Department of Basic Education NSC Physical Sciences past papers
Department of Basic Education has published 8 question papers for Physical Sciences from 2021 to 2025, each with its mark scheme. They are listed newest first, and each one opens the PDF on education.gov.za in a new tab. The specification is linked below as well.
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The National Senior Certificate uses one scale for every subject, so there are no grade boundaries that change from year to year. Each final mark is a percentage, and the percentage gives the level.
| Level | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 7 (outstanding achievement) | 80 to 100 |
| 6 (meritorious achievement) | 70 to 79 |
| 5 (substantial achievement) | 60 to 69 |
| 4 (adequate achievement) | 50 to 59 |
| 3 (moderate achievement) | 40 to 49 |
| 2 (elementary achievement) | 30 to 39 |
| 1 (not achieved) | 0 to 29 |
Source: Umalusi, Directives for the National Senior Certificate (opens umalusi.org.za in a new tab)
"Do it in cookie" opens the question paper in a small window beside cookie (a new tab on a phone). Download it, then choose the file in cookie to time yourself, mark it and see its grade, and your score is kept in My papers. It is all optional, and the file stays on your device.
November 2025
2 papers
- Paper 1Question paper for November 2025 Paper 1 (PDF on education.gov.za, opens in a new tab)Do it in cookie: November 2025 Paper 1Mark scheme for November 2025 Paper 1 (PDF on education.gov.za, opens in a new tab)
- Paper 2Question paper for November 2025 Paper 2 (PDF on education.gov.za, opens in a new tab)Do it in cookie: November 2025 Paper 2Mark scheme for November 2025 Paper 2 (PDF on education.gov.za, opens in a new tab)
November 2024
2 papers
- Paper 1Question paper for November 2024 Paper 1 (PDF on education.gov.za, opens in a new tab)Do it in cookie: November 2024 Paper 1Mark scheme for November 2024 Paper 1 (PDF on education.gov.za, opens in a new tab)
- Paper 2Question paper for November 2024 Paper 2 (PDF on education.gov.za, opens in a new tab)Do it in cookie: November 2024 Paper 2Mark scheme for November 2024 Paper 2 (PDF on education.gov.za, opens in a new tab)
November 2023
2 papers
- Paper 1Question paper for November 2023 Paper 1 (PDF on education.gov.za, opens in a new tab)Do it in cookie: November 2023 Paper 1Mark scheme for November 2023 Paper 1 (PDF on education.gov.za, opens in a new tab)
- Paper 2Question paper for November 2023 Paper 2 (PDF on education.gov.za, opens in a new tab)Do it in cookie: November 2023 Paper 2Mark scheme for November 2023 Paper 2 (PDF on education.gov.za, opens in a new tab)
November 2021
2 papers
- Paper 1Question paper for November 2021 Paper 1 (PDF on education.gov.za, opens in a new tab)Do it in cookie: November 2021 Paper 1Mark scheme for November 2021 Paper 1 (PDF on education.gov.za, opens in a new tab)
- Paper 2Question paper for November 2021 Paper 2 (PDF on education.gov.za, opens in a new tab)Do it in cookie: November 2021 Paper 2Mark scheme for November 2021 Paper 2 (PDF on education.gov.za, opens in a new tab)
Common questions
Where can I find Physical Sciences past papers from Department of Basic Education?
This page links every Physical Sciences paper Department of Basic Education publishes for everyone to download, newest first, starting with November 2025. Each link opens the PDF on Department of Basic Education's own website. The most recent series is usually released a year or so after the exam, and it will appear here once Department of Basic Education makes it public.
Are there mark schemes for these Physical Sciences papers?
Yes, every question paper here has a mark scheme.
Are there grade boundaries for Physical Sciences?
The National Senior Certificate uses one scale for every subject, so there are no grade boundaries that change from year to year. Each final mark is a percentage, and the percentage gives the level.
Where is the Physical Sciences specification?
It is linked at the top of this page: Department of Basic Education's own Physical Sciences specification, a PDF on its website, which sets out what you can be examined on and how the exams are marked.
How can I practise more Physical Sciences questions?
Once you have worked through the papers, cookie has a practice deck for this course with fresh questions based on the specification and past papers, feedback on what you write, and spaced repetition.
Can I get help with Physical Sciences?
Cookie Tutoring may have tutors for Physical Sciences. The Find a tutor link keeps the subject and qualification filters from this page, so you can check the marketplace without assuming that a suitable tutor is available.
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