The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has confirmed that the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations are progressing smoothly across South Africa as the Class of 2025 reaches the halfway mark.
“More than 920,000 candidates are currently writing their final examinations at 6,800 centres nationwide. The vast majority of sessions have unfolded without disruption — a reflection of the strength of the DBE’s examination systems, the dedication of invigilators and educators, and the discipline shown by learners,” said DBE spokesperson Terrence Khala.
The national exams officially began on October 21, 2025, with Computer Applications Technology (CAT) as the first paper. While a few minor disruptions were recorded in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo due to community protests and load-shedding–related technical delays, the DBE said these were “swiftly and effectively managed through contingency measures.”
Remaining Matric 2025 Exam Schedule
With just over two weeks left, the next phase of the matric exams will test learners’ endurance and focus as they head into crucial business, science, and humanities subjects.
Week 4: Business, Sciences and Life Sciences
- Monday, November 10: Physical Sciences P2, Technical Sciences P2; Visual Arts P1, Nautical Science P1
- Tuesday, November 11: Afrikaans HL, FAL & SAL P1; Business Studies
- Wednesday, November 12: Geography (Climate & Geomorphology), Computer Applications Tech P2, Nautical Science P2
- Thursday, November 13: English HL, FAL & SAL P2; Information Technology P2 (Theory), Marine Sciences P1
- Friday, November 14: Life Sciences P1, Electrical Technology
Week 5: Geography, Economics, Tourism and Agriculture
- Monday, November 17: Life Sciences P2; Dramatic Arts
- Tuesday, November 18: Geography P2 (Rural/Urban & Economic Geography), Engineering Graphics & Design P2
- Wednesday, November 19: Economics P1; Tourism
- Thursday, November 20: Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Xitsonga, Tshivenda HL P2; FAL & SAL P2; Agricultural Sciences P2
- Friday, November 21: Afrikaans HL, FAL & SAL P2; Economics P2
Week 6: Practical Subjects, rewrites and Arts
- Monday, November 24: Agricultural Technology, Music P1 Theory
- Tuesday, November 25: Consumer Studies, Hospitality Studies, Dance P1
- Wednesday, November 26: Agricultural Management Practices, Marine Sciences P2, Music P2 Comprehension
- Thursday, November 27: Final day – CAT P1 & IT P1 practical rewrites
DBE urges continued support from parents and teachers
The Department has urged parents, teachers, and communities to continue supporting matric candidates until the final paper is written.
“This is a defining period for learners who have worked tirelessly for 12 years. We encourage families to help maintain a calm, focused environment as we approach the final stretch,” Khala added.
Marking will begin immediately after exams conclude, followed by quality assurance and remarking, before matric results are officially released in January 2026.
Key Matric 2025 Dates & Deadlines
As the exam marathon enters its final stretch, both learners and parents should note key remaining milestones:
Final exam session: Thursday, November 27
Marking period: Early December 2025
Results moderation by Umalusi: Late December 2025
Official results release: Confirmed timeline here
Remark and recheck applications: To request for a re-mark or re-check service, candidates must first register on the e-Gov portal at www.eservices.gov.za to create an account.
Supplementary exam registration: January–February 2026
In case you missed the full 2025 NSC timetable is available from the Department of Basic Education, detailing all exam papers from CAT to Life Sciences.
See below timetable for Week 4 exam schedule:
