Past papers / Grade 12 / Geography
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.
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.
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 | Date | Start | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Thu 29 Oct 2026 | 09:00 | 3 hours | 150 |
| Paper 2 | Thu 12 Nov 2026 | 09:00 | 3 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 (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
Papers and memos by year
2025 May/June
Geography - 2025 May/June NSC/SC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2025 November
Geography - 2025 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2024 May/June
Geography - 2024 May/June NSC/SC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2024 November
Geography - 2024 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2023 May/June
Geography - 2023 May/June NSC/SC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2023 November
Geography - 2023 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2022 May/June
Geography - 2022 May/June NSC/SC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2022 November
Geography - 2022 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2021 May/June
Geography - 2021 May/June NSC/SC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2021 November
Geography - 2021 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2020 November
Geography - 2020 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2019 May/June
Geography - 2019 May/June NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2019 November
Geography - 2019 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2018 Supplementary
Geography - 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 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.