National Senior Certificate (NSC / matric): Format Guide & Practice Tests
Seven subjects, including two official languages, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and Life Orientation. October–November of Grade 12 (2026: a record 962,832 candidates); results in January.
30 practice tests
Format explained
Printable answer keys
At a glance
Who takes it
Grade 12
Subjects
Seven subjects, including two official languages, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and Life Orientation
When
October–November of Grade 12 (2026: a record 962,832 candidates); results in January
Format
Most subjects have two or three papers set by the DBE and quality-assured by Umalusi.
School-based assessment counts for 25% of the final mark in most subjects (more in practical subjects) and the exam for 75%.
Pass levels: Higher Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor’s pass.
Practice Test 125 questions · Patterns, Functions and Algebra · Data Handling and Probability · Space, Shape and Measurement
Practice Test 225 questions · Patterns, Functions and Algebra · Data Handling and Probability · Space, Shape and Measurement
Practice Test 325 questions · Patterns, Functions and Algebra · Data Handling and Probability · Numbers (Financial Mathematics)
Practice Test 425 questions · Patterns, Functions and Algebra · Space, Shape and Measurement · Numbers (Financial Mathematics)
Practice Test 525 questions · Patterns, Functions and Algebra · Space, Shape and Measurement · Data Handling and Probability
📖 English Home Language
Practice Test 116 questions · Vocabulary · Writing · Literary terms
Practice Test 216 questions · Grammar · Rhetoric · Literary terms
Practice Test 316 questions · Writing · Theme · Vocabulary
Practice Test 416 questions · Writing · Grammar · Evaluate
Practice Test 516 questions · Vocabulary · Key details · Rhetoric
🧬 Life Sciences
Practice Test 130 questions · Molecular Genetics · Evolution · Animal Systems
Practice Test 230 questions · Homeostasis · Biochemistry · Genetics
Practice Test 330 questions · Homeostasis · Animal Systems · Metabolic Processes
Practice Test 430 questions · Molecular Genetics · Diversity of Living Things · Genetics
Practice Test 530 questions · Homeostasis · Molecular Genetics · Evolution
⚗️ Physical Sciences: Chemistry
Practice Test 130 questions · Quantities in Reactions · Chemical Reactions · Matter & Bonding
Practice Test 230 questions · Solutions · Quantities in Reactions · Matter & Bonding
Practice Test 330 questions · Quantities in Reactions · Matter & Bonding · Chemical Reactions
Practice Test 430 questions · Matter & Bonding · Quantities in Reactions · Gases
Practice Test 530 questions · Solutions · Quantities in Reactions · Chemical Reactions
🧲 Physical Sciences: Physics
Practice Test 130 questions · Energy & Momentum · Kinematics · Waves
Practice Test 230 questions · Energy & Momentum · Kinematics · Waves
Practice Test 330 questions · Energy & Momentum · Dynamics · Kinematics
Practice Test 430 questions · Kinematics · Energy & Momentum · Electricity & Magnetism
Practice Test 530 questions · Kinematics · Energy & Momentum · Electricity & Magnetism
🌍 History
Practice Test 120 questions · History · Chronology · Civics
Practice Test 220 questions · History · Chronology · Geography
Practice Test 320 questions · History · Chronology · Civics
Practice Test 420 questions · History · Chronology · Geography
Practice Test 520 questions · History · Chronology · Civics
All questions and passages are original and written for Pagine to match the published curriculum. Pagine is not affiliated with any government, ministry, department of education, exam board or assessment body. Not official tests.
Frequently asked questions
What is the National Senior Certificate (NSC / matric)?
Seven subjects, including two official languages, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and Life Orientation. October–November of Grade 12 (2026: a record 962,832 candidates); results in January. Required for university, college and many jobs.
What is the format?
Most subjects have two or three papers set by the DBE and quality-assured by Umalusi. School-based assessment counts for 25% of the final mark in most subjects (more in practical subjects) and the exam for 75%. Pass levels: Higher Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor’s pass.
How should students prepare?
Take one practice test to find strengths and gaps, review the skill breakdown, practise the weaker skills, then try another test a week later. Read every day and talk about what you read.
Are these the official exam papers?
All questions and passages are original and written for Pagine to match the published curriculum. Pagine is not affiliated with any government, ministry, department of education, exam board or assessment body. Not official tests. Official information is linked on this page.
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