Matric Exams 2025 Timetable: Full NSC Schedule, Key Dates & Preparation Tips
As the end of 2025 approaches, thousands of Grade 12 learners across South Africa are gearing up for one of the most pivotal moments of their academic journey: the National Senior Certificate (NSC) matric exams. Whether you’re a full-time candidate, part-time rewriter, or preparing for the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) version, having the official matric exams 2025 timetable at your fingertips is essential for effective planning. This comprehensive guide covers the full NSC schedule released by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), highlights key dates, differences between NSC and IEB, and shares actionable tips to help you ace your finals.
With over 766,000 full-time NSC candidates and an additional 137,000 part-time learners registered, the 2025 exams represent a massive national effort. The DBE has confirmed nationwide readiness, including secure venues and a hotline for irregularities. Let’s dive into the details so you can focus on what matters: smashing those papers!
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Overview of the 2025 Matric Exams
The NSC matric exams for 2025 kick off in late October and wrap up in late November, spanning six weeks of intensive assessments. This year’s timetable emphasizes a balanced spread of subjects, separating practicals from core theory papers to reduce stress and allow better preparation.
- Start Date: Tuesday, 21 October 2025 (Computer Applications Technology Paper 1 Practical)
- End Date: Thursday, 27 November 2025 (IT and CAT Practical Rewrites)
- Exam Times: Morning sessions at 09:00 SAST (3 hours unless specified), afternoon at 14:00 SAST (2-3 hours)
- Total Candidates: Over 900,000 under DBE, plus 17,000+ via IEB and SACAI
- Key Focus: Integrity, with a nationwide Pledge Signing Ceremony on 17 October 2025
Marking begins on 15 November and results are expected in January 2026. For supplementary exams (rewrites), a separate timetable will be released later.
Full NSC Matric Exams 2025 Timetable
Below is the official DBE timetable, organized by week for easy reference. Download the full PDF from the DBE website for printing. Note: This applies to public schools under NSC; IEB follows a similar but slightly adjusted schedule (more on that below).
Pre-Exam Milestones
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1 September 2025 | Life Orientation (LO CAT) Examination (2.5 hours) |
| 14 October 2025 | LO CAT Rewrites |
| 14–24 August 2025 | Performing Arts Practicals |
| 14–24 October 2025 | Visual Arts and Design Practicals |
| 17 October 2025 | Pledge Signing Ceremony |
| Date | Morning (09:00) | Afternoon (14:00) |
|---|---|---|
| Tue 21 Oct | Computer Applications Technology P1 (Practical, 3 hrs) | – |
| Wed 22 Oct | Design P1 (Theory, 3 hrs) | Information Technology P1 (Practical, 3 hrs) |
| Thu 23 Oct | English HL/FAL/SAL P1 (2.5 hrs) | English HL/FAL/SAL P3 (2 hrs) |
| Fri 24 Oct | Afrikaans HL/FAL/SAL P1 (2.5 hrs) | Afrikaans HL/FAL/SAL P3 (2 hrs) |
| Date | Morning (09:00) | Afternoon (14:00) |
|---|---|---|
| Mon 27 Oct | Music P1 (2 hrs) | Music P2 (2 hrs) |
| Tue 28 Oct | African Languages HL/FAL/SAL P1 (3 hrs) | African Languages HL/FAL/SAL P3 (2 hrs); Civil Technology (3 hrs); Sport and Exercise Science P2 (2 hrs) |
| Wed 29 Oct | Dramatic Arts P1 (3 hrs) | Dramatic Arts P2 (3 hrs) |
| Thu 30 Oct | Geography P1 (3 hrs) | Geography P2 (3 hrs) |
| Fri 31 Oct | Mathematics P1 (3 hrs); Mathematical Literacy P1 (2 hrs); Technical Mathematics P1 (3 hrs) | – |
| Date | Morning (09:00) | Afternoon (14:00) |
|---|---|---|
| Mon 3 Nov | Mathematics P2 (3 hrs); Mathematical Literacy P2 (2.5 hrs); Technical Mathematics P2 (3 hrs) | – |
| Tue 4 Nov | History P1 (3 hrs) | History P2 (2.5 hrs) |
| Wed 5 Nov | Life Sciences P1 (2.5 hrs) | Life Sciences P2 (2.5 hrs) |
| Thu 6 Nov | Accounting P1 (2 hrs) | Accounting P2 (2.5 hrs) |
