Information Technology (IT) Grade 12 Exam Guidelines and Scope for 2026
To excel in Information Technology (IT) Grade 12 for the 2026 academic year, learners must demonstrate a high level of logic, algorithmic thinking, and a deep understanding of how systems communicate. While the official 2026 Department of Basic Education (DBE) examination timetable is typically released mid-year, these Exam Guidelines provide the definitive scope for your revision.
The IT curriculum is designed to produce problem-solvers who can translate complex requirements into efficient code while maintaining a strong grasp of the hardware and networks that power our world.
Download IT Grade 12 Exam Guidelines (PDF)
Access the official documents to ensure your study plan is 100% aligned with the 2026 assessment requirements:
- Download Information Technology Grade 12 Exam Guidelines 2025-2026 (English)
- Download Information Technology Grade 12 Exam Guidelines 2025-2026 (Afrikaans)
For more support, including Delphi project examples, SQL cheat sheets, and past papers, visit the My Courses homepage or explore the Grade 12 Study Resources hub.
Paper 1: Practical Programming (150 Marks)
Duration: 3 Hours | Software: Delphi and MS Access
This paper is 100% computer-based. You will be expected to solve three to four programming challenges that increase in complexity.
Core Practical Skills:
- General Programming: Selection (if, case), Iteration (for, while, repeat), and complex String Manipulation.
- Arrays: Manipulating one-dimensional and two-dimensional arrays, including sorting and searching algorithms.
- Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): Creating class units, instantiating objects, and mastering encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.
- Database Programming (SQL): Writing complex queries (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE) and integrating them into Delphi using ADO components.
- Text Files: Reading from and writing to external .txt files.
Paper 2: Theory of IT (150 Marks)
Duration: 3 Hours | Format: Written Paper
The theory paper tests your understanding of the “why” behind the “how.” It focuses on software development life cycles, networking, and the ethical use of technology.
Core Theory Modules:
- Systems Technologies: Hardware roles, motherboard components, and system software functions.
- Network & Communication: LAN vs. WAN, network topologies, the TCP/IP stack, and wireless protocols.
- Database & SQL Theory: Normalization, primary/foreign keys, and data integrity rules.
- Social Implications: Cybersecurity, privacy laws (POPIA), and the impact of automation on the workforce.
- Latest IT Developments (±10 Marks): Annually, the DBE highlights specific emerging trends (e.g., Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, or IoT). You must be able to describe these and discuss their pros and cons.
Conclusion: Strategy for 2026 Success
The Information Technology Grade 12 Exam Guidelines for 2026 emphasize that “Coding is a superpower.” To secure a Level 7 (80%+):
- Code Every Day: Logic is a muscle. Practice standard algorithms like the Bubble Sort or linear search until they are second nature.
- Master the PAT: Your Practical Assessment Task (PAT) is a significant portion of your final mark. Ensure your database is properly normalized and your code is well-commented.
- Trace Your Code: In the theory paper, you will often be asked to “dry run” a piece of code. Use a trace table to keep track of variable changes.
Stay updated on the 2026 matric calendar and find specialized Delphi tutorials by visiting My Courses.
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