Check matric results quickly: A 2026 guide for first-time users
Being able to check matric results quickly is important for managing anxiety and planning next steps in your career and education. This 2026 guide helps first-time users access their results easily and accurately. By following simple instructions, you can view their scores without delays.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Check matric results
- 1. How can you check your matric results online?
- 2. School or exam centre
- 3. How to access Matric Results of 2026 via sms
- 4. MatricsMate app
- 5. Matric results via USSD code
- Can you check your matric results in the newspaper?
- What is IEB matric?
- How to check IEB matric results
- How to recheck/remark matric exams
- How to check old matric results online
- Matric results 2026 release date.
- How to get matric results at midnight
- FAQs
Key takeaways
- Knowing how to check matric results quickly reduces stress and saves time.
- The 2026 guide is tailored for first-time users, making the process simple and clear.
- Following official steps ensures accurate and timely access to results.
- Early access to results helps students plan for further education or career options effectively.
Check matric results
Accessing matric results for the first time can feel confusing, especially with multiple platforms and procedures in place. Understanding the steps and tools involved ensures students retrieve their results quickly and accurately. The following guide explains how first-time users can check matric results in 2026 with ease and confidence.
1. How can you check your matric results online?
For matric results online check, go to the Department of Basic Education website at www.education.gov.za. Enter your examination number to search for your Statement of Results.
- Only full-time November National Senior Certificate candidates can access their results online. Part-time NSC students can access their results from the centre where they wrote their exams.
- Full-time NSC students may fail to access their results on the department website due to technical problems. If this happens, the candidate is advised to make enquiries at the exam centre where they wrote or visit the provincial/district office.
Source: UGC
2. School or exam centre
Candidates can access their Statement of Results at the examination centre or school where they wrote their exams. An original statement will be issued to you.
3. How to access Matric Results of 2026 via sms
Candidates can use the SMS service to access their NSC results. To sign up, send your 13-digit ID number and examination number to 35658. The results will be sent to your phone, and you will be charged R1.50 per SMS.
4. MatricsMate app
You can access your results directly through the MatricsMate app. Download it from your phone’s Google Play Store if you have an Android or the Apple App Store if you have an iPhone. Enter your ID number and examination number to access the results.
5. Matric results via USSD code
To use the USSD code service, dial *120*35658* and follow the prompts to enter your examination number. The results will be sent to your phone. USSD usage costs 50 cents per 20 seconds.
Can you check your matric results in the newspaper?
Candidates can check their results in South African newspapers. This practice has been challenged by the Information Regulator, citing concerns about privacy and compliance with the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act.
In December 2024, the IR filed an urgent court application against the Department of Basic Education. On January 8, 2025, the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria dismissed the IR’s application.
The court ruled that the matter was not urgent, giving the DBE the go-ahead to put matric results in online and print media. The results are published with examination numbers instead of names.
What is IEB matric?
The Independent Examinations Board is an alternative examination system in South Africa for independent and private schools. The IEB offers a rigorous curriculum and assessments that are separate from the public exams administered by the Department of Basic Education.
Candidates who pass the IEB matric examinations receive a National Senior Certificate, which qualifies them for tertiary education. Successful students can enrol for a degree, a diploma, or a higher certificate level. The IEB matric is recognised by universities both locally and internationally.
How to check IEB matric results
To check the IEB National Senior Certificate results, candidates can use the following methods;
- Online via the IEB website: Access your IEB matric results by going to the IEB website. Enter your exam number and your date of birth, and click the submit button.
- SMS service: Send an SMS with your examination number and ID number to 35135 to get your IEB results. You will receive a message on your phone at a cost of R1.50 per SMS.
- School/exam centre: IEB matric candidates can get their results directly from their designated examination centres or schools where they wrote their exams. You can contact the centre to inquire about the results.
Source: UGC
How to recheck/remark matric exams
Students who are not satisfied with their matric results can apply for a remark or recheck of their examination scripts. You can do so online at the Department of Basic Education's website, eservices.gov.za or visit the school/district office. Instructions for applying are indicated on the reverse side of your Statement of Results.
The remark/recheck application window closes on January 29, 2025. Candidates will be charged R120 for a remark and R30 for a recheck.
Once the remarking is complete, candidates will be able to access their new matric results from March 7, 2025. They will be available for checking at the examination centre/school where you sat for the 2024 NSC examination.
How to check old matric results online
Those who have lost or damaged their matric certificate can apply for a new one online. Applicants are required to register on the e-Government Portal at eservices.gov.za to access the re-issue online service.
Applicants should have electronic copies of the following;
- An affidavit stating what happened to your certificate
- The original matric certificate (if it is damaged): Not applicable if the certificate is lost
- A certified copy of your ID
- Proof of payment: The application fee is R141.
Source: UGC
Matric results 2026 release date.
The matric results for 2026 for the class that completed their final exams are scheduled for 13 January 2026, with individual candidate results becoming available from 14 January 2026 at 6:00 AM.
How to get matric results at midnight
To get their matric results check at midnight, students can access the official online portals as soon as the results are released. Most education boards and examination councils enable early online viewing, so logging in to the official website with your exam number and personal details allows instant access.
Alternatively, results can often be retrieved via SMS or mobile apps provided by the examining body. Preparing your login information in advance ensures a smooth and quick matric results check once the countdown reaches midnight.
FAQs
After understanding how to access and check your matric results, you may still have questions about release dates, verification methods, or technical issues. To help first-time users navigate the process smoothly, the following frequently asked questions (FAQs) provide clear answers and practical guidance.
Can I get my KCSE results via SMS?
Yes, you can receive your KCSE results via SMS by sending your candidate index number to the official KNEC short code. This allows students to quickly access their results without internet access, making it a convenient option for checking results on mobile devices.
What is a diploma pass in matric?
A diploma pass in matric refers to a level of achievement in the final secondary school exams that qualifies a student for diploma-level studies at colleges or universities. It usually indicates that the student has met the minimum requirements in core subjects but may not qualify for degree programs. This pass allows students to pursue vocational courses, technical diplomas, or other post-secondary education options.
Why are KCSE results delayed?
KCSE results can be delayed due to the time needed for accurate marking, verification, and administrative processing. Investigations into exam irregularities or the large number of candidates can also slow down the release. These measures ensure that the final results are fair and accurate.
How to access KCSE results for a school?
You can access KCSE results for a school by using the official channels provided by KNEC. School administrators usually log in to the KNEC portal using their unique school username and password to download the complete results slip for all candidates.
Knowing how to check matric results quickly allows students to make informed decisions about further studies or career choices. This guide ensures first-time users can access results confidently and efficiently.
Source: Original
Briefly.co.za highlighted all you need to know about reapplying to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. Reapplication is open to students whose initial application was denied or those moving from a TVET college to a university.
Students must meet the stipulated eligibility criteria for their NSFAS reapplication process to succeed. Check the article for a detailed guide.
Source: Briefly News
Peter Kinuthia Peter Kinuthia is a 2018 graduate of Kenyatta University with a Bachelor's degree in Health Services Management. With over five years of copy-writing experience about media, lifestyle, and health affairs, Peter has cemented a solid career in copy-writing/journalism. He previously worked with Ace My Homework before joining the Briefly team in 2017. With over 5 years of experience in Briefly, Peter has become a remarkable wordsmith. (Email: petekinuthia9@gmail.com)
Peris Walubengo (Lifestyle writer) Peris Walubengo has vast experience in search engine optimization through digital content generation, research, editing, and proofreading. She joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019 and completed the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.
