As the Class of 2025 waits for January, the DBE says all systems are in place to deliver accurate, verified and timely results. With the final papers of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) written on 27 November 2025, the long wait for results has officially begun.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has confirmed the release dates, next steps and deadlines for matrics across South Africa.
Matric Exams are Over: When you will Get your Results
The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, will announce the national results on 12 January 2026.
The department said: “The 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations will conclude on 27 November 2025 and the minister will announce the outcome of the examinations on 12 January 2026.”
Candidates will receive their individual results the following day.
“Results will be released to candidates on 13 January 2026,” the department confirmed, adding that some results “may not be available because of technical issues.”
Pupils can fetch their official statements of results from the school or exam centre where they wrote.
Online access will also open at 6am on 13 January 2026 on the DBE website.
Errors, Queries and Deadlines
The department urged candidates to check their details immediately after receiving their statements.
“Candidates must ensure that names and identity numbers reflect correctly on their statement of results and report any required corrections to the department before 20 February 2026,” it said.
Anyone who suspects an error in their marks has 30 days from the release date to lodge a formal query.
Re-mark and Re-check Applications
For those who believe their scripts were not assessed accurately, the DBE confirmed that the re-mark and re-check process opens on 13 January 2026 and closes on 27 January 2026.
Applications can be submitted at schools, district offices, or online.
The costs are as follows:
- Re-mark: R120 per subject
- Re-check: R30 per subject
Viewing of scripts is only allowed after the completion of a re-mark or re-check.
The department stated: “The fee for viewing is R230 and the closing date for applications is seven days after the release of remark or re-check results.”
The outcomes of re-marking will be released from 13 March 2026, and candidates must collect them from the school or exam centre where they wrote.
As the Class of 2025 waits for January, the DBE says all systems are in place to deliver accurate, verified and timely results.
How to Check Your 2025 Matric Results
Writing matric exams can be stressful, but getting your results is simple! There are a few easy ways to check your 2025 matric results, as shown below:
1. Find Your 2025 Matric Results Online
To check your matric results online, the easiest way is to visit the Department of Education’s website. Just keep in mind that the site might be a bit slow due to many students checking their results at the same time.
Don’t worry if the page takes a while to load—it won’t affect your results. Once the page is up, you’ll see all your matric results.
- Go to the “2025 SC Examination Results” section on the Department of Basic Education’s website.
- Enter your exam number (make sure to keep it safe!).
- Fill in your Home Language.
- Add your personal details like your first and last name.
This method is only for students who attended South African public schools. If you went to a private school, you’ll need to check your 2025 matric results on the IEB website.
2. Check Your 2025 Matric Results in the Newspaper
Learners can additionally check their matric results in local newspapers like The Rapport, The Argus, and The Star. These results usually make their debut on the same day the Department releases them, which is 12 January 2026.
Now, if you’re worried that the entire nation will get a front-row seat to your marks, relax. The newspapers only reveal whether or not you passed and the symbol that represents your performance.
But if you’re scratching your head wondering what those matric pass symbols mean, no worries. We’ve got the lowdown on all the matric pass symbols and what they represent:
- Level 7: 80 – 100% (Outstanding)
- Level 6: 70 – 79% (Meritorious)
- Level 5: 60 – 69% (Substantial)
- Level 4: 50 – 59% (Moderate)
- Level 3: 40 – 49% (Adequate)
- Level 2: 30 – 39% (Elementary)
- Level 1: 0 – 29% (Not achieved)
3. Get Your 2025 Matric Results Through Your High School
Once the Department of Education releases the final matric results for 2025, your high school will follow suit by releasing your results the very next day on 13 January 2026.
It’s important to note that although the matric results will show how you performed in each of your subjects, this document is not your official matric certificate. Your actual certificate will only be handed to you a few months down the road.
To get an idea of when you can get your hands on your matric certificate, it’s best to get in touch with your school. They’ll have all the information you need.
4. Search for Your 2025 Matric Results on Your Cell Phone
Looking for a convenient way to get your matric results as soon as they’re out? You’re in luck! The Department of Education and SABC Education have you covered with a handy service called MatricsMate.
Now, you may be wondering: How does MatricsMate operate?
First off, you’ll need to download the MatricsMate app from either the Google Play Store or the Apple iStore. Once that’s done, it’s registration time. You’ve got two registration options, and you can pick the one that suits you best: SMS or the USSD service.
For SMS registration:
- Send your ID number and exam number to 35658.
- You’ll receive a confirmation SMS to let you know you’re good to go.
- Just a heads up, SMSes cost R1, and free SMSes won’t work here.
- When the results drop, you’ll get them instantly.
If you’re going the USSD route:
- Dial *120*45856# on the release date.
- Answer a few quick questions.
- Enter your ID number.
- You’ll get your matric results for each subject.
- Do keep in mind that regular USSD rates apply.
There you have it—MatricsMate, your hassle-free ticket to getting your matric results as soon as they’re available. Easy!
