IEB Achieves High Pass Rate in 2023 NSC Examinations

The Independent Examinations Board (IEB) has announced its outstanding performance in the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, with an overall pass rate of 98.46%. This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of the 15,180 learners who sat for the IEB exams across South Africa in October and November.

Despite the challenges posed by disruptions during the coronavirus pandemic, the class of 2023 has demonstrated resilience and determination. The pass rate of 88.59% for learners qualifying for degree study remains commendable, although slightly lower than the previous year’s 89.32%.

The IEB has also recorded an increase in the number of candidates eligible for diploma study, rising from 7.52% in 2022 to 8.31% this year. Meanwhile, those qualifying for study at the Higher Certificate level remained steady at 1.57%.

CEO of the IEB, Confidence Dikgole, expressed his satisfaction with the class of 2023’s accomplishments, acknowledging the immense pressure placed on learners to excel academically. He emphasized the importance of mental well-being and the correlation between independence and overall wellness.

The IEB’s success this year can be attributed, in part, to the addition of 17 new schools participating for the first time in 2023, comprising 960 candidates. This growth in candidates led to a total of 13,525 learners in the IEB exams, compared to 12,580 full-time and 945 part-time candidates in the previous year.