| Fri 7 Nov | Physical Sciences P1 (3 hrs); Technical Sciences P1 (3 hrs) | Religion Studies P1 (2 hrs) |
| Date | Morning (09:00) | Afternoon (14:00) |
|---|---|---|
| Mon 10 Nov | Physical Sciences P2 (3 hrs); Technical Sciences P2 (3 hrs) | Religion Studies P2 (2 hrs) |
| Tue 11 Nov | Business Studies P1 (2.5 hrs) | Business Studies P2 (2.5 hrs) |
| Wed 12 Nov | Consumer Studies (2 hrs); Hospitality Studies (2.5 hrs); Tourism (2 hrs) | Engineering Graphics and Design (3 hrs) |
| Thu 13 Nov | Agricultural Sciences P1 (2 hrs) | Agricultural Sciences P2 (2.5 hrs); Agricultural Management Practices (3 hrs) |
| Fri 14 Nov | Economics P1 (2 hrs) | Economics P2 (2.5 hrs) |
| Date | Morning (09:00) | Afternoon (14:00) |
|---|---|---|
| Mon 17 Nov | English HL P2 (3 hrs); Other Languages HL P2 (3 hrs) | English FAL P2 (2.5 hrs); Other Languages FAL P2 (2.5 hrs) |
| Tue 18 Nov | Afrikaans HL P2 (3 hrs); Other Languages HL P2 (3 hrs) | Afrikaans FAL P2 (2.5 hrs); Other Languages FAL P2 (2.5 hrs) |
| Wed 19 Nov | Life Orientation (Theory, 2 hrs) | – |
| Thu 20 Nov | African Languages HL P2 (3 hrs) | African Languages FAL P2 (2.5 hrs) |
| Fri 21 Nov | Computer Applications Technology P2 (Theory, 2.5 hrs) | Design P2 (Practical, 6 hrs) |
| Date | Morning (09:00) | Afternoon (14:00) |
|---|---|---|
| Mon 24 Nov | Information Technology P2 (Theory, 2.5 hrs) | – |
| Tue 25 Nov | South African Sign Language HL P1 (3 hrs) | South African Sign Language HL P2 (3 hrs) |
| Wed 26 Nov | Maritime Economics (2 hrs) | – |
| Thu 27 Nov | IT and CAT Practical Rewrites | – |
IEB Matric Exams 2025 Timetable: Key Differences
If you’re at an independent school under the Independent Examinations Board (IEB), your timetable aligns closely with NSC but starts slightly earlier for some papers. IEB exams for 2025 run from mid-October to late November, with finals concluding around 28 November. Key highlights:
- Start: Around 18 October (varies by school; check IEB site)
- Core Subjects: Similar sequencing, e.g., Maths P1 on 31 Oct, Physical Sciences on 7 Nov
- Mid-Year (May/June): Ran from 5 May to 27 May, now complete—use those results for prep!
For the full IEB schedule, visit the official IEB website or contact your school. IEB candidates (about 17,000 in 2025) often see higher pass rates due to smaller class sizes.
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Essential Preparation Tips for Matric 2025 Success
With the timetable locked in, shift your energy to smart studying. Here’s how to maximize your performance:
- Create a Personalized Study Plan: Align your revision with the timetable—tackle Maths and Sciences in October blocks. Use past papers from the DBE site.
- Prioritize High-Impact Subjects: Focus 60% of time on your weakest areas (e.g., if Languages are on 23–24 Oct, drill comprehension now).
- Health and Wellness: Sleep 8 hours, eat brain-boosting foods (nuts, berries), and take 10-minute breaks hourly. The DBE recommends mindfulness apps for stress.
- Exam Day Essentials: Arrive 30 minutes early with ID, pens, calculator (approved model), and water. No phones—stick to the pledge!
- Seek Support: Join DBE winter/spring revision programs or free online resources like Siyavula for Maths. If you’re rewriting, register early via Umalusi.
Remember, the Class of 2025 started Grade 1 in 2014 amid challenges like COVID—your resilience will shine through. Stay positive; a solid plan turns pressure into power.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
The matric exams 2025 timetable is your blueprint to freedom—use it wisely. With the DBE’s structured schedule and your dedication, top results are within reach. Parents and teachers: cheer them on! For updates, follow the DBE on social media or call the exam hotline.
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Good luck, matrics—go make 2025 unforgettable.
Last updated: October 20, 2025. Always verify with official sources for any changes.
