HSC practical exams
This timetable outlines the practical exam dates for the 2026 HSC. Practical exams are for HSC subjects with projects, submitted works and performances. View the timetable for students completing practical exams.
2026 HSC key dates
Find more information on important dates for the 2026 HSC including dates for exam periods and when results are being released by visiting HSC key dates.
2026 HSC Languages oral exams
View when the oral exams for Languages are taking place by visiting the HSC languages oral exam timetable (available 20 April 2026).
Projects and submitted works
View the 2026 completion, hand-in, submission and marking dates for these subjects.
Students must know the following when submitting their work or project:
- Completion and hand-in dates – projects and submitted works must be handed in to the supervising teacher no later than 3pm on the due date. Students must not work on their projects after this date and time.
- Marking dates – markers will visit schools to mark projects.
- Submission date to NESA – projects and submitted works must be received by NESA by this date.
Students can learn more about what they need to submit for their major project by reading the HSC Design and Technology major projects advice.
Design and Technology projects may be marked on the middle Saturday of the marking period. Schools will be contacted if marking needs to be scheduled on a Saturday.
| Completion and hand-in date | Marking dates |
|---|---|
| Thursday 27 August 2026 | Monday 7 September to Friday 18 September 2026 |
Students can learn more about what they need to submit for their major project by reading the HSC Drama assessment and reporting web page.
| Completion and hand-in date | Submission date to NESA |
|---|---|
| Monday 24 August 2026 | Monday 7 September 2026 |
Students can learn more about what they need to submit for their major work by reading the HSC English Extension 2 major works advice.
| Completion and hand-in date | Submission date to NESA |
|---|---|
| Friday 21 August 2026 | Wednesday 26 August 2026 |
Students can learn more about what they need to submit for their major project by reading the HSC Industrial Technology major projects advice.
Industrial Technology projects may be marked on the middle Saturday of the marking period. Schools will be contacted if marking needs to be scheduled on a Saturday.
| Completion and hand-in date | Marking dates |
|---|---|
| Thursday 13 August 2026 | Monday 24 August to Friday 4 September 2026 |
Students can learn more about what they need to submit for their submitted work by reading the HSC Music assessment and reporting web page for their course:
- Assessment and reporting in Music 1 Stage 6 | NSW Education Standards
- Assessment and reporting in Music 2 Stage 6 | NSW Education Standards
- Assessment and reporting in Music Extension Stage 6 | NSW Education Standards
| Completion and hand-in date | Submission date to NESA |
|---|---|
| Monday 7 September 2026 | Friday 11 September 2026 |
Students can learn more about what they need to submit for their research report by reading the HSC Science Extension syllabus and support materials.
The Science Extension Scientific Research Report is a part of the internal assessment program and is not externally marked.
Schools can decide their own completion and hand-in dates for the Scientific Research Reports. Students must acknowledge that the Report submitted for them by their school is correct.
| Submission and student acknowledgement date |
|---|
| Monday 14 September 2026 |
Students can learn more about what they need to submit for their PIP by reading the HSC Society and Culture personal interest project advice.
| Completion and hand-in date | Submission date to NESA |
|---|---|
| Monday 3 August 2026 | Friday 7 August 2026 |
Students can learn more about what they need to submit for their major project by reading the HSC Textile and Design major projects advice.
| Completion and hand-in date | Submission date to NESA |
|---|---|
| Monday 17 August 2026 | Monday 24 August 2026 |
Students can learn more about what they need to submit for their body of work by reading the HSC Visual Arts assessment and reporting web page.
Visual Arts bodies of work may be marked on the middle Saturday of the marking period. Schools will be contacted if marking needs to be scheduled on a Saturday.
| Completion and hand-in date | Marking dates |
|---|---|
| Monday 31 August 2026 | Monday 26 October to Friday 6 November 2026 |
Performance exams
View the marking dates for students completing HSC performance exams in 2026. Markers will visit schools to mark these exams.
Students can learn more about what they need to do for their performance exam by reading the HSC Dance assessment and reporting web page.
| Marking dates |
|---|
| Monday 10 August to Friday 21 August 2026 |
Students can learn more about what they need to do for their performance exam by reading the HSC Drama assessment and reporting web page.
| Marking dates |
|---|
| Monday 24 August to Friday 4 September 2026 |
Students can learn more about what they need to submit for their submitted work by reading the HSC Music assessment and reporting web page for their course:
- Assessment and reporting in Music 1 Stage 6 | NSW Education Standards
- Assessment and reporting in Music 2 Stage 6 | NSW Education Standards
- Assessment and reporting in Music Extension Stage 6 | NSW Education Standards
Pre-recorded backing tracks and click-tracks are allowed to be used in the exams. Students can also perform solo pieces that were written to be performed accompanied.
| Marking dates |
|---|
| Monday 7 September to Friday 18 September 2026 |