NCEA 2025 Exam Timetable – What You Need to Know
If you’re a student (or a parent of one) preparing for NCEA exams in 2025, one of the smartest things you can do right now is to understand the exam period and plan ahead. This post breaks down the timetable in a simple, friendly way — without dumping every date — so you can get a clear overview and avoid unnecessary stress.
When Do NCEA Exams Start and End?
- Start Date: Tuesday, 4 November 2025
- Last Day of Exams: Friday, 28 November 2025
That gives you a few busy weeks — with weekends in between — to sit your externals, whether you’re in Level 1, 2, 3, or going for Scholarships.
First & Final Exams
- First morning exam (4 Nov): Subjects like Maths, Dance, and Classical Studies get things started.
- Final afternoon exam (28 Nov): The last day wraps up with Digital Technologies, German, and Social Studies.
Examination Period
- Week 1 (Early November)
The first week kicks off with big subjects. You’ll see Maths, English, and Science papers early on. Some language exams like Latin and Japanese also fall in this week.
- Week 2
This week includes a lot of core sciences — Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth & Space Science. There are also practical subjects like Media Studies and Agricultural Science.
Heads up: There are no exams on Canterbury Anniversary Day (Friday of that week), so students in that region get a break.
- Week 3
A good mix of subjects across all levels. Expect exams in Economics, History, Te Reo Māori, and more. Many digital exams happen this week too.
- Week 4 (Final Stretch)
This week tends to be lighter for some, but not everyone. Subjects like Health Studies, Cook Islands Māori, Social Studies, and Business are on the schedule before things wrap up.
Digital Exams – What to Expect
Some exams this year will be taken digitally (online at school). If you’re sitting one of these, your school will confirm the details. The official PDF marks digital subjects in blue, but always double-check with your teachers to make sure you’re registered correctly.
Where to Get the Official Timetable
You can download the full NCEA 2025 timetable from NZQA’s website. It lists all dates, subjects, and digital exams in one handy PDF:
Download the official NCEA 2025 exam timetable (PDF)
Print it. Highlight your subjects. Put it on your wall. Trust me, it helps.
A Few Tips You’ll Thank Yourself For
- Don’t wing it. Write down your subjects and mark which weeks will be busiest.
- Start early. Even if it’s just 20 minutes a day, it adds up fast.
- Ask questions now. Unsure about your entry for digital exams? Check with your school ASAP.
Wrapping Up
The 2025 NCEA exam season runs across four weeks, with plenty of variety depending on your subjects. The key is knowing when things fall for you, setting a clear study plan, and keeping things steady week by week.