Overview
- The Western Cape confirmed that 71,302 full-time and 13,834 part-time or repeat National Senior Certificate candidates will sit exams starting on Tuesday 13 October with the Computer Applications Technology practical.
- The examination period runs to 25 November across 28 exam days and pauses on 2–5 November for the Local Government Elections and on 9 November for Diwali.
- The WCED has published consolidated study materials on its matric-support webpage, including past papers, memoranda, video tutorials, subject help and free internet via WCG eCentres to aid revision.
- Learners who plan to vote are urged to apply for an IEC special vote by 5pm on 12 October by using the IEC website or sending an ID number by SMS to 32249 to avoid long queues on election days.
- Education experts warn against last-minute cramming, advise timed past-paper practice and sleep, and point to 2025 weaknesses in gateway subjects — Mathematics pass rate fell to 64% and fewer than 30% of Physical Sciences candidates scored 50% or higher — which shape where learners should focus effort.