reflected in their conduct.
With comprehensive preparations, strengthened security, extensive monitoring and sustained academic support in place, the Gauteng Department of Education remains confident that the Class of 2026 is well positioned to approach the examinations with confidence and determination.
The Department wishes all candidates success as they take this important step towards completing their schooling and pursuing their future aspirations.