How Many Subjects Do You Need to Pass Matric?

By Klenam JU •  Updated: 01/23/24 •  5 min read

Passing an exam is the desire of every student looking to excel. While others may pass, others may also fail, but what are the consequences when failure comes?

Many students will always want to weigh their options before the exams; this is for them to look at what lies ahead of them in terms of education. Once they look to continue their education at another level, they must be concerned about the subjects they may pass or fail.

Students who are not always ready or prepared will have a plan b to upgrade their matrics. And students who are prepared will be looking forward to furthering their education. 

These choices, desires, and indications lie with many students in high school in South Africa.

They are left with the only choice to pass their matric and move to another stage in their education. But what happens if they fail? What is the passing mark for the subjects studied at the matric level?

Well, in this blog post, we will look at some of the questions relating to passing your matric and failing your matric. 

How Many Subjects Do You Need to Pass Matric?

Students who prepare to write their final matric may wonder about the requirement when it comes to the number of subjects to pass matric. This is a speculative and collective measure by most students to analyze their outcomes.

In every institution, there are pass marks and also credit hours, but when it comes to matric exams, the number of subjects passed is considered the benchmark.

So how many subjects are needed to pass matric? – let us find out more.

The minimum requirement to pass a matric may vary among countries and educational systems. However, in South Africa, matric passing is attributed to the number of subjects one passes. There are over 20 subjects in South African high schools, but only 7 are recognized to be the final selection by students. Among the 7 there are 4 compulsory and 3 electric subjects to be done. 

It is compulsory for every student to write all these 7 subjects in their final exams. Students are entitled to pass at least 6 out of the 7 subjects in order to pass matric. If you fail more than 1 subject, you can not pass the matric exams. 

Can you fail a subject and still pass?

Failing a subject does not conclude your academic ambitions. It simply means you could not meet the set standard. Students who are preparing for matric exams have a requirement that needs to be met in order for them to be considered as “pass”. 

As part of the requirements, students must write all 7 subjects, which include 4 compulsory and 3 electives.

In the case where a student fails a subject, they are guaranteed a pass in the matric exams. Failing a subject in this context means you failed one subject, which could be an elective or a compulsory subject. If you want to pass your matric exams, you must pass all subjects or at least not have more than 1 failed subject. 

How many subjects do you need to pass Grade 12?

Passing all subjects is certainly the wish of every serious student in Grade 12. Once you have prepared for your matric exams, the next deed is to pass all subjects. In grade 12, which is considered as the final level for high school students, there are required to pass at least 6 subjects. This standard has been set by the Department of basic education to equip students. 

Once you have all your 7 subjects written in grade 12, you are required to pass at least 6 out of the 7 subjects.

How are Matric marks calculated?

Mark calculation can be one of the tedious parts of every examination. But in most cases, it becomes tedious for the markers or tutors. 

Students are only required to write the exams and pass well, irrespective of the knowledge of their marks. 

It is common for students to inquire about how the matric marks are calculated. These concerns are genuine and also provide them with a fair idea of what they can expect at the final part of the matric results.

To calculate the matric marks, you need to look at your test or assignment done in the regular session of the class work and also the final exams written in Grade 12. 

Each of these has a role to play in the final matric marks and must be well calculated. 

All tests, homework, and assignment done in the classroom are calculated to be 25% of your final mark for the matric, while the main matrix exams constitute 75% of the final marks. 

It is important to put in all effort in order to score higher marks in both areas. The results are divided into two parts: a 25% assessment criteria and a 75% assessment criteria, which together make up the total of 100%.

How many times can you write Matric?

This is a common question asked by students who may have failed their matric exams and looking forward to writing again. Certainly, someone preparing for new matric exams may not be looking to rewrite again but to pass once and for all.

If you are wondering the number of times you can apply for the matric exams, then here is the right answer for you. Students or individuals have the chance to write the matric exams as many times as they want to. You can choose to rewrite whatever number of matric exams until your desired results are achieved. 

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