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National Senior Certificate (NSC) Exams

National Senior Certificate (NSC) Exams - November Banner

 

NSC Examinations | November 2026

Examination Helpline: Monday – Friday | 07:30 – 15:30 | tel. 0861 819 919 (Option 2)
Walk-in Centre operating hours: Monday – Friday | 08:00 – 15:30

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084 025 9919 
or click the WhatsApp icon.

Western Cape eCentre Programme - Locate your nearest WCG eCentre for free internet and email access, online applications, selected computer training, and limited daily printing.

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Resources for Grade 12 | Subject Content for Grade 12 | Question Papers & Memos

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  • Timetable updated 2 October 2026

 

Registration for May/June 2027 NSC examination | Registration form

Registration: May/June 2027 

MANUAL REGISTRATION (NSC): NO late applications will be accepted

  • Open: 2 November 2026
  • Close: 5 February 2027

NSC examination HARD COPY applications must be submitted to the nearest district office before the closing date.

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The May/June 2027 NSC examination is open to all candidates who wrote the November NSC examination in 2008 to date.

Use your Surname and Date of Birth / Identity Number to access your results when they become available.

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EXAM ENQUIRIES:

NSC | Important Dates

RELEASE OF RESULTS: Tuesday, 12 January 2027 from 10:00.

  • Results to be collected at schools only.
  • Results can be accessed via the WCED website on Tuesday, 12 January 2027 at 10:00.
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The NSC November 2026 exam commences on: 13 October 2026

  • Access the exam timetable here.
  • The exam concludes on 26 November 2026.
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CLOSING DATE for remarking and rechecking: Monday, 25 January 2027.

Check your personal details on the NSC results and request correction of details within 30 days after the release of the results before 12 February 2027

  1. Ensure that all names as per your identity document are included on the statement of results.
  2. Check that your name(s) and surname are spelled correctly.
  3. Check that the correct date of birth/identity number is printed on the results.
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Please note: Administrative errors like these can be rectified within ONE MONTH after the results have been released.

If there are any errors on your Statement of Results, contact the WCED:

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The documents below are required:

  • Current statement of results
  • Certified copy of the identity document
  • Affidavit, declaring that you are the rightful owner of the Statement of Results and specify the error to be rectified.
  • Complete the reissuing application form.

Remarking | Rechecking of scripts – Refunding of fee(s)

CLOSING DATE for remarking and rechecking: Monday, 25 January 2027.

Payment | Fees

Remarking: R130 (per subject)
Rechecking: R40 (per subject)
Viewing of scripts (only after remarking and rechecking): R240 (per subject & non-refundable)

Payments can be made by EFT or at a Nedbank branch into the following account: 

WCED Banking Details

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Full-time learners registered at no-fee schools may apply to have their NSC November 2026 scripts remarked or rechecked at no cost.
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Application for Remarking | Rechecking of Scripts – Who Qualifies?
  • Candidates may apply for the remarking or rechecking of their scripts if they feel that the marks allocated on the written papers are not a true reflection of their performance.
  • A remark means that the original answer script is marked for a second time by a marker.
  • A recheck of your script is a further check to ensure that all questions are duly marked and that all marks are calculated correctly.
  • For remark enquiries, please contact: ExamResults@westerncape.gov.za
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How do I apply to have my examination remarked or rechecked?
  1. No hard copy applications for a remark will be accepted.
  2. Apply for a remark or recheck using the online registration platform.
    www.eservices.gov.za.
    (Do not use your mobile phone. Only use a desktop computer or laptop. Only use the Google Chrome web browser.)
  3. Note: There is no remark for the Common Assessment Task for Life Orientation.
  4. Please note that a new Statement of Results will only be issued if your subject results improve to a higher level or if your pass status changes.

Please note: Candidates who apply for remarking/rechecking are advised to register for the May/June 2027 examination in case there is no improvement in their results.

