NCEA Exam Timetable 2026
Official examination dates for New Zealand NCEA Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and New Zealand Scholarship candidates. The 2026 national examination period runs from Tuesday, 10 November 2026 to Friday, 4 December 2026.
Exam Period
Starts Tuesday 10 November 2026 and concludes Friday 4 December 2026.
Session Times
Morning sessions begin at 9:30 AM. Afternoon sessions begin at 2:00 PM.
Results Release
NCEA external exam results are released online via NZQA student login in mid-January 2027.
Subject-by-subject dates
Every NCEA and Scholarship subject has its own date and session within the exam period. Check yours on the official NZQA timetable - it is the only version guaranteed to be current, and NZQA does amend it.
Official NZQA examination timetable 2026Need Help Preparing for NCEA Exams?
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Frequently Asked Questions
When do 2026 NCEA exams start and finish?
The official 2026 NCEA and NZ Scholarship examination period begins on Tuesday, 10 November 2026 and ends on Friday, 4 December 2026.
What time do morning and afternoon NCEA exam sessions start?
Morning examination sessions start promptly at 9:30 AM and afternoon examination sessions start at 2:00 PM across all New Zealand secondary schools.
Where can I check official NZQA examination updates?
Always verify official examination rules, digital assessment instructions, and timetable notices directly on the NZQA official website.