National Senior Certificate NSC Important Dates 2026: Check NSC exam results release dates, remarking and rechecking application dates, and release of remark|recheck results dates in 2026 here.
The National Senior Certificate, commonly known as the NSC, is one of the most important academic milestones for secondary school learners. It represents the final step in the school journey and plays a crucial role in determining access to higher education, career opportunities, and future goals.
For the 2026 academic cycle, understanding the key dates and timelines associated with the NSC is essential for effective preparation and success.
National Senior Certificate NSC Important Dates 2026
NSC Examinations | November 2026
Examination Helpline: Monday – Friday | 07:30 – 16:00 | tel. 0861 819 919 (Option 2)
Registration for November 2026 NSC examination | Registration form
Registration: November 2026 examination (for NSC part-time candidates ONLY)
- Registration: Closed (NO late applications will be accepted)
Enquiries:
- Head office – 086 181 9919
- Cape Winelands – 023 348 4695
- Metro Central – 021 514 6762
- Metro East – 021 900 7272
- Metro North – 021 467 2974
- Metro South – 021 370 2041
- Eden Central Karoo – 044 803 8364
- West Coast – 021 860 1700
- Overberg – 028 214 7396
- [email protected]
NSC | Important Dates
The NSC May/June 2026 exam commences on: 11 May 2026
- Access the exam timetable here.
- The exam concludes on 24 June 2026.
Check your personal details on the NSC results and request correction of details within 21 days after the release of the results
- Ensure that all names as per your identity document are included on the statement of results.
- Check that your name(s) and surname are spelled correctly.
- Check that the correct date of birth/identity number is printed on the results.
Please note: Administrative errors like these can be rectified within three months after the results have been released.
If there are any errors on the results, contact the WCED via email (clearly specify error to be rectified) at [email protected] or Tel: 0861 819 919 (Option 2).
The documents below are required and should be attached to email request:
- Current statement of results
- Certified copy of the identity document
- Updated affidavit stating reason for the difference between the identity document and the information on the Statement of Results
- Specify the error to be rectified
- Complete the reissuing application form – when issued by the department.
Remarking|Rechecking of scripts | Refunding of fee(s)
Remarking|rechecking applications: 12 – 25 January 2027 (No late applications will be accepted).
Payment | Fees
Remarking: R130 (per subject)
Rechecking: R40 (per subject)
Viewing of scripts (only after remarking and rechecking): R240 (per subject & non-refundable)
Payments can be made by EFT or at a Nedbank branch into the following account:
- Candidates may apply for the remarking or rechecking of their scripts if they think that the marks allocated on the written papers are not a true reflection of their performance.
- Registered, full-time learners who attend no-fee schools may apply to have their NSC November 2025 scripts remarked or rechecked at no cost.
- A remark means that the original answer script is marked for a second time by a marking official.
- A recheck of your script is a check to ensure that all questions are duly marked and that all marks are correctly calculated.
How do I apply to have my examination remarked or rechecked?
- No hard copy applications for a remark will be accepted.
- Only online remark applications will be considered.
- Please ensure that the information captured in the application pertains specifically to the candidate and not parents or guardians.
- Apply for a remark or recheck using the online registration platform.
www.eservices.gov.za.
(Do not use your mobile phone. Only use a desktop computer or laptop. Only use the Google Chrome web browser.) - Ensure to complete ALL the steps in your online application.
- Register to apply
- Login and apply for a remark/recheck
- Once all the steps are completed tick the block √ to accept all terms & conditions.
- Click the SUBMIT button to complete your application.
- Note: There is no remarking for Life Orientation.
- If your school is not on the no-fee school list, then continue with the following steps:
- A payment for remark/recheck application with candidate’s exam number as a reference MUST be made BEFORE applying online.
- Have a PDF format of your proof of payment ready to UPLOAD when you apply online.
- Candidates will be informed of the date for the release of the remark.
Refunding of Remark Application Fee(s)
The remark application fee will ONLY be refunded when there is an improvement in the level of a subject/s as a result of the remark.
