- HSC written exams run from October 16 - November 10, 2025, with Standard & Advanced English kicking off on October 16.
- Your external exams carry 50% of your final study score which means strong exam performance can dramatically boost your ATAR.
- Top-performing students start exam prep early and focus on practice under timed conditions.
Table Of Contents
As the 2025 academic year progresses, Year 12 students across NSW are shifting their focus toward the final stage of their high school journey: the HSC external exams. Whether you’re aiming for a 99+ ATAR or just hoping to pass your final subjects, having a clear understanding of your exam schedule is essential.
To help you stay organised, we’ve broken down the official 2025 HSC exam timetable, key subject dates, and some expert tips from our tutors at KIS Academics to help you prepare with confidence.
When Do 2025 HSC Exams Start?
The 2025 HSC written examinations are scheduled to commence on Thursday, 16 October 2025, and will conclude no later than Monday, 10 November 2025 .
The official 2025 HSC written exam timetable was released on Friday, 2 May 2025, by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). Students can access their personalised exam schedules through the Students Online portal.
Don't wait till last minute to prepare for your HSC exams! Make life easier with a HSC Specialist Tutor who can help consolidate your learning in minutes! 👇
2025 HSC Exam Dates – Key Subjects
| Date | Subject |
|---|---|
| Thu, 16 Oct 2025 | English Standard Paper 1 |
| Thu, 16 Oct 2025 | English Advanced Paper 1 |
| Fri, 17 Oct 2025 | English Standard Paper 2 |
| Fri, 17 Oct 2025 | English Advanced Paper 2 |
| Mon, 20 Oct 2025 | Mathematics Standard 2 |
| Tue, 21 Oct 2025 | Mathematics Advanced |
| Wed, 22 Oct 2025 | Mathematics Extension 1 |
| Thu, 23 Oct 2025 | Mathematics Extension 2 |
| Fri, 24 Oct 2025 | Biology |
| Mon, 27 Oct 2025 | Chemistry |
| Tue, 28 Oct 2025 | Physics |
| Wed, 29 Oct 2025 | Business Studies |
| Thu, 30 Oct 2025 | Legal Studies |
| Fri, 31 Oct 2025 | Economics |
| Mon, 3 Nov 2025 | Modern History |
| Tue, 4 Nov 2025 | Ancient History |
| Wed, 5 Nov 2025 | Geography |
| Thu, 6 Nov 2025 | Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) |
| Fri, 7 Nov 2025 | Visual Arts |
| Mon, 10 Nov 2025 | Design and Technology |
| Tue, 11 Nov 2025 | Industrial Technology |
| Wed, 12 Nov 2025 | Information Processes and Technology (IPT) |
| Thu, 13 Nov 2025 | Software Design and Development |
| Fri, 14 Nov 2025 | Community and Family Studies (CAFS) |
| Mon, 17 Nov 2025 | Society and Culture |
| Tue, 18 Nov 2025 | Textiles and Design |
| Wed, 19 Nov 2025 | Music 1 |
| Thu, 20 Nov 2025 | Music 2 |
| Fri, 21 Nov 2025 | Drama |
| Mon, 24 Nov 2025 | Food Technology |
💡 Note: This timetable is subject to change. Students should verify dates through the official NESA website or their school's examination coordinator.
You can also download a PDF version of the timetable here.
How Important Are These Exams?
In most HSC subjects, your final exam contributes 50% of your study score, with the other half made up of your internal assessments and assignments. This means that a strong performance in your external exams can make a huge difference to your ATAR and future university options.
How to Prepare For HSC Exams?
At KIS Academics, our HSC tutors are high-achieving grads who understand how stressful this period can be — and how to approach it strategically. Here’s how you can boost your preparation:
- Get started early: Start revising content now so you have time for practice exams later.
- Use the examiners’ reports: These show how marks are awarded and where students typically lose marks.
- Prioritise practice: The more practice exams you do under timed conditions, the better prepared you’ll be.
- Seek help where you need it: If you're struggling with a topic, get help early — a few sessions with a tutor can make a big difference.
Conclusion
The 2025 HSC exam period might seem daunting, but remember — thousands of students before you have walked into these same exam halls and achieved their dream ATAR scores. The difference between stress and success comes down to one thing: preparation that starts now, not in October.
Your exam dates are set. Your subjects are chosen. Now it's time to create a study plan that transforms these calendar entries into stepping stones toward your university goals. You may find this resource helpful! 👇
Manoj Arachige
FAQs
1. What happens if I have two exams on the same day?
NESA carefully plans the timetable to minimise clashes, but if you do have conflicting exams (particularly with languages or extension subjects), contact your school's examination coordinator immediately. They'll liaise with NESA to arrange alternative sitting arrangements. Early notification is crucial—don't wait until the last minute.
2. How much time should I spend preparing for each exam?
- Plan for 2-3 weeks of intensive revision per subject, with daily past paper practice in the final week before each exam. Start with your earliest exams (English on October 16) and work backwards.
- High-scaling subjects like Extension 2 Mathematics and Chemistry typically require additional preparation time due to their complexity.
3. Can strong HSC exam results compensate for weaker internal assessments?
Absolutely! Since external exams contribute 50% of your final HSC mark, excellent exam performance can significantly boost your overall ATAR. Many students have successfully overcome disappointing internal results with strong external exam scores.
