Matric exams: Official marking process kicks off

by Chumasande Matiwane

As the final days of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams approach, attention shifts from exam stress to the more complex issue that follows: the marking of scripts.

Matric exam marking is due to begin this week across all provinces. Now the questions arise whether centres are fully staffed, and how prepared the markers are. One of the major concerns is how securely the remaining exam papers are being stored. The Department of Basic Education has repeatedly said it is “on track” for the national marking period. The marking period typically runs for three weeks and involves more than 40,000 markers.

Gauteng, the Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal have confirmed their readiness. These three provinces handle the bulk of the exam load, with venues secured and moderation teams in place. Beneath the surface readiness, persistent concerns about staffing, security, and the ongoing pressure to maintain national standards are still significant for most.

 

Before the rigorous process begins, all markers go through a standardisation process where they are trained on the national memoranda. This is meant to ensure fairness and consistency countrywide. The Department of Basic Education has emphasised that stricter quality assurance will be applied this year, with moderators visiting marking centres more frequently.

To continue tightening the security, the prescribed safeguards are stringent this year, with scripts stored in locked rooms with CCTV surveillance and accessed only under dual-control to prevent any single person from entering alone. In 2025, the department introduced new electronic seals that enhance the chain-of-custody logs. The teachers’ unions have welcomed the measures.

The marking process will run through December, followed by a rigorous moderation process. All this builds up towards the scheduled release of results in January.

Also see: Candice Modiselle-Sello shares heartfelt post to Matric learners