IEB blames slight pass rate drop on growth in schools

Exam papers and stationery seen on a desk.

The Independent Examinations Board (IEC) has attributed the slight decrease in its 2025 pass rate to various factors. They include more schools migrating to the agency and increasing online schools.

The IEB has achieved an overall pass rate of 98.3% in the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations.

The Independent Examinations Board (IEB) has announced an overall 98.31% matric pass rate. #Classof2025 pic.twitter.com/jUa7NukZQC

— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 12, 2026

This marks the lowest rate since achieving 98.6% in 2020, and 98.47% in 2024.

This time 89.12% of the candidates have achieved entry to degree study, while 7.83% have qualified for diploma study.

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube will announce the national matric results at the Mosaiek Church in Fairland, Johannesburg on Monday evening.

“ If you look at really statistical performance or performance statistically, you’ll see that the decline, it’s not even a decline, it’s a slight decrease. And I think it’s best to frame it within a particular context, noting that the IEB has been growing and growing significantly. And so if you consider that even despite the growth, and by the way, the growth is also a universal phenomenon. But as soon as you begin to see growth in an assessment system, you expect to see those fluctuations in the results and it’s a normal phenomenon,” says IEB Chief Executive Officer, Confidence Dikgole.

IN PICTURES | Department of Education delegates are gathering at the MTN Innovation Centre in Johannesburg for the announcement of the 2025 National Senior Certificate examination top achievers. Pictures by Nthati Moloi #classof2025 pic.twitter.com/QegFJci35F

— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 12, 2026