IEB Celebrates Impressive 98.3% Matric Pass Rate Despite Minor Dip
- The Independent Examinations Board has recorded an impressive 98.31% pass rate in the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations
- Despite a slight dip from last year, the IEB says the results reflect strong performance from a growing and evolving candidate pool
- Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has congratulated the Class of 2025, praising both learners and educators for their resilience and hard work
Source: Twitter
On 12 January 2026, South Africa’s top learners were celebrated as the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) revealed the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, with an outstanding overall pass rate of 98.31%.
While this marks a slight decline from last year’s pass rate of 98.47%, the IEB said the marginal drop is not a cause for concern. The board attributed the fluctuation to continued growth within the IEB system, which naturally impacts year-on-year results.
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How did the class of 2025 fare?
A total of 16,063 full-time candidates and 1,350 part-time candidates wrote the IEB NSC examinations in October and November 2025. Gauteng recorded the highest number of candidates, with 10,421 learners writing the examinations, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 2,448 candidates.
The Northern Cape recorded the lowest number, with just 115 candidates sitting for the examinations. The Class of 2025 achieved a bachelor’s pass rate of 89.12%, while 7.56% of candidates qualified for diploma studies.
Minister Siviwe Gwarube congratulates top achievers.
Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube also congratulated the top achievers at the Ministerial Breakfast held on 12 January 2026. She praised educators for their dedication and commitment to shaping and supporting learners throughout their schooling journey.Gwarube encouraged learners to remain resilient as they move forward, saying their success had already demonstrated their strength in the face of adversity.
“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,
“You faced obstacles that could have easily held you back, moments when progress seemed just out of reach, yet you persevered,”she said
She added that President Cyril Ramaphosa had asked her to convey his congratulations to the top achievers.
“Top achievers, South Africa is proud of you. The President has asked me to extend his sincere congratulations and say well done,” Gwarube said.
What do matric pass symbols mean?
Matric pass symbols indicate a learner’s level of achievement in each subject. The highest achievement in the National Senior Certificate is Level 7 (80–100%), often referred to as an Outstanding Achievement.While universities generally regard 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)
Source: Twitter
3 matric-related Briefly News articles
Previously, Briefly News reported on a heartwarming video of Royal Schools Sky City’s principal dancing in celebration of his school’s outstanding matric results has taken social media by storm. Professor Jannie Rossouw, a respected former Wits Business School lecturer turned principal, has drawn widespread admiration for his leadership, which has helped transform the school into an academic powerhouse. South Africans flooded the comments section with praise, with many former students sharing fond memories of his influence during their educational journeys at Wits.
Last year’s matric results sparked widespread debate, with many celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2024. One woman credited the current Minister of Basic Education for the strong performance, while others disagreed, arguing that the success belonged to the teachers and learners who put in the hard work. Both the National Senior Certificate and Independent Examinations Board classes of 2024 recorded pass rates of over 85%.
South Africa’s matriculant prisoners also delivered impressive results in 2024, achieving a 96.2% pass rate in the National Senior Certificate examinations. A total of 171 inmates passed, with 104 obtaining a Bachelor’s Pass. The achievement sparked light-hearted reactions online, with some South Africans joking that the matriculants deserved a 100% pass rate because they had more time to study.
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Source: Briefly News
