The 2026 HSC written examinations are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, marking the most important academic phase for Year 12 students in NSW. Exams will continue through multiple weeks, covering all subjects from English and Mathematics to Science, Languages, Humanities and VET courses. The examination program is designed to provide sufficient spacing between major subjects, helping students manage revision, rest, and travel. The final day of the HSC written examinations will be no later than Thursday, 5 November 2026.
Key highlights for 2026 HSC written exams:
- Start date: Tuesday, 13 October 2026
- Finish date: No later than Thursday, 5 November 2026
- Personalised written exam timetable release: Friday, 1 May 2026 (via Students Online)
- Languages oral exam timetable: Monday, 20 April 2026
In addition to the written timetable, students taking practical and performance subjects will have separate schedules. The practical exam timetable will be released on Monday, 1 December 2025, allowing schools and students to plan ahead. Subjects like Drama, Visual Arts, Dance, Music and Design & Technology will have practical assessments earlier in the year.
Once written exams are completed, HSC assessment ranks will be released for four weeks to support transparency in internal assessment performance. The final milestone for the Class of 2026 will be Wednesday, 16 December 2026, when official HSC results are published, concluding the examination cycle.
FAQ — HSC Exam (NSW)
1. When do the 2026 HSC written exams start?
The 2026 HSC written exams officially begin on Tuesday, 13 October 2026 across NSW schools.
2. When will the 2026 HSC written exams finish?
All exams will conclude no later than Thursday, 5 November 2026, depending on each student’s timetable.
3. When will I get my personalised HSC exam timetable?
Students can download their personalised written exam timetable from Friday, 1 May 2026 through Students Online.
4. Are practical and performance exams on different dates?
Yes. Subjects like Drama, Music, Dance, Visual Arts and Technology projects have earlier assessments. The practical exam timetable is released on 1 December 2025.
5. When are the HSC language oral exams held?
Language oral examinations follow a separate schedule. The oral exam timetable will be released on 20 April 2026.
6. What if I need special provisions for exams?
Students requiring support (e.g., extra time or assistive technology) must apply through their school by 2 April 2026.
7. What happens after exams finish?
After the final written exam, HSC assessment ranks are released to students for four weeks to show their position in school assessments.
8. When will the 2026 HSC results be released?
Results for the 2026 HSC cohort will be issued on Wednesday, 16 December 2026 through Students Online and SMS (if opted in).
9. Can students sit optional exams?
Yes. Some courses allow optional written exams. Schools must submit estimated examination marks for students choosing optional exams by 15 September 2026.
10. Do Year 11 marks count towards the HSC?
Year 11 marks do not count toward the final HSC score; however, Year 11 grades must be submitted by 21 October 2026 as part of academic records.