The North West Department of Education is pleased to announce that the province is ready to administer the Grade 12 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. The examinations will commence on Tuesday, 13 October 2026 with the practical component of Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Paper 1.
A total of 52,200 candidates have registered for the NSC examinations with 3,760 part-time learners and 48,440 full-time learners. This represents an increase of 3,341 candidates compared with the 2025 enrolment.
Furthermore, the Department has prepared examination centers, deployed personnel, and coordinated other essential arrangements to support the examinations with smooth and credible administration. The North West Department of Education wishes all candidates well as they prepare to write their final examinations and encourages them to remain focused, disciplined, and committed throughout the examination period.
The Acting MEC for Education, Kenetswe Mosenogi wished good luck to all learners who will be writing their final examinations.
“On behalf of the entire Department l am wishing good luck to the learners who will be writing their final examinations, especially the Grade 12 learners. As the Department we have supported learners throughout the year with various interventions like Autumn, Winter, Spring and Incubation camps and many other extra classes. Many schools will be hosting Incubation camps across the province and we request learners to obey their teachers. We do not want to get reports wherein learners violate their Code of conduct during the camps. I am confident that this 2026 cohort will take us to a higher position away from our usual position four. Once more our province is ready for the final examinations”,added MEC Kenetswe.
The Department further calls on parents, teachers, communities, and all education stakeholders to support learners during this important period and create an environment conducive to studying and academic success.
For more information please contact
Ms Mercy Mokgatle | Media Liaison Officer (MLO) | Cell: 060 980 7934
Dr. Elias Malindi | Head of Communication (HOC) |Cell: 072 892 8399/072 115 4855
