Economics Grade 12 Exam Guidelines and Scope for 2026: To achieve excellence in Economics Grade 12 for the 2026 academic year, learners must master the art of analyzing complex financial systems and market models. While the official 2026 Department of Basic Education (DBE) examination timetable is typically released mid-year, these Exam Guidelines provide the definitive roadmap for your preparation.
The Economics curriculum is structured to test your ability to interpret data, evaluate government policies, and understand the intricate balance of local and global markets.
Download Economics Grade 12 Exam Guidelines (PDF)
Access the official documents to align your study sessions with the 2026 requirements:
- Download Economics Grade 12 Exam Guidelines 2025-2026 (English)
- Download Economics Grade 12 Exam Guidelines 2025-2026 (Afrikaans)
For more support, including “Mind the Gap” study guides and past papers, visit the My Courses homepage or explore the Grade 12 Study Resources hub.
Paper 1: Macroeconomics & Economic Pursuits
Duration: 2 Hours | Total Marks: 150
Paper 1 examines the “big picture” of the economy—how national income is measured, how the government manages money, and how South Africa interacts with the global market.
Core Topics for Paper 1:
- Circular Flow: Open and closed economy models and the national account aggregates.
- Business Cycles: Phases of the cycle and various indicators (leading, lagging, and coincident).
- Public Sector: The role of the state, fiscal policy, and the challenges of the public sector.
- Foreign Exchange Markets: Balance of Payments and exchange rate systems.
- Economic Pursuits: Growth vs. Development, industrial development policies, and social performance indicators.
Paper 2: Microeconomics & Contemporary Economic Issues
Duration: 2 Hours | Total Marks: 150
Paper 2 focuses on individual behavior in markets, different types of business competition, and the social challenges facing the economy today.
Core Topics for Paper 2:
- Perfect Markets: Characteristics and the short-run and long-run equilibrium of the firm.
- Imperfect Markets: Monopoly, Oligopoly, and Monopolistic Competition.
- Market Failures: Externalities, public goods, and merit goods.
- Contemporary Issues: Inflation (types and consequences), Tourism (impact and importance), and Environmental Sustainability.
Structure of the Question Paper
Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 follow a standardized structure designed to test various cognitive levels:
| Section | Question Type | Marks | Advice |
| Section A | Compulsory Short Questions | 30 | Master definitions and acronyms for quick marks. |
| Section B | Answer TWO out of three questions | 80 | Practice data-response questions and graph interpretation. |
| Section C | Answer ONE out of two essays | 40 | Use a clear structure: Intro, Body (Main and Additional), and Conclusion. |
Conclusion: Strategy for 2026 Success
The Economics Grade 12 Exam Guidelines for 2026 emphasize that Economics is a “live” subject. To secure a Level 7 (80%+):
- Draw and Label Graphs: In Section B and C, a neat, correctly labeled graph can be the difference between a pass and a distinction. Practice the equilibrium graphs for every market structure.
- Stay Current: For Paper 2’s Contemporary Issues, know the latest inflation rates or tourism trends in South Africa to add value to your essays.
- Master the Essay Rubric: Understand the difference between the “Main Part” (26 marks) and the “Additional Part” (10 marks) of the Section C essays.
Stay updated on the 2026 matric calendar and find expert revision videos by visiting My Courses.
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