Past papers / Grade 12 / Physical Sciences
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.
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.
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 | Date | Start | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Fri 30 Oct 2026 | 09:00 | 3 hours | 150 |
| Paper 2 | Mon 2 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 (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
Papers and memos by year
2025 May/June
Physical Sciences - 2025 May/June NSC/SC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2025 November
Physical Sciences - 2025 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2024 May/June
Physical Sciences - 2024 May/June NSC/SC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2024 November
Physical Sciences - 2024 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2023 May/June
Physical Sciences - 2023 May/June NSC/SC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2023 November
Physical Sciences - 2023 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2022 May/June
Physical Sciences - 2022 May/June NSC/SC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2022 November
Physical Sciences - 2022 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2021 May/June
Physical Sciences - 2021 May/June NSC/SC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2021 November
Physical Sciences - 2021 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2020 November
Physical Sciences - 2020 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2019 May/June
Physical Sciences - 2019 May/June NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2019 November
Physical Sciences - 2019 November NSC. Direct PDF links open the DBE file where available; otherwise the session page lists every subject pack.
2018 Supplementary
Physical Sciences - 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 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.