Exam 2026: 10 Things Every Matriculant Should Do for a Stress-free Result

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Exam time is here and we decided to share easy ways of keeping positive during a time most feel anxiety. You can do this Matric Class of 2026.

The National Senior Certificate exams started today for most high schools nationally and will end by the end of November. While everyone is scrambling to apply to college, and study and do everything at once, we thought a whoosah moment could help bring you to the present so that you enjoy this final moment of school.

Exam Hacks to Make You Feel Calmer

1. TALK TO YOURSELF LIKE SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT.

You may hear “I’m going to fail” or “Everyone else is more prepared.” Pause and question that thought.

Try: “I’m nervous because this matters to me, but I can prepare and take this one step at a time.”

You do not have to feel fearless to do well.

Feeling nervous does not mean that you are incapable. It means that something important is happening in your life. Instead of expecting yourself to feel confident all the time, practice responding to your fears with realistic encouragement. You can acknowledge that a subject is difficult without deciding that you cannot pass it.

What you can do: Notice when your thoughts become negative. Write down what you are worried about and identify one action that could help you address it. If you are struggling with a topic, revise it, ask your teacher for help or practice a question rather than spending the entire evening telling yourself you cannot do it.

Tell yourself: “I don’t need to know everything right now. I need to take the next useful step.”

2. MAKE A PLAN THAT CALMS YOU INSTEAD OF OVERWHELMING YOU

Write down your exam dates and the topics you need to revise. Choose a few clear tasks each day and break big goals into small ones. A realistic plan gives your mind something concrete to focus on.

What you can do:

• Write down all your exam dates and subjects.
• Divide each subject into topics you need to revise.
• Choose two or three priority tasks per day.
• Study in manageable blocks, such as 25–40 minutes, followed by a short break.
• Tick off each completed task to see your progress.

Try this: Instead of writing “Study Mathematics,” write “Revise quadratic equations and complete five practice questions.”

Ask Yourself: “What is one useful thing I can finish in the next 30 minutes?”

3. PRACTICE THE EXAM BEFORE THE EXAM.

Use past papers and time yourself where possible. Practise reading instructions, planning answers and moving on when a question takes too long. Review mistakes to learn from them, not to insult yourself.

What you can do:

• Use past examination papers and memoranda.
• Time yourself when practising a paper.
• Attempt questions without looking at your notes first.
• Mark your answers honestly and identify where you lost marks.
• Keep a mistake list and revisit those questions later.
• Ask your teacher to explain topics you still do not understand.

Practice is not proof that you are failing; it is how you build confidence.

4. PROTECT YOUR SLEEP.

When you are anxious, staying up all night can feel like the only way to catch up. But exhaustion can make concentration and recall harder. Aim for a steady bedtime, especially before an exam. Rest is part of preparation.

What you can do:

• Choose a consistent bedtime and allow enough time for sleep.
• Set a time to stop studying in the evening.
• Prepare your clothes and examination materials before bed.
• Avoid using your phone when you should be winding down.
• If you have not finished everything, prioritise the most important topics rather than panicking all night

You do not have to earn the right to sleep.

5. STOP CARRYING EVERYBODY ELSE’S EXPECTATIONS.

You may feel pressure from family, friends, teachers or social media. Other people’s expectations can be loud, but you need a routine that works for you. Limit comparisons and speak to someone you trust if the pressure feels too heavy.

What you can do:

• Focus on your own timetable and progress.
• Mute accounts that make you feel inadequate or anxious.
• Tell your family what kind of support would help you.
• Set a realistic goal for each subject.
• Speak to someone you trust if the pressure becomes too much.

You can say: “I understand that my results matter, but I need encouragement and a calm environment while I prepare.”

You are allowed to focus on your own journey.

6. EAT, DRINK WATER AND TAKE SHORT BREAKS.

Your brain needs fuel. Eat regular meals, keep water nearby and take short breaks between study blocks. You do not have to study every minute to be serious about your future.

