Past papers / Grade 12 / Maths

Grade 12 Maths Past Papers and Memos (NSC)

CAPS Mathematics for Grade 10-12 covers algebra, functions, calculus (Grade 12), geometry, trigonometry, statistics and probability. Use Paper 1 and Paper 2 under timed conditions, then mark with the official memo so you learn how markers award method and accuracy marks.

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2026 exam dates

National Senior Certificate dates for Mathematics 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	Fri 23 Oct 2026	09:00	3 hours	150
Paper 2	Mon 26 Oct 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 - 150 marks (3 hours)

Paper 1 is the algebra-and-functions side of the exam. Heavy marks sit in graphs and calculus, so fluency with functions carries into differentiation questions. An information sheet with formulae is provided - practise with it open so you know what is listed and what you still have to rearrange yourself.

Algebra, equations and inequalities25 marks
Number patterns25 marks
Functions and graphs35 marks
Finance, growth and decay15 marks
Differential calculus35 marks
Counting principle and probability15 marks

Paper 2 - 150 marks (3 hours)

Paper 2 is geometry-heavy. Trigonometry alone is about a third of the paper; together with Euclidean geometry it is most of the marks. Statistics is smaller, so a weak trig foundation is hard to make up elsewhere. Prescribed proofs reward preparation - learn them as routine marks, not last-minute reading.

Statistics and regression20 marks
Analytical geometry40 marks
Trigonometry50 marks
Euclidean geometry40 marks

Maths Paper 1 Grade 12

2025 May/June

Mathematics - 2025 May/June NSC/SC. 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)

Open full 2025 May/June NSC/SC pack on education.gov.za

2025 November

Mathematics - 2025 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.

Paper 1Question paper Memo

2024 May/June

Mathematics - 2024 May/June NSC/SC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.

Paper 1Question paper Memo

2024 November

Mathematics - 2024 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.

Paper 1Question paper Memo

2023 May/June

Mathematics - 2023 May/June NSC/SC. 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)

Open full 2023 May/June NSC/SC pack on education.gov.za

2023 November

Mathematics - 2023 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.

Paper 1Question paper Memo

2022 May/June

Mathematics - 2022 May/June NSC/SC. 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)

Open full 2022 May/June NSC/SC pack on education.gov.za

2022 November

Mathematics - 2022 November NSC. 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)

Open full 2022 November NSC pack on education.gov.za

2021 May/June

Mathematics - 2021 May/June NSC/SC. 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)

Open full 2021 May/June NSC/SC pack on education.gov.za

2021 November

Mathematics - 2021 November NSC. 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)

Open full 2021 November NSC pack on education.gov.za

2020 November

Mathematics - 2020 November NSC. 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)

Open full 2020 November NSC pack on education.gov.za

2019 May/June

Mathematics - 2019 May/June NSC. 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)

Open full 2019 May/June NSC pack on education.gov.za

2019 November

Mathematics - 2019 November NSC. 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)

Open full 2019 November NSC pack on education.gov.za

2018 Supplementary

Mathematics - 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)

Open full 2018 Supplementary (Feb/March) pack on education.gov.za

Maths Paper 2 Grade 12