Matric Past Papers: Maths, Physical Sciences, Accounting & Life Sciences (With Memos)

Mathematics Past Papers and Memos

Maths is written in two 3-hour papers, on 23 and 26 October.

• Paper 1 covers algebra, equations and inequalities, number patterns and sequences, functions and graphs, finance, calculus and probability.

• Paper 2 covers statistics, analytical geometry, trigonometry and Euclidean geometry.

Where to find them: on the DBE pages above, look for Mathematics under Non-Languages. In the 2026 May/June set, the memos are combined English and Afrikaans documents, and Paper 2 comes with a separate answer book. Make sure you download that too, because some questions are answered directly on the diagrams in the answer book.

How to practise Maths papers:

• Always show your working. The memo gives method marks, so a wrong final answer with correct steps can still earn most of the marks.

• Practise calculus and Euclidean geometry proofs until the structure feels automatic. These questions carry a lot of marks and follow predictable patterns.

• With only a weekend between papers, do at least one full Paper 2 before 23 October so you're not starting from zero.

Mathematical Literacy? The DBE pages list Maths Lit papers and memos separately, under Mathematical Literacy. It's written on the same dates as Maths.

Physical Sciences Past Papers and Memos

Physical Sciences is split into Physics (Paper 1, 30 October) and Chemistry (Paper 2, 2 November), both 3 hours.

• Paper 1 (Physics) covers mechanics (Newton's laws, momentum and impulse, vertical projectile motion, work, energy and power), the Doppler effect, electrostatics, electric circuits, electrodynamics and the photoelectric effect.

• Paper 2 (Chemistry) covers organic chemistry, reaction rates, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, and electrochemistry.

Where to find them: look for Physical Sciences under Non-Languages on the DBE pages.

How to practise Physical Sciences papers:

• Learn the definitions and laws word for word. They're quick marks, and the memo expects the exact wording.

• Write formulas down before substituting, and always include units. Both earn marks.

• In Chemistry, draw out IUPAC names and structural formulas until you can do them without notes. Organic chemistry questions are worth a big share of Paper 2.

Accounting Past Papers and Memos

Accounting is written in two 2-hour papers: Paper 1 on 22 October at 09:00 and Paper 2 on 28 October at 14:00 (note the afternoon start).

• Paper 1 focuses mainly on financial accounting of companies: financial statements, the cash flow statement, and analysis and interpretation of financial information.

• Paper 2 focuses mainly on managerial accounting and internal control: cost accounting, budgets, inventory valuation and reconciliations.

Check your teacher's notes or the DBE's examination guidelines for exactly which topics fall in each paper this year.

Where to find them: look for Accounting under Non-Languages on the DBE pages. Accounting papers come with answer books. Download and print them, because practising on the real answer book format saves time in the exam.

How to practise Accounting papers:

• Work under strict time limits. Time pressure is the biggest challenge in Accounting, so check how many minutes each question is worth and stick to it.

• Use the memo to see where "one-part" and "method" marks are given. Even if an early figure is wrong, you can still earn marks further down if your method is right.

• Practise the written "comment" and "explain" questions. Students often skip them, and they're easier marks than they look.

Life Sciences Past Papers and Memos

Life Sciences comes later, with Paper 1 on 13 November and Paper 2 on 16 November, both 2½ hours. That gives you time to practise properly once your earlier papers are done.

• Paper 1 covers meiosis, reproduction in vertebrates, human reproduction, responding to the environment (humans and plants), the endocrine system and homeostasis.

• Paper 2 covers DNA and protein synthesis, genetics and inheritance, and evolution.

Where to find them: look for Life Sciences under Non-Languages on the DBE pages.

How to practise Life Sciences papers:

• Practise reading graphs, tables and diagrams. Data-response questions make up a large part of each paper.

• Learn your genetics crosses step by step. The memo gives marks for each step, not just the final ratio.

• Use the right terms. The memo is strict about scientific terminology, so "meiosis" and "mitosis" aren't interchangeable.

How to Get the Most Out of Every Past Paper

Downloading papers is easy. Using them well is what moves your marks.

1. Start with the newest papers. Do the 2026 May/June and 2025 November papers first. They're closest in style to what you'll write.

2. Write under exam conditions. Set a timer for the full paper length, put your phone in another room and work without notes.

3. Mark yourself honestly with the memo. Don't just tick the final answer. Check where the method marks go and where you lost them.

4. Keep a "mistakes list". Write down every topic where you dropped marks. After two or three papers, you'll see your weak spots clearly.

5. Fix the gaps, then try again. Revise those topics, then write another paper. That loop is where the improvement happens.

For more on studying smarter, read our guide to exam revision techniques that actually work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are DBE past papers free?

Yes. All official NSC past papers and memos are free to download from the Department of Basic Education's website. You never need to pay for them.

Which past papers should I start with?

Start with the most recent: the 2026 May/June and 2025 November papers. Then work backwards through older years.

What's the difference between November and May/June papers?

November papers are the main final exams for full-time matrics. May/June papers are written by candidates improving their results. Both are official papers set to the same standard, so both are great practice.

Why do some subjects have an answer book?

In subjects like Accounting and Maths Paper 2, you answer some or all questions in a separate answer book. Download it with the paper so your practice matches the real exam.

When will the 2026 papers be available?

The DBE usually publishes November papers and memos in the new year, after the exams are marked.

What if my results aren't what I need?

You still have options, from late applications to upgrading your marks. Use our APS calculator to see where you stand, and check which universities are still open for 2027 applications.

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