A total of 723,971 full-time, 129,064 part-time and 53,217 progressed candidates will be writing the NSC Examinations at 6,337 public schools and 552 at Independent Centres. A total of 162 question papers have been set by expert subject panels appointed and managed by DBE. Question papers were adapted for braille, audio, deaf and large print for candidates who encounter barriers to learning. Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) will be accommodated through the provision of question papers that are adapted, brailed, large print and audio-versioning.

The training of invigilators will commence in September 2023 in all PEDs and will conclude during the first week of October 2023. The DBE has conducted an audit of all sites where question papers are printed, packed and stored. All PEDs were found to be fully prepared to print, pack, store and distribute question papers. The DBE is working closely with the State Security Agency to audit the sites where printing is taking place.

All PEDs are in the process of completing the marker selection processes and markers are being selected in line with the PAM criteria. An estimated total of 53,926 markers will be appointed at 190 Marking Centres. A total of 147 marking standardisation meetings will be convened. Quality assurance of marking will be conducted by DBE (Onsite Moderators) deployed to all provinces. Monitoring of the marking session will also be conducted by DG Mweli.

The DBE will conduct a final state of readiness monitoring visit to all PEDs from September to October 2023. A total of 62 DBE part-time monitors and 20 SISCO officials will be deployed across the provinces to monitor the writing of the NSC Examination. In respect of managing of irregularities, the process of detection, investigation and hosting of hearings has improved through the involvement of the State Security Agency. In addition, all candidates, teachers and principals will sign a pledge at a school ceremony to confirm their non-participation in acts of dishonesty during the writing of the examination.

Umalusi conducted the preliminary evaluation of the state of readiness of the DBE, Independent Examinations Board (IEB), and the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI), to gauge their level of preparedness to conduct, administer and manage examinations. A comprehensive report on the state of readiness of the assessment bodies will be shared with the public during a media briefing scheduled to take place on 13 October 2023.

The November 2023 NSC examination time-table is available on the DBE website for all interested stakeholders to access. The Ministerial announcement of the 2023 NSC Examination results will be taking place on 18 January 2024, with the provincial release of the results scheduled for 19 January 2024.