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Matric Maths Paper 1 is taking place this Friday, 23 October 2026. For thousands of South African Grade 12 learners, the final days of preparation have arrived.
If you are worried about the examination, practising past papers can help you understand the types of questions you may face.
The good news is that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) provides free examination papers and marking memoranda.
You do not need to pay for these study resources.
This guide explains where to find them, how to use them and what to focus on before examination day.
1. When Is Matric Maths Paper 1 in 2026?
According to the official 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) timetable, the following examinations take place on Friday, 23 October 2026, at 09:00 :
Mathematics Paper 1
Mathematical Literacy Paper 1
Technical Mathematics Paper 1
Each examination lasts three hours.
Paper 2 for these subjects is scheduled for Monday, 26 October 2026, at 09:00 .
Always confirm your examination details with your school and check the latest official timetable.
View the official 2026 NSC timetable .
2. Where to Find Free Matric Maths Paper 1 Past Papers
The DBE provides previous NSC examination papers and memoranda on its official website.
These resources allow you to practise using questions from real past examinations.
How to Download Past Papers
Visit the DBE Past Examination Papers page .
Choose an examination year.
Find the Mathematics section.
Select Paper 1 in your preferred language.
Download the matching Memo 1 .
Save both files for revision.
Useful available examination sessions include November 2025, May/June 2026 and November 2024.
You can also find free learning materials in the DBE's Mind the Gap Study Guides .
3. Make Sure You Download the Correct Maths Paper
Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy and Technical Mathematics are different subjects.
They have different examination questions and learning requirements.
If you are registered for Mathematics, download the Mathematics papers.
If you are registered for Mathematical Literacy, use the Mathematical Literacy section.
The same applies to Technical Mathematics.
Important: Do not practise a paper from a different subject by mistake.
Check the subject name, year, language and paper number before downloading.
4. What Should You Revise for Mathematics Paper 1?
Grade 12 Mathematics Paper 1 covers several important areas.
These include:
Algebra: Equations and inequalities
Patterns and sequences: Understanding number patterns
Functions and graphs: Working with equations, graphs and relationships
Finance: Growth, decay and financial calculations
Calculus: Working with rates of change and related problems
Probability: Calculating the chances of events occurring
These are Mathematics topics. Mathematical Literacy and Technical Mathematics learners should follow their own subject guidelines.
Start With Your Weakest Areas
Think about the questions you struggled with in previous tests.
Choose two or three topics that need attention.
Practise those areas before attempting another full examination paper.
Avoid spending all your time on topics you already understand.
5. How to Use Past Papers and Memos Properly
Downloading papers is only the first step.
The real benefit comes from practising and learning from your mistakes.
Step 1: Attempt the Questions Yourself
Choose a previous Paper 1 and try answering the questions without looking at the memorandum.
Set aside time to work through the paper.
Step 2: Check Your Answers
Use the official marking memorandum to review your work.
Look at how marks are awarded for different steps.
A correct method can matter even when your final answer is wrong.
Step 3: Understand Your Mistakes
Ask yourself:
Did I use the wrong formula?
Did I misunderstand the question?
Did I make a calculation error?
Did I leave out an important step?
Step 4: Try Similar Questions Again
Return to questions you answered incorrectly.
Try solving them without checking the memorandum.
Revision tip: Understanding why an answer is correct is more useful than memorising the answer.
6. A Simple Study Plan Before Friday
There is limited time left before the examination.
Use your remaining days carefully.
Tuesday, 20 October
Download a Mathematics Paper 1 and its memorandum.
Attempt questions from topics you find difficult.
Wednesday, 21 October
Practise another selection of questions.
Use the memorandum to identify mistakes and review methods you do not understand.
Thursday, 22 October
Review important formulas, practise a few questions and prepare your examination materials.
Avoid studying so late that you arrive at the examination tired.
Remember: Short, focused revision sessions are often more useful than studying for hours without a break.
7. Your Matric Maths Exam-Day Checklist
Use this checklist before leaving home on Friday.
I have confirmed my examination centre and starting time.
I know how I will travel to the venue.
I have my examination admission documents, where required.
I have working pens, pencils, an eraser and a ruler.
I have a calculator permitted under examination rules.
I have checked my school's examination instructions.
I will arrive early enough to settle before the paper starts.
I will read each question carefully.
I will show my working clearly.
I will check my answers if time remains.
If you are unsure what equipment is allowed, ask your examination officer before Friday.
8. Avoid Fake Exam Papers and Protect Your Information
Be careful of WhatsApp groups or websites claiming to sell the actual 2026 examination paper before the examination.
Do not pay for supposed leaked papers or share suspected examination material.
Use official DBE resources and follow your school's examination rules.
Also protect your personal details online.
South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) helps protect personal information, including information relating to children.
Avoid posting your identity number, examination number, school documents or home address in public study groups.
You do not need to provide personal information to CGTS to read this guide.
9. Official Matric Maths Study Resources
These resources are available through the Department of Basic Education.
DBE Past Examination Papers
November 2025 NSC Examination Papers and Memos
May/June 2026 NSC Examination Papers and Memos
Mind the Gap Study Guides
Information Regulator of South Africa
Final Takeaway: Make Your Last Days of Revision Count
Preparing for Matric Maths Paper 1 does not mean trying to learn everything again in a few days.
Focus on understanding common questions, correcting mistakes and practising with official resources.
Use the remaining time wisely and get enough rest before Friday.
Your next step: Visit the DBE past papers page and download a Mathematics Paper 1 with its matching memorandum.
At Custom Group Training Solutions (CGTS), we believe reliable educational information helps South African learners prepare with greater confidence.
Disclaimer
This article is published by Custom Group Training Solutions (CGTS) for general educational and informational purposes. CGTS is not affiliated with the Department of Basic Education.
While reasonable care is taken to ensure accuracy, government regulations, examination timetables, procedures, deadlines and administrative requirements may change without notice.
Readers are encouraged to verify important information directly with the relevant government department, examination centre or educational institution before making decisions.
CGTS accepts no responsibility for decisions made solely in reliance on information that has become outdated or inaccurate, to the extent permitted by law.