The countdown to the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams has begun, with a total of 77 442 candidates preparing to sit for their final matric examinations across the Western Cape next week.
According to Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier, “Of these, 67 606 are full-time matric candidates, while 9 836 are part-time or repeat candidates. We have 3 231 more full-time candidates writing than in 2024.”
The exams officially begin on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, when 12 736 candidates will write the Computer Applications Technology (CAT) practical paper in the morning. In total, learners will complete 112 exam papers before the exam session concludes 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 2025. On the opposite end, two subjects — Sesotho First Additional Language and Setswana Home Language — each have only one candidate writing in the province.
Maynier noted that managing the provincial exams is a significant administrative effort. This year, exams will take place at 473 centres across the Western Cape, with 2 046 trained invigilators ensuring smooth and fair proceedings. Once exams conclude, 954 000 examination scripts will be marked by 4 190 markers, with the marking process scheduled to begin in December.
“We appreciate the incredible work that our examination officials do each year to ensure that the exams run smoothly. Our matrics and their teachers have also put in a tremendous amount of work to prepare for these exams, so we appeal to everyone in our province to put the best interests of our candidates first during the exam period.
“We wish our candidates all the best for the final days of revision and look forward to celebrating with them when the results are released,” said Maynier.
The Western Cape Education Department has encouraged parents and communities to continue supporting matric learners during this crucial period as they work towards completing their school careers and taking the next step in their education journey.
