HSC Exam Timetable 2026
HSC exam dates 2026 for New South Wales from the official NESA timetable: subject-by-subject dates and times, key dates and revision links aligned to the syllabus.
NESA released the 2026 HSC written exam timetable on Friday 1 May 2026. Written exams run over 18 exam days from Tuesday 13 October to Thursday 5 November 2026, starting with English Paper 1 and finishing with Physics, and results are released on Wednesday 16 December 2026. See the subject exam dates table below for major subjects, and your personalised NESA timetable for every course you sit.
NESA has published the full 2026 HSC written exam timetable, the exam window and the official results date.
The table below shows NESA’s published dates and session times for major HSC subjects. NESA updates its timetable and notifies schools if any date changes, so check the official NESA timetable (linked above) and your personalised timetable before each exam.
Official Source: NESA 2026 HSC written exam timetable
Last checked against official sources: 14 September 2026
Key Dates
What actually gets examined
Before the date arrives, see where the marks have sat in the official papers — every question counted by module, topic and marks, with what the markers wanted.
Exam Dates by Subject
Dates sourced from NSW Education Standards Authority. Check the official timetable for exact session times.
Study Tips
Use Trial Exams as Practice
HSC trial exams (typically held in August) are your best rehearsal. Treat them seriously — the format, timing and difficulty closely mirror the real HSC. Review your trial results to identify weak areas.
Master the Syllabus Dot Points
Every HSC exam question maps directly to NESA syllabus outcomes. Use the syllabus as a checklist — if you can explain each dot point, you’re well prepared.
Practise Past Papers
NESA publishes past HSC papers and marking guidelines. Work through at least 3–5 years of past papers for each subject under timed conditions.
Space Your Revision
The HSC exam period spans several weeks. Use the gaps between exams to revise upcoming subjects rather than re-studying ones already completed.
Use Practice Exams
Simulate real HSC exam conditions with Revizi’s online test mode. Practice MCQ, short answer and extended response questions under timed conditions — then review your results to identify which topics need more work before exam day.
More Exam Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
When do HSC exams start in 2026?
The 2026 HSC written exams start on Tuesday 13 October with English Paper 1 and finish on Thursday 5 November 2026 with Physics, according to NESA’s published timetable. See the subject exam dates table for each major subject.
When is the HSC written exam timetable released in 2026?
NESA released the personalised 2026 HSC written exam timetable on Friday 1 May 2026. Students can confirm their exact subject sessions on the NESA HSC key dates page (linked above).
When are HSC results released in 2026?
NESA releases the 2026 HSC results in mid-December 2026. NSW and ACT ATAR access through UAC is on the same day. See the key dates table for the exact date.
When are HSC trial exams?
HSC trial exams are set by individual schools and are typically held in August, about 2–3 months before the actual HSC. Exact dates vary by school. Trials count toward your school-based assessment mark.
Where can I find my exact HSC subject exam dates?
The subject exam dates table above lists NESA’s dates and session times for major HSC subjects. For every other course, use the official NESA HSC written exam timetable (released on Friday 1 May 2026 — link above), and check your personalised NESA timetable before each exam.
What’s the best way to prepare for HSC exams?
The most effective HSC exam prep combines spaced repetition flashcards for content recall with timed practice exams for exam technique. Use Revizi’s practice exams to simulate HSC conditions, review your trial results carefully, and focus revision on the NESA syllabus dot points where you lost marks. Consistent study over weeks beats cramming every time.
Last updated: 14 September 2026 · Content aligned to the NSW Education Standards Authority