Grade 12 learners around South Africa are currently preparing for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams. The final matric examination period is set to commence on Monday, 30 October 2023 and will conclude during the first week of December 2023.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has assured that robust security measures have been implemented to ensure the smooth progress of the 2023 final matric examination period, minimizing any potential disruptions.
They stressed:
The DBE will monitor closely the writing of the October/November 2023 NSC Examinations.
Over 800,000 Matric Candidates Participating
This year, a total of 723,971 full-time candidates are set to take part in the final National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, which is approximately 30,000 fewer than the previous year. In addition, there will be 129,064 part-time candidates participating, resulting in a combined total of 853,035 candidates for this year's final matric examinations.
As for Independent schools. A total of 14 127 full-time candidates and 1 080 part-time candidates will be writing.
The 2023 final exams will take place across 6 337 public schools and 552 independent exam centres in the country, including Adult Education and Training centres and special centres.
Meanwhile, the department has also revealed that learners will receive their matric results on Friday, 19 January 2024. However, a lot of work is done between the time when learners put down their pens for the final time and receive their results.
Thousands of examination scripts are to be marked, and these marks must be captured. Examinations bodies will then have to approve results and may even suggest changes before learners receive their results in January 2024.
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Timeline Of Events Leading To 2023 Matric Exam Results
According to the department, this is the timeline of events:
- 23 December 2023: Marks Capture Completed
- 1-2 January 2024: National Exam Irregularities Committee (NEIC) meeting
- 3-4 January 2024: Pre-standardisation meeting (DBE)
- 5 January 2024: Umalusi Standardisation
- 12 January 2024: Umalusi Approval of Results
- 18 January 2024: Ministerial Announcement
- 19 January 2024: Provincial Release of Matric Results
Final Preparations Underway For 2023 Matric Exams
The Department has confirmed that all of the question papers for the upcoming matric exams had been moderated and approved and have all met the Umalusi approval requirements. A total of 162 question papers have been set this year.
Furthermore, the department has advised parents and learners to regularly check its website for any updates or changes about the National Senior Certificate.
Learners are also encouraged to make the most of their time preparing for the important exams and take advantage of resources which are helping learners find guidance.
There is a wide variety of e-learning resources that matrics can use to prepare for the exams. These resources include video lessons, past papers, subject study guides, study tips, schedules for radio and television revision broadcasts, and links to online tutoring.
Support resources are also available to learners who feel overwhelmed or stressed during the matric exams. Learners are encouraged to reach out to their school or call the Safe Schools Hotline at 0800 45 46 47 for help.
DOWNLOAD THE 2023 FINAL MATRIC TIMETABLE HERE







