A total of 77 442 candidates are set to write the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations in the Western Cape.
Of these, 67 606 are full-time matric learners, while 9 836 are part-time or repeat candidates – an increase of 3 231 full-time candidates compared to 2024, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The exams officially begin next week Tuesday, when 12 736 candidates will sit for the Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Practical exam in the morning session. In total, 112 papers will be written before the exams conclude on 26 November 2025.
As in previous years, Mathematical Literacy remains the most popular subject, with 53 206 candidates expected to write Paper 1 on Friday, 31 October, and Paper 2 on Monday, 3 November. At the other end of the spectrum, only one candidate each will write Sesotho First Additional Language and Setswana Home Language.
Western Cape Education Minister David Maynier described the exam rollout as a ‘mammoth administrative exercise.’
Examinations will take place across 473 centres, with 2 046 trained invigilators overseeing the process. Once exams conclude, marking will begin in early December, with approximately 954 000 scripts to be assessed by 4 190 markers.
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The national and provincial pass rates will be announced on Monday, 12 January 2026, followed by the release of individual candidate results the next day.
‘We deeply appreciate the incredible work our examination officials do each year to ensure that the exams run smoothly,’ said Maynier.
‘Our matrics and their teachers have dedicated immense effort to preparing for this moment, and we urge everyone in our province to support our candidates during this crucial period.
‘We wish all our candidates the very best in their final preparations and look forward to celebrating their achievements when the results are released,’ he added.
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