KIS Summary:
- HSC written exams run from Tuesday 13th of October until Thursday 5 November 2026, with Standard & Advanced English as the first exams.
- Your final HSC exams are worth 50% of your final HSC score which means strong final exam performance can dramatically move up your ATAR.
- ⭐️ Connect with a tutor today to boost your performance in your upcoming HSC exams!
⭐️ Why Parents & Students Love KIS Tutoring
For Year 12 students across NSW, the release of the HSC exam timetable marks the beginning of the final countdown to graduation.
Whether you're aiming for a 99+ ATAR, a competitive university course, or simply trying to stay organised, knowing exactly when your exams are scheduled can help you plan your revision effectively and avoid unnecessary stress.
In this guide, we've summarised the most important dates from the official 2026 HSC timetable, including exam dates for popular subjects, HSC results day, and practical examinations.
2026 HSC Key Dates
| Key Date | Date |
|---|---|
| HSC Written Timetable Released | 1 May 2026 |
| HSC Exams Begin | Tuesday 13 October 2026 |
| HSC Exams Finish | Thursday 5 November 2026 |
| HSC Results Released | Wednesday 16 December 2026 |
| HSC PDF Package Available | 17 December 2026 |
2026 HSC Exam Timetable
View your personalised timetables on Students Online or look for your course below.
English
| Subject | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| English Advanced Paper 1 | Tuesday 13 October | 9:50am – 11:30am |
| English Standard Paper 1 | Tuesday 13 October | 9:50am – 11:30am |
| English Advanced Paper 2 | Wednesday 14 October | 9:25am – 11:30am |
| English Standard Paper 2 | Wednesday 14 October | 9:25am – 11:30am |
| English Studies | Tuesday 13 October | 9:50am – 12:30pm |
| English EAL/D Paper 1 | Tuesday 13 October | 9:50am – 11:30am |
| English EAL/D Paper 2 | Wednesday 14 October | 9:25am – 11:10am |
Mathematics
| Subject | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics Advanced | Monday 19 October | 9:20am – 12:30pm |
| Mathematics Standard 1 | Monday 19 October | 9:20am – 11:30am |
| Mathematics Standard 2 | Monday 19 October | 9:20am – 12:00pm |
| Mathematics Extension 2 | Monday 19 October | 1:50pm – 5:00pm |
| Mathematics Extension 1 | Friday 23 October | 1:50pm – 4:00pm |
Science
| Subject | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | Wednesday 21 October | 9:25am – 12:30pm |
| Science Extension | Monday 26 October | 1:50pm – 4:00pm |
| Health and Movement Science | Wednesday 28 October | 9:20am – 12:30pm |
| Chemistry | Friday 30 October | 9:25am – 12:30pm |
| Investigating Science | Tuesday 3 November | 1:55pm – 5:00pm |
| Physics | Thursday 5 November | 9:25am – 12:30pm |
Business, Commerce & Economics
| Subject | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Business Studies | Monday 26 October | 9:25am – 12:30pm |
| Economics | Tuesday 27 October | 1:55pm – 5:00pm |
| Enterprise Computing | Thursday 29 October | 9:50am – 12:20pm |
Humanities & Social Sciences
| Subject | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Modern History | Friday 16 October | 9:25am – 12:30pm |
| Society and Culture | Tuesday 20 October | 1:55pm – 4:00pm |
| History Extension | Wednesday 21 October | 1:50pm – 4:00pm |
| Studies of Religion I | Thursday 22 October | 9:25am – 11:00am |
| Studies of Religion II | Thursday 22 October | 9:25am – 12:30pm |
| Ancient History | Friday 23 October | 9:25am – 12:30pm |
| Aboriginal Studies | Friday 30 October | 9:25am – 12:30pm |
| Legal Studies | Monday 2 November | 9:25am – 12:30pm |
| Geography | Monday 2 November | 1:50pm – 5:00pm |
| Community and Family Studies | Tuesday 3 November | 9:25am – 12:30pm |
Engineering, Design & Technology
| Subject | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Studies | Tuesday 20 October | 9:25am – 12:30pm |
| Software Engineering | Tuesday 27 October | 9:50am – 12:20pm |
| Design and Technology | Thursday 29 October | 1:55pm – 3:30pm |
| Industrial Technology | Wednesday 4 November | 1:55pm – 3:30pm |
Creative & Performing Arts
| Subject | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Drama | Thursday 22 October | 1:55pm – 3:30pm |
| Dance | Thursday 29 October | 9:25am – 12:00pm |
| Visual Arts | Friday 30 October | 1:55pm – 3:30pm |
From the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) 2026 HSC Written Exam Timetable.
Missing your course? Download the complete PDF version of the timetable (PDF 199.01KB)
How to Use the 2026 HSC Timetable to Your Advantage
Many students make the mistake of waiting until the Trial HSC to start preparing seriously.
Instead, use your timetable strategically:
1. Identify Exam Clusters
Look for subjects scheduled close together and begin revising them earlier.
2. Prioritise High-Scaling Subjects
Courses such as:
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Mathematics Extension 2
- English Advanced
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Economics
often require longer preparation periods due to content complexity.
3. Build a Reverse Study Plan
Count backwards from each exam date and allocate revision blocks accordingly.
4. Complete Past Papers Under Exam Conditions
The best preparation for HSC exams remains completing timed practice papers and reviewing mistakes thoroughly.
For more ATAR tips and resources, check out these KIS Academics study guides:
Manoj Arachige
Manoj Arachige
Manoj Arachige
Frequently Asked Questions
When do HSC exams start in 2026?
The 2026 HSC written examinations begin on Tuesday 13 October 2026.
When does the 2026 HSC finish?
The final written examinations conclude no later than Thursday 5 November 2026.
When are HSC results released in 2026?
HSC results will be released on Wednesday 16 December 2026.
Where can I find my personalised HSC timetable?
Students can access their personalised timetable through the NESA Students Online portal.
How long should I study before the HSC?
Most high-performing students begin structured revision several months before exams, increasing study intensity after Trial HSC examinations.
What happens if I miss an HSC exam?
If you miss a HSC exam due to illness or misadventure, you will need to submit a separate application and supporting evidence for each exam or exam component that is affected by your absence. You can find out more about this process here.
Want more personalised guidance to help support you through your studies? Find a KIS Academics tutor today!
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