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What is an application for a viewing?
  • Once you have received your results, AFTER remarking and rechecking, you may apply to view your answer scripts.
  • Your application to view must be made within 7 (seven) days from the release of your remark results.
  • Apply with proof of payment to ExamResults@westerncape.gov.za with subject line "Viewing" and your exam number.
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What is an application for a refund?

A new statement of results is only issued when:

  • Your subject results improve
  • Your pass status changes

If this is the case, then you are eligible to apply for a refund.

NOTE: only hard copy refund applications are accepted, when accompanied with the original documents.

The remark application fee will ONLY be refunded when there is an improvement in the level of a subject/s as a result of the remark.

For a refund you MUST:

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Refunding of Remark Application Fee(s)

The remark application fee will ONLY be refunded when there is an improvement in the level of a subject/s as a result of the remark.

A new statement of results is only issued when:

  • Your subject results improve
  • Your pass status changes

Level system:

Level 7: 80 – 100%
Level 6: 70 – 79%
Level 5: 60 – 69%
Level 4: 50 – 59%
Level 3: 40 – 49%
Level 2: 30 – 39%

For example:

  • original mark 52% – improved mark after remarking 59% (NO REFUND)
  • original mark 52% – improved mark after remarking 60% or more (QUALIFIES FOR REFUND)

For any refund applications and/or queries you MUST:

  • attach the original payment documents
  • email to ExamResults@westerncape.gov.za
  • all candidates who qualify will be emailed the necessary information and details

NSC examination pass requirements

There are four pass levels:
  1. Higher certificate
  2. Diploma
  3. Bachelor’s degree pass (previously known as an exemption)
  4. NSC examination certificates – Special Needs Education (SNE) pass
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The matric pass requirements for each of these levels are as follows:

Higher certificate pass requirements
  1. Must obtain at least 40% in Home Language
  2. Must obtain at least 40% in three subjects
  3. Must obtain at least 30% in three other subjects
  4. Must pass at least six out of seven subjects
Diploma pass requirements
  1. Must obtain at least 40% in Home Language
  2. Must obtain at least 40% in three other subjects, excluding Life Orientation
  3. Must pass at least six out of seven subjects

With this pass requirement, you can apply to study for a diploma at a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college or university of technology.

Bachelor’s degree pass requirements
  1. Must obtain at least 40% in Home Language
  2. Must obtain at least 50% in four subjects, excluding Life Orientation
  3. Must obtain at least 30% in one other subject
  4. Must pass at least six out of seven subjects
SNE pass requirements

Will obtain an NSC with an endorsement if learners comply with the following promotion requirements:

  1. 30% in the required official language at either Home Language or First Additional Language level
  2. A minimum of 30% in four other subjects
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Please note: Candidates who offer a minimum of five subjects for the NSC with an endorsement must achieve at least 30% in all five subjects to obtain the NSC SNE endorsed certificate.

NB: All subjects, excluding Life Orientation, will be taken into consideration for Diploma/Bachelor’s degree pass requirements.

Candidates who failed to achieve a Diploma or Bachelor’s pass status in their current examination sitting, can improve their pass status if they register and write the NSC June 2026 examination. Improved results can lead to a change in their pass status and a new certificate can be issued by Umalusi.

With achieving a Bachelor's degree pass status, you can apply to study towards a degree at a university, university of technology, TVET college or any accredited higher learning institution.

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Level system: What the grades mean
  1. Level 7: 80–100% (Outstanding achievement)
  2. Level 6: 70–79% (Meritorious achievement)
  3. Level 5: 60–69% (Substantial achievement)
  4. Level 4: 50–59% (Moderate achievement)
  5. Level 3: 40–49% (Adequate achievement)
Which subjects are compulsory?
  1. Home Language
  2. First Additional Language
  3. Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy or Technical Mathematics
  4. Life Orientation

You have to offer your language of learning and teaching (either English or Afrikaans) as one of your language subjects.

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All School-Based Assessment (SBA) marks achieved since 2008 are valid.

Learners with valid SBA only need to rewrite the written papers.

Learners offering new NSC subjects must complete the SBA and can only register for the November NSC examination.