IEB records 98.31% pass rate for 2025 matric exams

The Independent Examinations Board (IEB) has recorded another strong year for private schooling, announcing a 98.31% overall pass rate for the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

The Witness reports that, according to the IEB, all candidates who completed the 2025 NSC examinations achieved a pass that qualifies them for post-school study. Of these, the majority secured access to degree-level education.

The IEB said 89.12% of candidates achieved entry to degree study, slightly down from 89.37% in 2024 but still higher than the 2023 figure of 88.59%.

A further 7.83% qualified for diploma study, while 1.34% achieved entry to Higher Certificate programmes. Only 0.02% obtained an endorsed NSC.

In total, 17 413 candidates, comprising 16 063 full-time and 1 350 part-time learners, wrote the examinations at 277 venues across 263 centres nationwide.

This marks continued growth for the IEB, up from 14 990 full-time candidates in 2024 and 13 967 in 2023.

IEB chief executive officer Confidence Dikgole said small shifts in pass rates were expected in a system that continues to expand.

“As the IEB continues to grow, welcoming new schools, expanding geographically, and examining a larger and more diverse cohort, small fluctuations in aggregate pass rates are both statistically expected and internationally observed in stable assessment systems,” Dikgole said.

What is important is that performance levels remain consistently high, standards are maintained, and access to degree study remains strong.

She added: “In a context of sustained growth and changing learning environments, the consistency of these results is, in fact, reassuring.”

The IEB confirmed that the 2025 examination session was conducted with integrity, with no systemic irregularities reported.

“The contemporary learning environment continues to evolve rapidly,” Dikgole said.

“Digital technologies, including generative AI, form part of the educational landscape in which today’s learners are developing. The IEB remains proactive in adapting its assessment practices to ensure that examinations continue to test genuine understanding, critical thinking, and applied competence.”

High achievement was also recognised, with 161 learners attaining outstanding achievement and 125 earning commendable achievement.

In keeping with inclusive assessment practices, accommodations were approved for 1 974 candidates, representing 11.34% of the cohort.

The examinations were quality assured by Umalusi, which confirmed that the session was administered in line with regulations and that no irregularities were identified that could compromise the credibility of the results.

The IEB congratulated the Class of 2025, as well as teachers and parents, noting that multiple pathways remain available to learners.

“To every learner, whether you achieved your goal this year or not, your path forward remains open,” Dikgole said.

“South Africa’s education system offers multiple routes to success, and perseverance remains the most important qualification of all.”

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