HSC Studies of Religion exam 2026Exam: Thu 22 Oct · NESA timetable
The first HSC Studies of Religion exam (Studies of Religion I):
When and how long
- Studies of Religion I9.25 am to 11.00 am1 h 35 min in total, including reading time
- Studies of Religion II9.25 am to 12.30 pm3 h 5 min in total, including reading time
Our Studies of Religion pages cover 2 NESA courses: check which one you are enrolled in.
NESA: the exam start time shown on your timetable is when reading time begins, and you must arrive well before it. Finishing times marked approximate are shown as approx.
Source: 2026 HSC written exam timetable (NESA), checked Wednesday 23 September 2026. Where a start time, reading time or duration isn't shown, the timetable doesn't publish it: check your personal timetable and the front of your paper.
Most-examined dot points
From 301 questions on the official NESA papers (2019 to 2025), mapped to the syllabus. Past frequency is a guide to what to secure, not a prediction.
- Religion and Non-Religion and the search for meaning: HSC Studies of Religion59 questions · examined in 7 of 7 years
- The changing religious landscape of Australia post-1945: HSC Studies of Religion30 questions · examined in 7 of 7 years
- Aboriginal spirituality, the Dreaming and the effect of dispossession: HSC Studies of Religion29 questions · examined in 7 of 7 years
- Ecumenism, interfaith dialogue and reconciliation in Australia: HSC Studies of Religion18 questions · examined in 7 of 7 years
- Reasons for the rise of non-religion: HSC Studies of Religion11 questions · examined in 5 of 7 years
- Hindu ethical teachings on environmental ethics: HSC Studies of Religion10 questions · examined in 7 of 7 years
- Islamic ethical teachings on sexual ethics: HSC Studies of Religion10 questions · examined in 7 of 7 years
- Jewish ethical teachings on bioethics: HSC Studies of Religion10 questions · examined in 7 of 7 years
Night-before and exam-morning checklists
The night before
- Check your personalised timetable on Students Online: the start time shown is when reading time begins.[2]
- Confirm your venue and the start time.[1]
- Pack a clear bag: several black pens (no erasable ink), 2B pencils, sharpener, eraser and a ruler.[1]
- Pack an approved calculator (check NESA's list) and a compass or protractor if the exam needs them.[1]
- Fill a clear, label-free water bottle.[1]
- A plain watch only if you want one (no smart or programmable watch); it goes on the desk.[1]
- Stop revising around 7 to 8 pm, set two alarms and sleep.[1]
Exam morning
- Eat a real breakfast.[1]
- Arrive well before the start time to allow for seating and checks.[2]
- Leave your phone and other electronic devices outside the exam room.[1]
- Use the bathroom before you go in.[1]
- In reading time, read and plan only: no writing, marking or annotating.[1]
- You can't leave in the first hour or the last 15 minutes.[1]
Exam-week survival kit: The last 7 days · The night before and exam morning · What to bring, and what's banned · How to use reading time · If you're sick or something goes wrong · Handling exam-week stress.
Last-week revision
- Exam trendsEvery dot point by how often it is examined
- FlashcardsSpaced-repetition cards from the syllabus pages
Syllabus by module
- Religion and Belief Systems in Australia post-19453 dot points
- Buddhism Depth Study9 dot points
- Christianity Depth Study9 dot points
- Hinduism Depth Study9 dot points
- Islam Depth Study9 dot points
- Judaism Depth Study9 dot points
- Religion and Peace (Studies of Religion II)6 dot points
- Religion and Non-Religion (Studies of Religion II)8 dot points
HSC Studies of Religion cram sheet
Key formulas, definitions and facts copied from our Studies of Religion syllabus pages, most-examined topics first. One page when printed.
Buddhism Depth Study
The Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, first taught by the Buddha in his first sermon, are the foundation of Buddhist belief and are recorded in the Sutta Pitaka of the Tripitaka, the core scripture of Theravada Buddhism.
Christianity Depth Study
The Trinity is the Christian belief that the one God exists eternally as three distinct persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, of one being. It is monotheistic and was defined in the early creeds, not a belief in three separate gods.
Hinduism Depth Study
Moksha is liberation from samsara, the cycle of rebirth, and the realisation of the unity of the atman (self) with Brahman (ultimate reality). It is the ultimate goal of Hindu life, approached through the paths of knowledge, devotion and selfless action.
Islam Depth Study
Tawhid is the central Islamic belief in the absolute oneness and unity of God (Allah), who is one, without partner or equal. It is the foundation of Islam from which all other beliefs follow, and it is repeatedly affirmed throughout the Qur'an.
Judaism Depth Study
Covenant (brit) is the binding relationship between God and the Jewish people, established with Abraham and renewed at Sinai. Through it the people are called to live according to God's law, and the covenant gives Jewish identity, history and ethics their foundation.