Here’s how your matric marks are calculated and how much you need to pass
How Are Matric Results Calculated?
Matric results are calculated based on the following:
- School-based assessments (SBA)
- Final Examination
School-Based Assessments (SBA)
The SBA contributes 25% towards your final marks. These are the marks that are used to boost your final examination marks. You must make sure that you complete the School-based assessments so that you earn marks that will be helpful in your finals.
The SBA assessments include:
- Class presentations
- June examination
- Trial examination
- Assignments
- Tests
Final Examination
The final examination contributes 75% towards your final mark. You must ensure that you pass this well in order to have a good final mark. These are the results that will appear on your Matric Certificate.
Your final examination marks are combined with your School-based assessment marks and create your final marks. This is how your final marks are calculated.
How much do you need to pass?
To achieve a NSC pass, one must meet the minimum subject requirements.
The pupil must obtain at least the following:
- 40% and higher with at least three subjects including your official home language.
- 30% and higher in two other subjects.
- You can fail one subject (home language included), however, you will need to attain at least 30% for six other subjects.
There are three other different pass levels which include a Bachelor’s Degree, Diploma and Higher certificate pass.
Bachelor’s Degree pass
The requirement to meet a Bachelor’s Degree pass include the following:
- 40% and higher for your Home Language.
- 50% and above for four high credit subjects.
- 30% and higher in two other subjects.
Diploma pass
To achieve a Diploma pass, you must obtain at least the following:
- 40% and higher for your Home Language.
- 40% and above for three high credit subjects.
- A minimum of 30% for two other subjects.
Higher Certificate pass
A Higher Certificate pass allows you to further your studies at TVET colleges and certain private colleges in a field of your choice.
A candidate must pass at least 6 out of 7 subjects and obtain at least the following:
- 40% and higher in your Home Language.
- 40% and higher in two other subjects.
- A minimum of 30% for four other subjects.
What grade system means
If you were wondering what a distinction pass in matric (a pass of 80% or more) and how to achieve it, a candidate must understand the different types of achievement. Take a look below.
- Level 7: 80 – 100% (Outstanding achievement)
- Level 6: 70 – 79% (Meritorious achievement)
- Level 5: 60 – 69% (Substantial achievement)
- Level 4: 50 – 59% (Moderate achievement)
- Level 3: 40 – 49% (Adequate achievement)
- Level 2: 30 – 39% (Elementary achievement)
- Level 1: 0 – 29% (Not achieved: Fail)
This grading system contributes towards your Admission Point Scores (APS).
Your APS is calculated by looking at the percentage you have achieved per subject and then adding those to get a total. This total will be your APS and determines whether or not you qualify for admission into university or college.
Here is how the point system works:
- 80 – 100% = 7 points
- 70 – 79% = 6 points
- 60 – 69% = 5 points
- 50 – 59% = 4 points
- 40 – 49% = 3 points
- 30 – 39% = 2 points
- 0 – 29% = 1 point
Sources: The Citizen and Matric College
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