MAHIKENG MAIL - MAHIKENG: Not passing the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube assured the Class of 2025 on Monday that there are multiple support mechanisms and alternative pathways available.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has rolled out the free of charge Second Chance Matric Programme, which provides structured academic and psychosocial support to learners who wish to rewrite subjects or complete outstanding requirements for National Senior Certificate (NSC) or the Senior Certificate (SC), enabling them to obtain a recognised Grade 12 qualification. Support is offered through a combination of face-to-face classes at centres across the country, as well as online learning platforms, television lessons and radio broadcasts, ensuring access for learners in different circumstances.
Learners who qualify for the programme may rewrite through the following examination opportunities: NSC supplementary exami-nations in March, NSC progressed learner examinations in June, for candidates who previously did not sit for all six subjects and part-time NSC examinations in November, for learners who attempted the NSC after 2015.
The Second Chance Matric Programme is provided free of charge, warning learners and parents to be cautious of private or commercial services that charge fees while claiming affiliation with the programme.
Eligible candidates may register to rewrite or add subjects in line with departmental policies for the May/June examination cycle, without making any payment.
Registration for the programme opened on 1 October 2025 and will close on 6 February.
The DBE has provided an online service for (NSC) candidates to request a remark or re-check of examination scripts.
In order to request a re-mark or recheck service, candidates must first register on the e-Gov portal at www.eservices.gov.za to create a personal account. This account will allow the candidate to login using their password and usernames to access the service.
“Registration can be done at either the school or district office in the province or online,” the DBE said.
The opening date for applications for re-marking and rechecking is 13 January with the closing date set for 27 January for both manual applications and online applications.
The fee for remark is R120 per subject and rechecking is R30 per subject. The viewing of scripts may only be done after a remark or recheck of results.
The closing date for applications is 7 days after release of remark or recheck results. The fee for viewing is R230.
Results of remarking will be released from 13 March and will be available at the school/exam centre where the candidate sat for their 2025 examinations.
The Second Chance programme targets key gateway subjects including Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, Geography, History, English First Additional Language and Agricultural Sciences.
