Introduction
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has officially released the 2025 NSC (Matric) October/November exam timetable. Scheduled from Monday, 20 October to Thursday, 27 November 2025, this comprehensive guide helps learners plan their revision effectively.
Key Dates & Structure
Week 1 (20–24 October)
- 20 Oct (Mon): Non-examination day
- 21 Oct (Tue): Computer Applications Tech P1 (practical), plus various HL/FAL/SAL language papers
- 22 Oct (Wed): Info Tech practicals, modern languages P1, Latin, Portuguese papers
- 23 Oct (Thu): English HL/FAL/SAL P3; language SAL P2; other subjects
- 24 Oct (Fri): Afrikaans HL/FAL/SAL P3; additional language papers and Equine Studies
Week 2 (27–31 Oct)
- 27 Oct (Mon): African language HL/FAL/SAL P3; Accounting P1
- 28 Oct (Tue): Indigenous languages P3; SASL P3; Civil Tech; Sport & Exercise Science
- 29 Oct (Wed): English HL/FAL/SAL P1; various language papers
- 30 Oct (Thu): History P1; Engineering Graphics & Design P1
- 31 Oct (Fri): Mathematics, Math Lit, Technical Math P1; Religion Studies P1
Week 3 (3–7 Nov)
- 3 Nov (Mon): Mathematics P2, Mathematical Literacy P2, Technical Mathematics P2; Agricultural Sciences P1
- 4 Nov (Tue): Indigenous language P1; Accounting P2; Maritime Economics
- 5 Nov (Wed): Indigenous languages P1; SASL P1; Religion Studies P2; Mechanical Tech
- 6 Nov (Thu): Language HL/FAL/SAL P2; Business Studies P1
- 7 Nov (Fri): Physical Sciences (Physics) P1; Technical Sciences P1; History P2
Week 4 (10–14 Nov)
- 10 Nov (Mon): Physical Sciences (Chemistry) P2; Technical Sciences P2; Visual Arts P1; Nautical Science P1
- 11 Nov (Tue): Afrikaans HL/FAL/SAL P1; Business Studies P2
- 12 Nov (Wed): Geography P1; CAT Theory; Nautical Science P2
- 13 Nov (Thu): English HL/FAL/SAL P2; IT Theory P2; Marine Sciences P1
- 14 Nov (Fri): Life Sciences P1; Electrical Technology
Week 5 (17–21 Nov)
- 17 Nov (Mon): Life Sciences P2; Dramatic Arts
- 18 Nov (Tue): Geography P2; Engineering Graphics & Design P2
- 19 Nov (Wed): Economics P1; Tourism
- 20 Nov (Thu): Indigenous languages HL/FAL/SAL P2; SASL HL P2; Agricultural Sciences P2
- 21 Nov (Fri): Afrikaans HL/FAL/SAL P2; Economics P2
Week 6 (24–27 Nov)
- 24 Nov (Mon): Agricultural Technology; Music Theory P1; Design
- 25 Nov (Tue): Consumer Studies; Hospitality Studies; Dance P1
- 26 Nov (Wed): Agricultural Management Practices; Marine Sciences P2; Music Comprehension P2
- 27 Nov (Thu): CAT P1 rewrite practical; IT P1 rewrite practical
- (Final day of exams)
Why This Timetable Matters
- Structured Revision: Start preparing early for subjects with cluster schedules (e.g., Maths, Sciences).
- Balance Workload: The exam period spans six weeks—plan rest and study effectively.
- Focus on Practical Component: Note key practical days for CAT, IT, and other skills-based subjects.
Tips for Exam Success
- Download & Print the official PDF from DBE (April 2025 release).
- Create a Revision Calendar, slotting major subjects and interspersing breaks.
- Practice Past Papers under timed conditions—available on the DBE portal.
- Clarify Exam Rules: Check instructions related to calculators, stationery, and exam conduct.
- Stay Healthy: Eat well, sleep, and manage stress—your mind needs care too.
How to Access Official Info
Visit the DBE website and navigate to the NSC Examinations section. Look for “Circular E09 of 2025 – 2025 Oct-Nov Examination Timetable”. The timetable PDF (dated 25 April 2025) includes all exam dates, times, and practical arrangements e
Final Thoughts
This fully-detailed and current timetable empowers learners, teachers, and parents to strategize study and logistical plans early. With a clear schedule and targeted revision, Grade 12 candidates can approach the 2025 NSC exams with confidence.