Past papers / Grade 12 / Business Studies
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.
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.
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 | Date | Start | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Wed 11 Nov 2026 | 14:00 | 2 hours | 150 |
| Paper 2 | Wed 18 Nov 2026 | 09:00 | 2 hours | 150 |
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
Papers and memos by year
2025 May/June
Business Studies - 2025 May/June NSC/SC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2025 November
Business Studies - 2025 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2024 May/June
Business Studies - 2024 May/June NSC/SC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2024 November
Business Studies - 2024 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2023 May/June
Business Studies - 2023 May/June NSC/SC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2023 November
Business Studies - 2023 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2022 May/June
Business Studies - 2022 May/June NSC/SC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2022 November
Business Studies - 2022 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2021 May/June
Business Studies - 2021 May/June NSC/SC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2021 November
Business Studies - 2021 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2020 November
Business Studies - 2020 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2019 May/June
Business Studies - 2019 May/June NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2019 November
Business Studies - 2019 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2018 Supplementary
Business Studies - 2018 Supplementary (Feb/March). Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
- Paper 1Question paper (DBE session)Memo (DBE session)
- Paper 2Question paper (DBE session)Memo (DBE session)
Open full 2018 Supplementary (Feb/March) pack on education.gov.za
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.