Grade 12

CAPS Physical Sciences Grade 12 Past Papers

Physical Sciences splits Physics (Paper 1) and Chemistry (Paper 2). Formulae, units and stepwise method marks matter - after each paper, mark with the official guidelines and redo weak topics before the next timed attempt.

Past papers / Grade 12

2026 exam dates

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

Paper 1

Fri 30 Oct 2026

09:00 start, 3 hours, 150 marks

Paper 2

Mon 2 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 (Physics) - 150 marks (3 hours)

Paper 1 is Physics. Expect mechanics early, then waves, sound and light, then electricity and magnetism. Show formulae, substitutions and units clearly - markers award method marks even when the final number is wrong. An information sheet is provided; still practise choosing which relationship a question needs.

  • Mechanics (Newton, momentum, projectiles, work-energy)63 marks
  • Waves, sound and light (including Doppler)17 marks
  • Electricity and magnetism (electrostatics, circuits, electromagnetism)55 marks
  • Matter and materials (physics focus)15 marks

Paper 2 (Chemistry) - 150 marks (3 hours)

Paper 2 is Chemistry. Organic chemistry, rates and equilibrium, acids and bases, and electrochemistry dominate. Name structures carefully, balance ions with care, and use the data sheet for constants rather than guessing values.

  • Organic chemistry37 marks
  • Rate and extent of reaction / chemical equilibrium28 marks
  • Acids and bases28 marks
  • Electrochemistry30 marks
  • Chemical industry / fertiliser and related applications27 marks

Physical Sciences Paper 1

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

Physical Sciences Paper 2

Need help with Grade 12 Physical Sciences?

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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