What will the Class of 2026's national matric pass rate be?

How this resolves

Closes: 23:59 SAST on 10 January 2027
Resolves: When the Minister of Basic Education announces the results, usually in mid-January 2027.
Source: Department of Basic Education, National Senior Certificate results announcement
Rules: Resolves on the national pass rate for the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations announced by the Minister of Basic Education, to one decimal place. This is the Department of Basic Education's headline national figure: IEB and SACAI results are not included. Below 87%: 86.9% or lower. 87% to 87.9%: 87.0% to 87.9%. 88% to 88.9%: 88.0% to 88.9%. 89% or higher: 89.0% or higher.
If the source is down: If the Department's announcement is unavailable, use the national pass rate as reported by at least two reputable South African news organisations.
If plans change: If the announcement is delayed, the market waits for it. Void if no national pass rate is announced by 31 March 2027.