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VCE English exam 2026Exam: Tue 27 Oct · VCAA timetable

Your VCE English exam:

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When and how long

  • English / EAL9.00 am to 12.15 pm3 h plus 15 min reading time

VCAA: the reading period is included in the times shown, and each examination starts with a 15-minute reading period unless otherwise specified. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time. A few language exams run earlier in October.

Source: 2026 VCE examination timetable (VCAA), 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.

Paper format

Victorian Certificate of Education - English/EAL Examination: 60 marks, 3 h writing time plus 15 minutes reading time.

  • Section A - Analytical response to a text20 marks
  • Section B - Creating a text20 marks
  • Section C - Analysis of argument and language20 marks

VCAA examination specifications (VCE English): 15 minutes reading time and 3 hours writing time, 60 marks. Section A: an analytical response to a text (20 marks). Section B: creating a text (20 marks). Section C: analysis of argument and language (20 marks).

From the official specification: source.

What the exam covers

We don't have past-paper frequency data for this exam, so here is the course, module by module. Make sure every module is covered.

Night-before and exam-morning checklists

The night before

  • Check the start time of each exam; the 15-minute reading period is included in the timetable times.[2]
  • Pack a transparent pencil case: pens, pencils, highlighters, erasers, sharpener and a ruler.[1]
  • Pack your approved calculator and spare batteries (CAS only where allowed: General Maths, Methods Exam 2, Specialist Exam 2).[1]
  • Still water in a clear plastic bottle, labels removed, no more than 1500 mL (it stays off your table).[1]
  • Stop revising around 8 pm, set two alarms and sleep.[1]

Exam morning

  • Eat a real breakfast.[1]
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time.[2]
  • If you are up to 30 minutes late you still get full writing time, but no reading time.[1]
  • Leave phones, smart watches and fitness trackers outside the exam room.[1]
  • In reading time: read and plan, but don't write or use your calculator.[1]
  • You can't leave before 30 minutes of writing time or in the last 5 minutes.[1]
  1. VCE exam day: what to actually expect
  2. VCAA: VCE examination timetable

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 date and time from the official VCAA 2026 timetable, checked Wednesday 23 September 2026. Not affiliated with VCAA; always confirm with your personal timetable.

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