On January 12, 2026, the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) unveiled the results of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, showcasing an extraordinary overall pass rate of 98.31%. Despite a minor dip from last year's impressive 98.47%, this achievement highlights the unwavering dedication of learners and educators alike.
The IEB emphasized that this slight decline shouldn't be a source of concern. Instead, it reflects the board's expanding pool of candidates, which is consistently evolving each year.
During the result announcement, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube took the stage to laud the Class of 2025, recognizing their hard work and resilience throughout their educational journey. She noted the importance of perseverance, stating instead,
“To those who have achieved excellence in the midst of adversity, your stories remind us that success is not achieved without hardship and the refusal to be defined by it.”
How did the Class of 2025 fare?
A remarkable 16,063 full-time and 1,350 part-time candidates participated in the examinations held in late 2025. The province of Gauteng stood out with the highest participation, as 10,421 learners stepped up to the challenge. In contrast, the Northern Cape recorded the fewest candidates, with just 115 sitting for the tests. Furthermore, the cohort achieved an impressive bachelor’s pass rate of 89.12%, while 7.56% of candidates qualified for diploma studies.
Minister Siviwe Gwarube congratulates top achievers.
At a vibrant Ministerial Breakfast celebration, Minister Gwarube applauded the top achievers, expressing gratitude to educators for their unwavering commitment to supporting students throughout their academic endeavors. Her words inspired hope as she urged learners to embrace their strength for future endeavors. With pride, she conveyed a message from President Cyril Ramaphosa, stating:
“Top achievers, South Africa is proud of you. The President has asked me to extend his sincere congratulations and say well done.”
Understanding Matric Pass Symbols
Matric pass symbols serve as indicators of a learner's performance across subjects in the National Senior Certificate. The pinnacle achievement is a Level 7 (80–100%), commonly referred to as Outstanding Achievement. It’s noteworthy that while universities may consider marks below 40% as a fail, the NSC defines failure as achieving less than 30%.
Matric Pass Symbols in South Africa:
- A: 80–100% (Outstanding)
- B: 70–79% (Meritorious)
- C: 60–69% (Substantial)
- D: 50–59% (Moderate)
- E: 40–49% (Adequate)
- F: 30–39% (Elementary)
As we celebrate these remarkable achievements, it's essential to acknowledge the spirit of hard work and perseverance that defines South African learners.
Source: Briefly News
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