A new statement of results is only issued when:
- Your subject results improve
- Your pass status changes
Level system:
Level 7: 80 – 100%
Level 6: 70 – 79%
Level 5: 60 – 69%
Level 4: 50 – 59%
Level 3: 40 – 49%
Level 2: 30 – 39%
For example:
- original mark 52% – improved mark after remarking 59% (NO REFUND)
- original mark 52% – improved mark after remarking 60% or more (QUALIFIES FOR REFUND)
For any refund applications and/or queries you MUST:
- attach the original payment documents
- email to [email protected]
- all candidates who qualify will be emailed the necessary information and details
Who qualifies?
- Candidates may apply for the remarking or rechecking of their scripts if they feel that the marks allocated on the written papers are not a true reflection of their performance.
- A remark means that the original answer script is marked for a second time by a marker.
- A recheck of your script is a further check to ensure that all questions are duly marked and that all marks are correctly calculated.
- For remark enquiries, please contact:
- [email protected]
- Tel.: 0861 819 919 (Option 2)
- Tel.: 021 467 2980
- Tel.: 021 467 2988
- Tel.: 021 828 3392
- Tel.: 021 828 3391
What is an application for a viewing?
NOTE: The purpose of a viewing is to verify that the scripts said by the WCED to be your scripts are indeed re-marked and that it has been marked in their entirety.
Viewing of your subject paper answer script will only be processed provided that the scripts were re-marked. Answer scripts for which a remark application was not submitted before the due date, will not be processed.
Once you receive your re-mark/re-check results, you may apply to view your answer scripts. Applications MUST be made within seven (7) days after the release of re-marked results and you MUST provide very clear reasons for your request.
Apply through [email protected] with subject line ‘Viewing’ AND your exam number as reference:
Include in your emailed application:
- Proof of payment (full amount)
- Subject/s paper you wish to view
NSC examination pass requirements
There are four pass levels:
- Higher certificate
- Diploma
- Bachelor’s degree pass (previously known as an exemption)
- NSC examination certificates – Special Needs Education (SNE) pass
The matric pass requirements for each of these levels are as follows:
Higher certificate pass requirements
- Must obtain at least 40% in Home Language
- Must obtain at least 40% in three subjects
- Must obtain at least 30% in three other subjects
- Must pass at least six out of seven subjects
Diploma pass requirements
- Must obtain at least 40% in Home Language
- Must obtain at least 40% in three other subjects, excluding Life Orientation
- Must pass at least six out of seven subjects
With this pass requirement, you can apply to study for a diploma at a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college or university of technology.
Bachelor’s degree pass requirements
- Must obtain at least 40% in Home Language
- Must obtain at least 50% in four subjects, excluding Life Orientation
- Must obtain at least 30% in one other subject
- Must pass at least six out of seven subjects
SNE pass requirements
Will obtain an NSC with an endorsement if learners comply with the following promotion requirements:
- 30% in the required official language at either Home Language or First Additional Language level
- A minimum of 30% in four other subjects
Please note: Candidates who offer a minimum of five subjects for the NSC with an endorsement must achieve at least 30% in all five subjects to obtain the NSC SNE endorsed certificate.
NB: All subjects, excluding Life Orientation, will be taken into consideration for Diploma/Bachelor’s degree pass requirements.
Candidates who failed to achieve a Diploma or Bachelor’s pass status in their current examination sitting, can improve their pass status if they register and write the NSC June 2026 examination. Improved results can lead to a change in their pass status and a new certificate can be issued by Umalusi.
With achieving a Bachelor’s degree pass status, you can apply to study towards a degree at a university, university of technology, TVET college or any accredited higher learning institution.
Level system: What the grades mean
- Level 7: 80–100% (Outstanding achievement)
- Level 6: 70–79% (Meritorious achievement)
- Level 5: 60–69% (Substantial achievement)
- Level 4: 50–59% (Moderate achievement)
- Level 3: 40–49% (Adequate achievement)
Which subjects are compulsory?
- Home Language
- First Additional Language
- Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy or Technical Mathematics
- Life Orientation
You have to offer your language of learning and teaching (either English or Afrikaans) as one of your language subjects.
All School-Based Assessment (SBA) marks achieved since 2008 are valid.
Learners with valid SBA only need to rewrite the written papers.
Learners offering new NSC subjects must complete the SBA and can only register for the November 2026 NSC examination.
NSC Contact Details:
National Office
Address: 222 Struben Street, Pretoria
Call Centre: 0800 202 933 | [email protected]
Switchboard: 012 357 3000
Certification
[email protected]
012 357 4511/3
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