The Independent Examinations Board (IEB) has released the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, reporting a 98.31% pass rate that is technically the lowest in three years — yet remains impressively high as a record number of learners wrote the exams. Despite a slight dip from 2024, steady access to degree study and expanding candidate numbers underscore ongoing strength and resilience in the private matriculation system.
IEB Class of 2025 — Key Stats at a Glance
- Overall pass rate: 98.31%
- Lowest in 3 years (2023–2025) but still above 98%
- Degree passes: 89.12%
- Diploma passes: 7.83%
- Higher Certificate passes: 1.34%
- Endorsed NSC: 0.02%
- Total candidates: 17,413 (largest ever)
- Full-time: 16,063 | Part-time: 1,350
- Outstanding achievers: 161 | Commendable achievers: 125
- Exam venues: 277 | Centres monitored: 115
- Candidates with accommodations: 1,974 (11.34%)
The results were officially announced on Monday, 12 January 2026, and were approved by Umalusi, South Africa’s quality assurance body for general and further education.
While the 2025 pass rate of 98.31% is marginally lower than the 98.47% achieved in 2024, it still reflects a high level of performance and remains stronger than earlier years. 👉 See our coverage of last year’s results in ‘IEB Matric Class of 2024 achieves highest pass rate in 5 years’.
Strong Academic Access Sustained
All successful candidates in the 2025 IEB NSC gained passes that qualify them for further study:
- 89.12% qualified for degree study, modestly down from 89.37% in 2024
- 7.83% qualified for diploma study (2024: 7.56%)
- 1.34% achieved higher certificate entry (2024: 1.53%)
- 0.02% achieved an endorsed NSC
Although there was a small dip in the degree pass rate compared to 2024, the 2025 Bachelor pass rate remains higher than 2023 levels, demonstrating sustained academic achievement even as the cohort grows.
Record Candidate Numbers
A combined total of 17,413 candidates — 16,063 full-time and 1,350 part-time — sat the NSC examinations in October and November 2025. These exams took place at 277 venues across 263 centres nationwide, representing the largest cohort in IEB history.
Cohort trends (3-year comparison):
- 2025: 17,413 candidates
- 2024: 16,304 candidates
- 2023: 15,180 candidates
The growing cohort includes learners from nine new schools across three provinces, highlighting the IEB’s expanding national footprint and ongoing appeal in South Africa’s private education sector.
CEO on Growth and Consistency
IEB CEO Confidence Dikgole advised that small pass-rate fluctuations should be understood in the context of continued growth and diversification.
“As the IEB continues to grow — welcoming new schools, expanding geographically, and examining a larger and more diverse cohort — small fluctuations in aggregate pass rates are both statistically expected and internationally observed in stable assessment systems.”
She emphasised:
“What is important is that performance levels remain consistently high, standards are maintained, and access to degree study remains strong.”
“In a context of sustained growth and changing learning environments, the consistency of these results is, in fact, reassuring.”
Exceptional Achievements Recognised
The IEB recognised outstanding performances among top learners in 2025:
- 161 learners achieved outstanding achievement (top 5% in six subjects with Level 7 in Life Orientation)
- 125 learners achieved commendable achievement (top 5% in five subjects with Level 7 in Life Orientation)
👉 For insights into top performers and school rankings, see 2024 Matric Results: Top 10 Best-Performing Private Schools and Students in South Africa.
Assessment Integrity and Digital Context
The IEB confirmed that the 2025 examinations were conducted with no systemic irregularities reported that could compromise credibility, even as digital technologies and AI rapidly shape learning environments.
“The contemporary learning environment continues to evolve rapidly,” said Dikgole.
“Digital technologies, including generative AI, form part of the educational landscape in which today’s learners are developing.”
She stressed that the IEB’s assessment practices continue to focus on genuine understanding and critical thinking, rather than rote reproduction or inappropriate technological reliance.
👉 ALSO READ: Inside the Matric Leak: HR Official Faces Jail Time for Selling Out the Class of 2025.
Inclusive Assessment and Quality Assurance
The IEB approved accommodations for 1,974 candidates (11.34% of the cohort), including adapted papers and alternative formats for learners with hearing, visual, and other impairments.
Examinations were monitored with real-time electronic surveillance at all centres and physical monitoring at 115 centres, while Umalusi confirmed overall compliance with regulations and no systemic irregularities.
What Candidates Need to Know
- Results access:
- Accredited newspapers: 10 accredited official newspapers to check your 2025 Matric Results
- Official online guidance: 2025 Matric Results: Official Release Dates and How to Check
- National results portal: https://www.education.gov.za/
- Gauteng results portal: https://results.gauteng.gov.za/
- Remark and re-check timeline:
- Closing date for remark applications: 30 January 2026
- Remark results released: 4 March 2026 (subject to Umalusi approval)
👉 For advice on re-marks or re-checks, see Unhappy with your 2024 Matric results? Here’s how to apply for a re-mark or re-check.
Looking Ahead
The IEB and its Board extended heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2025.
“To every learner — whether you achieved your goal this year or not — your path forward remains open,” Dikgole concluded.
“South Africa’s education system offers multiple routes to success, and perseverance remains the most important qualification of all.”
