Junior Cert Timetable 2024: Full Exam Schedule and Dates

Every year, thousands of students across Ireland sit down for the Junior Cycle exams, and the 2024 timetable is no exception. The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has set the exam period from 5 June to 17 June 2024, with morning sessions starting at 9:30 a.m. and afternoon sessions at 1:30 p.m.

Junior Cycle exam sessions per year: 1 ·
Typical exam period: June ·
Number of exam subjects: up to 20 ·
Official timetable publisher: State Examinations Commission ·
Exam start time (morning): 9:30 a.m. ·
Exam start time (afternoon): 1:30 p.m.

Five key facts about the 2024 Junior Cert timetable, one pattern: the SEC maintains a consistent two-week window in early June, with morning and afternoon slots every day.

What is the Junior Cert timetable?

The Junior Cert timetable is the official schedule of written examinations for the Junior Cycle, published by the State Examinations Commission (Citizens Information (government service)). It lists each subject’s exam date, time, and level (Higher, Ordinary, or Common).

Standard exam timings

• Morning sessions: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (or 12:00 for longer papers)
• Afternoon sessions: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. (depending on subject)

These timings apply to all written exams, including those with aural components (Rollercoaster.ie (education guide)).

Subjects typically included

The Junior Cycle covers up to 20 subjects. The 2024 timetable includes English, Irish, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Business Studies, Religion, and a range of languages and technology subjects (Coláiste Mhuire PDF (school timetable)).

The implication: the timetable is predictable year to year, but the exact order of subjects changes slightly. Always check the current year’s PDF.

What are the Junior Cert dates for 2026?

The Junior Cert 2026 is scheduled to take place in June 2026, following the same pattern as previous years. However, the SEC has not yet published specific dates for 2026.

2026 exam period

Based on historical patterns, the exam period will likely run from early June to mid-June, with morning and afternoon sessions. The official timetable is typically released one year in advance, so students and schools can expect the 2026 timetable in late 2025 or early 2026.

Key start and end dates

While the exact start and end dates for 2026 are not yet confirmed, the SEC’s standard pattern suggests the first exam will be English, and the last exam will be a subject like Applied Technology or Science. The exact dates will be announced on the SEC website.

The pattern: the SEC sticks to a June window, but the exact dates shift by a few days each year. The catch: no official confirmation for 2026 means students must rely on predictions until the timetable is published.

What is the last day of Junior Cert?

The last day of the Junior Cert exams in 2024 is 11 June 2024 (Science Common Level). However, the exact date varies by year and subject schedule. In 2024, the final exam was Science, but some students may have later exams for subjects like Applied Technology (17 June for some schools).

Typical last exam day

Historically, the Junior Cert ends in the second week of June, usually between 11 and 17 June. The official SEC timetable lists the end date for each subject. In 2024, the last written exam was Science on 11 June, but subjects like Applied Technology and Jewish Studies extended to 14 and 17 June for some schools.

What happens after exams

After the last exam, students receive their results in September. The SEC issues results to schools, and students can collect them from their school office. The results are also available online through the SEC’s portal.

Why this matters: knowing the last exam date helps students plan study schedules and avoid last-minute cramming. The pattern: the last day is usually a science or technology subject, not a core language.

What date is Junior Cert 2027?

Junior Cert 2027 will take place in June 2027, following the standard SEC pattern. The official timetable is typically released in late 2026 or early 2027, approximately one year before the exams.

2027 exam period

Based on the historical pattern, the exams will run from early June to mid-June, with morning and afternoon sessions. The SEC has not yet confirmed the exact dates, but the two-week window in June is consistent.

When to expect official confirmation

The SEC typically publishes the timetable for the following year in the autumn of the current year. For 2027, students and schools can expect the timetable to be released around late 2026 or early 2027. The official source is the SEC website at examinations.ie (Ardgillan Community College notice (timetable publication)).

The trade-off: planning for 2027 is speculative until the SEC releases the official timetable. Students should focus on the 2024 and 2025 exams for now. For the upcoming cycle, see the 2025 Junior Cert Timetable: Dates & Download.

Is 40 a pass in Junior Cert?

Yes, a score of 40% or above is normally considered a pass in most subjects under the SEC’s Common Level grading system. The grading scale ranges from A (90%+) to G (20-30%), with 40% falling in the D range (40-54%).

Grading system overview

The Junior Cycle uses a Common Level system for most subjects, meaning all students sit the same exam. The grades are:

• Distinction: 90-100%
• Higher Merit: 75-89%
• Merit: 55-74%
• Pass: 40-54%
• Fail: 0-39%

This system replaced the old A, B, C grades in 2014.

What constitutes a passing grade

A Pass (40-54%) is the minimum requirement to progress to the next level of education. However, some schools or courses may require higher grades for specific subjects. The SEC defines a “pass” as achieving at least 40% in the Common Level exam.

The implication: 40% is the minimum, but the real benchmark for success is often higher. Students should aim for 55% or above to avoid being limited in subject choices for Leaving Cert.

For students preparing for the 2024 Junior Cert, the schedule is clear: two weeks of exams, with a predictable rhythm of morning and afternoon sessions. The real challenge is managing the intensity of multiple subjects in a short period. For the SEC, the pattern is consistent, but the uncertainty around future years means students should focus on the current timetable and keep an eye on official announcements. Irish students should download the 2024 PDF, plan study around the 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. slots, and aim for a Merit grade or higher to keep options open.