John Swinney has said that all exams are expected to go ahead in 2021 after they were cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Education Secretary told the National Parent Forum of Scotland yesterday that the SQA's objective is to run a"‘full exam diet" next year.
Mr Swinney also said that the SQA have consulted on exam timetables and what steps they could take to reduce the burden of assessments before the exam diet.
He said: "Our objective is to run a full 2021 exam diet. SQA have consulted on what steps they could take to reduce the burden of assessments before the exam diet - what elements could be removed.
"We've also looked at the timetable of exams. Do they need to start in late April? Could they start at the end of May, giving them an extra month for learning and teaching.
"We've looked at those and the SQA is currently considering the response".
The Education Secretary also said that he is determined to ensure that every school pupil in Scotland has "a fair crack at the whip" in 2021, following this year's exam grades debacle.
And he also apologised again for the "stress and anxiety" felt by youngsters amid the fiasco.
He added: "I can't foresee how much disruption there will be between now and next spring, either on individual, class or school-level.
"I am determined to ensure every student has fairness and a fair crack at the whip next year, no matter their experience."
"When it became apparent there were a number of unfair outcomes, I took the decision to direct the SQA to base exam results on the basis of teacher estimates, to recognise the challenges pupils faced.
"I recognise that it caused a lot of stress and anxiety on young people and I reiterate my apology for that.
"We didn't want to cause that stress and for that I unreservedly apologise."
