Grade 12

CAPS Business Studies Grade 12 Past Papers

Business Studies combines business environments, ventures, roles and operations. Past papers reward precise CAPS terminology and structured essay or case-study answers - practise writing to the mark allocation, then check the memo for expected phrasing.

Past papers / Grade 12

2026 exam dates

National Senior Certificate dates for Business Studies from the Department of Basic Education timetable. Confirm your own centre, start time and permit with your school.

Paper 1

Wed 11 Nov 2026

14:00 start, 2 hours, 150 marks

Paper 2

Wed 18 Nov 2026

09:00 start, 2 hours, 150 marks

Source: DBE Oct/Nov 2026 NSC timetable

What each paper covers

Topic weightings summarised from the CAPS examination guidelines so you can prioritise revision. Exact questions change each year - use this as a map, not a prediction.

Paper 1 - 150 marks (2 hours)

Paper 1 usually emphasises business environments and business ventures. Use CAPS section headings in longer answers, number your facts, and link each point back to the scenario so application marks are not lost.

  • Business environments (micro, market, macro)50 marks
  • Business ventures (forms of ownership, investment, insurance)50 marks
  • Business roles / related short and essay items as examined50 marks

Paper 2 - 150 marks (2 hours)

Paper 2 leans into business roles and business operations - human resources, quality, marketing and related management themes. Essays need an introduction, body facts with examples, and a short conclusion; markers look for structure as well as content.

  • Business roles (ethics, creative thinking, team performance)50 marks
  • Business operations (HR, quality, production)50 marks
  • Integrated case-study and essay application50 marks

Business Studies Paper 1

Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available. Otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.

Business Studies Paper 2

Need help with Grade 12 Business Studies?

Practise with past papers, then book a CAPS tutor for guided walkthroughs, exam technique, and a plan for the topics you keep losing marks on.

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