A total of 17 804 candidates are registered in the Northern Cape for the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations and will write their first question paper on Tuesday 13 October, concluding on 26 November.
The candidates in the Northern Cape consist of 15 272 full-time candidates and 2 532 part-time candidates, forming part of the record number of 962 832 candidates who were registered countrywide. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube announced the department’s state of readiness in Pretoria on Sunday, describing the Class of 2026 as the largest full-time cohort to sit the NSC examinations to date.
The Northern Cape Department of Education said in a media statement that the department is fully prepared to administer the 2026 NSC examinations, stating that all systems are in place to ensure the successful and credible delivery of this year’s examinations.
In 2025, the Northern Cape achieved a pass rate of 87.79%, representing a significant improvement of 21.79% over the past six years, up from 66% in 2020.
“The Class of 2026 now carries the responsibility of building on this achievement, with the aim of not only improving on last year’s performance, but surpassing the 90% pass rate,” the department stated.
Examination centres and personnel
A total of 149 centres have been registered across the Northern Cape. All examination centres underwent a comprehensive audit conducted by provincial and district officials using a national auditing tool. All necessary measures have been put in place to prevent irregularities, particularly related to dishonesty and the unauthorised use of electronic devices.
A total of 149 chief invigilators have been appointed and thoroughly trained to manage and monitor exam processes across the province.
All 89 question papers have been set by the Department of Basic Education. The printing, packing and distribution of papers are coordinated with robust security protocols to ensure integrity and traceability.
A rigorous selection process has been followed to ensure high-quality marking. The following personnel have been appointed: 983 markers, 202 senior markers, 85 chief markers, 41 deputy chief markers, 85 internal moderators, 4 centre managers, 4 deputy centre managers and 350 examination assistants.
Marking will take place at four designated centres, which will open on 1 December. Answer scripts and related materials will be securely delivered to these centres. The marking and capturing of marks will be completed by 14 December.
The Minister of Basic Education will officially release the national results on 11 January 2027. The Northern Cape provincial results will be released on 12 January 2027, followed by the Annual Matric Awards Ceremony.
Support interventions
Geoffrey van der Merwe, media liaison officer, said the Northern Cape Department of Education has implemented a range of targeted interventions to support all matriculants, with particular focus on progressed and borderline candidates to maximise their potential.
These interventions include curriculum roadshows and subject clinics; broadcast lessons and digital content (both online and offline); Saturday classes, weekend lock-in sessions and psycho-social support. According to the department, differentiated subject support for high-enrolment and problematic subjects, led by subject advisers, also took place, as well as provision of additional learning support materials. The holiday school camps that were presented were designed to provide holistic academic and emotional support to learners throughout their examination preparation.
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