Education officials in South Africa are investigating a matric exams leak promising "dire consequences".

Grade 12 students sit for their final exam called matric before proceeding to university or college.

The examinations began on Monday and two papers leaked prompting the department for basic education to convene a meeting in the afternoon.

"The investigations are at an advanced stage and details on the progress of the probe will be made public at the right time while areas of possible weakness have been identified," the department said in a statement.

The department condemned those trying to undermine the integrity of exams and asked students to pursue honesty.

“We want to reassure the public that we are hard at work to ensure that we protect the examinations. The Hawks [police unit] have been helpful in working with us and there are encouraging developments coming from their side,” Education Minister Angie Motshekga was quoted as saying.