DBE Concludes 2025 Matric Exams, Begins Full Marking as Sector Shows Strength

The DBE commended the Class of 2025 for their “resilience and maturity” throughout what it described as a well-coordinated national examination process.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has officially concluded the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, marking the end of a demanding yet smoothly managed assessment period that began on 21 October 2025. Rewrite opportunities for selected subjects were completed on Thursday, signifying the final closure of the 2025 exam cycle.

In a statement, the department confirmed high levels of stability, compliance, and procedural consistency across provinces, reflecting the resilience of the national examination system even amid isolated incidents and growing psychosocial pressures on learners.

A Smooth Examination Cycle Across Provinces

The DBE commended the Class of 2025 for their “resilience and maturity” throughout what it described as a well-coordinated national examination process. Provincial reports showed strong adherence to exam protocols, with early identification and resolution of minor administrative omissions ensuring no learner was disadvantaged.

To uphold fairness and equity, the department administered additional papers for learners who missed exams due to legitimate reasons. These second-opportunity sittings, the DBE said, reinforce its commitment to access, inclusion, and support for all candidates.

Rise in Illness, Anxiety and Learner Support Measures

The department noted a significant increase in learners facing illness and anxiety-related challenges during the exam period. In response, psychosocial support teams were activated through the Khuluma for Wellness platform and provincial wellness units. These teams provided counselling and ensured affected candidates could continue writing—even from hospitals or alternative venues where necessary.

The DBE emphasised the need for strengthened mental-health support structures within schools, citing the growing pressure of high-stakes academic environments on young people.

Isolated Crime Incidents and Learner Safety

One of the most concerning events was an armed robbery at an overnight study camp, which left several learners traumatised. The department arranged immediate counselling and rescheduled exams for the affected group, who wrote a special paper on 27 November.

The DBE also conveyed condolences following the death of a learner linked to an examination irregularity. The department said the tragedy underscores the need for ethical awareness, emotional preparedness, and strengthened preventative systems to support learners under pressure.

“Pens Down” Warning as Exams End

With the conclusion of the exams, the department issued a strong warning against participation in unregulated “Pens Down” celebrations — gatherings that have, in recent years, been associated with alcohol abuse, violence, exploitation, and fatal incidents.

Learners are urged to:

• Avoid unsafe parties and gatherings

• Report suspicious or dangerous events to adults or authorities

• Prioritise rest and personal safety

• Return all school textbooks and materials

• Consider donating uniforms or stationery to peers in need

These actions, the DBE said, reflect the “maturity and civic responsibility expected of the Class of 2025”.

Marking Process Underway: Over 52 000 Markers Deployed

While early marking has already been completed — including system checks, training finalisation and readiness assessments — the full-scale national marking process will officially commence on 1 December 2025.

More than 52 000 markers have been appointed across the country, making it one of the largest deployments of academic expertise in the public sector. The DBE highlighted the importance of this cohort, noting that their professionalism and technical precision uphold the credibility of the NSC qualification.

Marking preparations have included:

• Verification of marking centre readiness

• Strengthened security controls

• Script-management and tracking systems

• Training for chief and senior markers

• Pre-standardisation to ensure uniform application of marking guidelines

Oversight visits by the DBE Director-General have further reinforced confidence in the integrity and readiness of the marking process.

A System Demonstrating Coordination and Resilience

The department extended its gratitude to educators, invigilators, principals, district teams, provincial departments and parents for their collective contribution to delivering a credible examination environment.

According to the DBE, the 2025 exam cycle showcased:

• Strong national coordination

• Technical capacity and preparedness

• Effective crisis response mechanisms

• A reliable monitoring and escalation system

As the sector moves into the results-finalisation phase, the DBE expressed full confidence that the commitment shown throughout the examination period will ensure a fair, credible and trustworthy outcome for the Class of 2025.