Free State education spokesperson Howard Ndaba adds the countdown to the 2026 NSC examinations has begun. Grade 12 learners are now just days away from completing their 12-year school journey.

The examinations will officially start on Tuesday (13/10) with the final paper scheduled for Thursday, 26 November. In the Free State, the provincial department of education said it is ready to deliver credible examinations to thousands of candidates.

Admission letter

The national pledge signing ceremony will take place on Friday (9/10) during a formal assembly of all Grade 12 candidates as part of their orientation and preparation for the conduct of the November/December examination. The examination rules on the reverse side of the admission letter will be read out to candidates during the principal’s address.

“It’s all systems go for the 2026 October-November NSC exams, and as the Free State department of education, we are prepared to deliver credible exams,” said Ndaba. “More than 40,000 full-time candidates will be writing these examinations at more than 400 centres across the Free State.”

“More than 8,000 part-time candidates will also be writing the National Senior Certificate examinations in the province. The examinations will conclude on 25 November, with the rewrite of CAT and IT taking place on 26 November, while marking will start on 28 November and conclude on 11 December.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead a pledge-signing ceremony on Friday where learners will pledge not to commit any illegal activities during the conduct of the examinations. This year, we will also invite parents to sign a declaration form where they commit to supporting learners during the conduct of the examinations.”

In explaining the purpose of the pledge, Basic education minister, Siviwe Gwarube said it is a declaration that South Africa’s education system is committed to producing citizens who can be trusted, who value hard work, and who conduct themselves with integrity.

“The pledge is a solemn declaration that candidates will not allow dishonesty, cheating, or any form of misconduct to define their journey. It is a commitment to fairness and truthfulness.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg

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