Matric candidates kick off the 2026 final exams nationwide

The 2026 matric exams are starting on Tuesday morning, with more than 815 000 full-time candidates expected to write.

The exams will begin with the Computer Applications Technology practical exam, while learners writing various language subjects will also sit for their first papers.

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube says the department is fully prepared, with question papers finalised, schools assessed for readiness and learners supported through academic programmes throughout the year.

Gwarube says thousands of officials, invigilators and markers have been mobilised to ensure the exams are conducted securely and fairly.

She says, “We have registered 815 051 full-time candidates for the October-November 2026 exams; this is an increase of 48 508 from last year, and further 147 781 part-time candidates have been registered, which includes candidates seeking to improve previous results, which is an increase of over 10 000.” FREE STATE Free State Education MEC Mamiki Maboya will monitor the commencement of the matric exams at Brebner Secondary School in Bloemfontein.

The MEC will visit an examination centre to oversee compliance with examination procedures, invigilation, and security of question papers as learners write their first paper.

Department Spokesperson Howard Ndaba says more than 4000 examination centres have been finalised to serve over 48 000 candidates expected to sit for their matric exams across the province.

VIDEO | Free State ready for 2026 Matric Exams: Reporting by Musa Mhlongo and Nomsa Mazibuko.