Past papers / Grade 12 / Maths Lit
CAPS Maths Lit Grade 12 Past Papers
Mathematical Literacy focuses on real-world number sense: finance, measurement, maps, data and probability. Work through both papers with a calculator where allowed, then mark carefully - method and interpretation marks are easy to lose if you rush.
Need help with Grade 12 Maths Lit?
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 Mathematical Literacy 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 typically the more structured paper - finance, measurement, maps/plans and data handling with clearer scaffolding. Show every step, keep units visible, and check whether the question asks for rounding to cents, metres or percentage points.
- Finance (interest, budgets, tariffs, inflation)45 marks
- Measurement (perimeter, area, volume, conversions)35 marks
- Maps, plans and other representations35 marks
- Data handling35 marks
Paper 2 - 150 marks (3 hours)
Paper 2 asks you to combine ideas in less familiar contexts. Probability, multi-step finance and interpretation questions are common. Read the whole scenario before calculating so you do not answer a different question than the one set.
- Finance in integrated contexts40 marks
- Measurement and scale in context35 marks
- Maps, plans and models30 marks
- Data handling and probability45 marks
Papers and memos by year
2025 May/June
Mathematical Literacy - 2025 May/June NSC/SC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2025 November
Mathematical Literacy - 2025 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2024 May/June
Mathematical Literacy - 2024 May/June NSC/SC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2024 November
Mathematical Literacy - 2024 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2023 May/June
Mathematical Literacy - 2023 May/June NSC/SC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2023 November
Mathematical Literacy - 2023 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2022 May/June
Mathematical Literacy - 2022 May/June NSC/SC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2022 November
Mathematical Literacy - 2022 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2021 May/June
Mathematical Literacy - 2021 May/June NSC/SC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2021 November
Mathematical Literacy - 2021 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2020 November
Mathematical Literacy - 2020 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2019 May/June
Mathematical Literacy - 2019 May/June NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2019 November
Mathematical Literacy - 2019 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2018 Supplementary
Mathematical Literacy - 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 Maths Lit?
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.