Matric exams 2026: Here’s what you need to do to PASS

The Department of Basic Education has detailed the minimum requirements you will need to meet in order to pass the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, which begin on Tuesday 13 October.

WHAT YOU NEED TO PASS YOUR MATRIC EXAM

The final NSC exams run between October to December each year. This year matric exams begin on Tuesday 13 October and run to 26 November. Registration for the exams closess on 15 March of the year you’re writing, covering all subjects, including those from approved assessment bodies.

So, what do you need to obtain your NSC?

To be awarded a National Senior Certificate, you need to:

• Achieve at least 40% in three subjects, one of which must be an official language at Home Language level
• Achieve at least 30% in three other subjects, as set out in policy
• Provide full evidence of your School-Based Assessment (SBA) component in every subject you took

Umalusi, the quality assurance body, oversees the assessment process for Grade 12 and issues the NSC to candidates who meet the requirements.

SUPPLEMENTARY EXAMS AND REMARKING

here are no longer any supplementary exams for matric. The February/March supplementary exam has been phased out and is no longer available. Instead, candidates who want to improve their results can register for the June NSC exam, provided they meet the qualifying criteria.

If you’re unhappy with a result, you can apply for a recheck or remark of your answer script. Applications must be submitted within 14 days of results being released, using forms available from your school, exam centre or district office.

Results can be withheld due to irregularities, but you have the right to appeal. You can request written reasons for the hold from your district office or school, or visit your nearest Department of Education office for help.

THE DIFFERENT ‘CERTIFICATES‘

Your NSC results also determine what you can study further. Take a look at what you need a Higher Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor’s pass.

• Higher Certificate: at least 30% in your language of learning and teaching
• Diploma: 30% in that language, plus an achievement rating of 3 (40–49%) or better in four 20-credit subjects
• Bachelor’s Degree: 30% in that language, plus a rating of 4 (50–59%) or better in four 20-credit subjects

Take a look when term four ends for lower grades at public schools in South Africa here.