Grade 12

CAPS Geography Grade 12 Past Papers

Geography Paper 1 is typically climate, geomorphology and settlement or economic geography; Paper 2 is mapwork and GIS. Practise map skills under time pressure and use the memo to check how calculations and interpretations are marked.

Past papers / Grade 12

2026 exam dates

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

Paper 1

Thu 29 Oct 2026

09:00 start, 3 hours, 150 marks

Paper 2

Thu 12 Nov 2026

09:00 start, 3 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 (Climate, geomorphology and mapwork) - 150 marks (3 hours)

Paper 1 combines climate and weather, geomorphology, and mapwork skills. Bring a calculator, protractor and ruler, and practise gradient, distance, bearing and cross-sections until they are automatic under time pressure.

  • Climate and weather50 marks
  • Geomorphology50 marks
  • Geographical skills and mapwork50 marks

Paper 2 (Settlements, economic geography and mapwork) - 150 marks (3 hours)

Paper 2 covers rural and urban settlements, the economic geography of South Africa, and further mapwork. Case-study style questions reward local examples - name provinces, industries and settlement types rather than writing in generalities.

  • Rural and urban settlements50 marks
  • Economic geography of South Africa50 marks
  • Geographical skills and mapwork50 marks

Geography Paper 1

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

Geography Paper 2

Need help with Grade 12 Geography?

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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