Where the official papers live
Go to the DBE past examination papers page, choose the year and the November or May/June sitting, then open the Mathematics folder. You will see Paper 1, Paper 2, the Answer Book for Paper 2 and the marking guidelines (memos) in English and Afrikaans.
Always download the memo for the same paper and the same sitting. Memos differ year to year, and marks are awarded for the method shown in that specific memo.
Which papers to start with
- Start with the two most recent November papers — they match the current CAPS examination guidelines most closely.
- Use May/June supplementary papers for extra practice on the same topics.
- Keep one recent paper completely unseen for a final timed trial about two weeks before the exam.
The three-step method
A paper you have marked properly and corrected is worth more than three papers you have only written.
- Step 1 — Write under exam rules: 3 hours, 150 marks, calculator and formula sheet only.
- Step 2 — Mark line by line with the official memo, ticking method marks, not just final answers.
- Step 3 — Rewrite every lost mark as a topic on a revision list, then practise three similar questions before moving on.
Common mistakes when using past papers
- Peeking at the memo mid-question, which hides the gap instead of showing it.
- Only doing Paper 1 because it feels more familiar.
- Skipping the Paper 2 answer book, so diagram and geometry layout is never practised.
- Never timing a full paper, then running out of time in the real exam.
Official sources
Check the latest information with your school and the Department of Basic Education.