What you can do:

• Eat regular meals and have a snack when you need one.
• Keep a bottle of water near your study space.
• Stand up, stretch or walk around during breaks.
• Take a few minutes away from your books when you feel mentally tired.
• Return to your work after the break rather than feeling guilty about taking one.

A simple study rhythm: Study for 30 minutes, take a 5-minute break, and repeat if it is working for you.

Taking a break does not mean you are lazy. It helps you keep going.

7. PREPARE EVERYTHING THE NIGHT BEFORE.

Check your exam timetable and venue instructions. Pack the required stationery, identification and any permitted materials. Plan your transport and aim to arrive early so that a last-minute rush does not add unnecessary stress.

What you can do:

• Check your examination timetable and venue.
• Pack the stationery you are allowed to use.
• Prepare your identification and any required documents.
• Confirm your transport arrangements and departure time.
• Set an alarm and, if possible, a backup alarm.
• Aim to arrive early enough to settle yourself.

You cannot control every part of exam day, but you can prepare for the things within your control.

8. DURING THE EXAM, SLOW DOWN AND READ CAREFULLY.

Listen to the invigilator, read each question properly and notice the instruction words, such as explain, compare or evaluate. Budget your time, start where you can earn marks and return to difficult questions if time allows.

What you can do:

• Listen carefully to the invigilator’s instructions.
• Read the entire question before answering.
• Underline instruction words such as describe, explain, compare and evaluate.
• Check how many marks each question carries.
• Allocate your time and keep an eye on the clock.
• If you get stuck, move on when appropriate and return to the question later.
• Leave time to check your answers if possible.

If your mind goes blank: Pause, put both feet on the floor, relax your shoulders and take a few slow breaths. Read the question again and identify one thing you know that relates to it.

One difficult question does not mean you have forgotten everything.

9. DO NOT LET ONE PAPER STEAL YOU’RE FOCUS FROM THE NEXT.

After an exam, it is tempting to compare answers and replay every detail. If you can, take a short break, learn any practical lesson you need, then move forward. The next paper deserves your attention more than yesterday’s worries. 

What you can do:

• Take a short break after leaving the examination room.
• Avoid answer comparisons if they make you panic.
• Write down any practical lesson you want to remember for the next paper.
• Eat, rest and reset before beginning your next revision session.
• Focus on the next subject rather than repeatedly revisiting the previous exam.

If you think a paper went badly, remind yourself that you may not know your actual result yet.

One paper is one moment, not the whole journey.

10. ASK FOR HELP BEFORE STRESS BECOMES OVERWHELMING.

Speak to a teacher, trusted adult or supportive friend if you are stuck, anxious or struggling to organise your revision. Asking for help is a strength. If anxiety feels unmanageable, tell a trusted adult rather than carrying it alone.

What you can do:

• Ask a teacher to explain a topic in a different way.
• Form a small study group with learners who take revision seriously.
• Ask a trusted adult to help you organise your timetable.
• Talk to a friend or family member when you feel overwhelmed.
• If anxiety affects your sleep, daily activities or ability to function, tell a trusted adult and seek appropriate support.

You can say: “I’m trying to prepare, but I’m feeling overwhelmed. Can you please help me work out what to focus on first?”

Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

And the bonus hack . . .

11. GIVE YOURSELF CREDIT — AND KEEP GOING.

You do not need to feel confident every second to do your best. Show up, breathe, use the knowledge you have built and take each paper one at a time. Your results matter, but they are not the full measure of your potential or your future.

What you can do:

• Write down one thing you did well each day.
• Celebrate completing a difficult topic or practice paper.
• Recognise effort as well as results.
• Set a small goal for tomorrow before you finish studying today.
• Remind yourself that matric is important, but it does not determine every possibility in your future.

You have come this far. Give yourself the chance to finish strong.

YOUR DAILY MATRIC PREPARATION CHECKLIST

• Check tomorrow’s exam timetable and revision priorities
• Complete at least one focused study session
• Practice questions or test my memory
• Eat regular meals and drink water
• Take breaks and make time for rest
• Pack my exam materials if I have a paper tomorrow
• Recognize one thing I did well today

Tell us your story!

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