How to Check Your Matric Results in South Africa (2025/2026 Guide)

Check your 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results quickly and securely using online portals, SMS, schools, newspapers, or apps like News24. Results are expected on January 14, 2026, from 6 AM.

Check Matric Results South Africa 2025/2026

Table of Contents

Important Notes Before Checking

  • Release Date: Results are expected on January 14, 2026, from 6 AM onward. If excluded (e.g., due to irregularities), contact your school.
  • What You’ll Need: Your exam number (13 digits) and ID number.
  • Privacy Tip: Avoid sharing your details on social media; use official channels to prevent scams.
  • If You Fail or Want to Rewrite: You can register for supplementary exams or Adult Matric—check DBE for details.

Method 1: Online Check (Fastest and Free)

This is the quickest way if you have internet access. Use official government or provincial portals.

  1. Visit the Official Site:
  2. Enter Your Details:
    • Input your exam number and ID number.
    • Click “Search” or “Submit.”
  3. View Results: Your results will display on-screen. Print or screenshot for records.

Time: Instant once released.
Pros: Free, no queues; available 24/7.
Cons: Sites may crash on release day—try early morning.

Method 2: SMS Check (Convenient for No Internet)

If you don’t have data, use your phone to get results via text.

  1. Send an SMS:
    • Text your exam number to 35658 (or your ID number and exam number, separated by a space).
  2. Receive Response: You’ll get a reply SMS with your results (and possibly a confirmation message first).

Cost: R3 per SMS (network rates apply).
Pros: Quick and private.
Cons: SMS fees; may have delays on release day.

Method 3: Check at Your School or Exam Centre

This is the traditional way and great if you want a printed Statement of Results.

  1. Visit Your School: Go to where you wrote the exams starting from January 15, 2026 (day after official release).
  2. Request Results: Provide your exam number and ID; they’ll print your Statement of Results.

Pros: Official hard copy; school support if issues.
Cons: Travel required; possible queues.

Method 4: Newspaper or Media Check

Some provinces publish results in newspapers.

  1. Buy a Newspaper: On release day (January 14, 2026), check major papers like The Citizen or provincial dailies—they list results by exam number.
  2. Search Your Number: Look for your exam number in the list.

Pros: Public and free to view.
Cons: Not all results published; privacy concerns.

Method 5: Apps or Third-Party Sites (e.g., News24)

For a user-friendly experience:

  1. Use News24: Search “News24 Matric Results,” select your province, and enter your exam number.

Pros: Easy interface.
Cons: Relies on official data; verify with DBE.

What If Your Results Are Withheld or You Disagree?

  • Withheld: Due to irregularities—contact DBE or your school for resolution (within 30 days).
  • Re-mark/Re-check: Apply via DBE within 30 days (fees apply: R120 re-mark, R29 re-check).
  • Supplementary Exams: Register if you failed up to 2 subjects.

Final Tips

  • Be patient on release day—systems can overload.
  • Keep your exam number safe—it’s on your exam admission letter.
  • For help: Call DBE at 0800 202 933 or your provincial office (e.g., Gauteng: 0800 000 789).
  • Celebrate responsibly if you pass!

This should get you your results hassle-free. For official updates, visit www.education.gov.za.