How to Check Matric Results 2025 Online: The Official Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Summary: Important Details

Release Date: Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Online Release Time: 06:00 AM

Official Website: www.education.gov.za

SMS Number: 35658

USSD Code: 12035658#

The wait for the Class of 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results is almost over. On the evening of 12 January 2026, the Minister of Basic Education will announce the national pass rate. The following morning, Tuesday, 13 January 2026, individual results will be made available to over 700,000 students across South Africa.

When the clock strikes 06:00 AM, traffic to the official Department of Basic Education (DBE) servers will spike, often causing crashes and delays. To ensure you get your marks without stress, it is essential to know every available method.

This comprehensive guide details the five official ways to access your results, how to troubleshoot common errors, and what your specific result codes mean.

Before You Start: What You Need

You cannot check your results with just your name. Before the system goes live, ensure you have the following details written down or saved on your phone:

Your 13-Digit Exam Number: This is the most critical piece of information. It is printed on your exam permit (admission letter).
Your ID Number: Required for verification on the website and app.
Airtime: If you plan to use the SMS or USSD methods, ensure you have at least R10.00 airtime loaded (free SMS bundles do not apply to premium numbers).

Method 1: The Department of Basic Education (DBE) Website

The most popular and detailed method is the government’s online portal. Unlike SMS services, the website often provides a subject-by-subject breakdown of your marks rather than just a simple pass/fail status.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Open your browser (Chrome or Safari) and go to www.education.gov.za
On the homepage, look for the prominent link labeled 2025 NSC Exam Results.
You will be redirected to the results login page.
Enter your Examination Number.
Enter your ID Number.
Click the Search button.
Crucial Step: Once your results appear, take a screenshot or print the page to PDF immediately. This serves as your temporary proof of results for university late applications.

Note on Server Traffic:

If the website displays a “502 Bad Gateway” or “Service Unavailable” error, do not panic. This simply means too many people are trying to log in at once. Wait 15 minutes and refresh the page, or use Method 2 below.

Method 2: USSD Code (Best for Feature Phones)

If you do not have a smartphone or data connection, the USSD method is the most reliable alternative. It works on any mobile device.

Dial: *120*35658#
Follow the Prompts: You will be asked to type in your ID number and Exam number.
Cost: The service charges roughly 50c per 20 seconds.

Pro Tip: You can dial this number before the release date to register your details on the system. Once the results are released, the system will send you a notification, saving you from having to dial repeatedly on the morning of the 13th.

Method 3: SMS Notification Service

This is a “push” notification method. Instead of fighting website traffic, the results are sent directly to your inbox.

The Number: 35658
The Message Format: Send your ID Number followed by your Exam Number to 35658.
- Example: 0801015000000 1234567890123
Cost: R1.50 per SMS.

Important: Ensure there is a space between your ID number and Exam number in the text message, otherwise the system will return an error format message.

Method 4: The MatricsMate App

The Department of Basic Education and SITA (State Information Technology Agency) have developed the MatricsMate app to relieve pressure on the website.

Download MatricsMate from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Open the app and select “Register Profile.”
Enter your details.
On the morning of 13 January, open the app to view your results.

The benefit of the app is that it often caches data, meaning it can be more stable than the website during peak traffic hours.

Method 5: Newspapers

While digital methods are faster, checking the newspaper is a tradition for many South African families.

Major publications including The Star, Sowetan, Die Burger, and Rapport will publish the results on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.

Privacy Update:

Due to the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), your name will not be published. You must look for your Examination Number in the columns. The results are usually grouped by District and then by School.

Troubleshooting: Why Can’t I See My Results?

Every year, thousands of students panic because their results do not appear. Here are the three most common reasons for this issue:

1. Administrative Block (Outstanding Fees)

While the Department has stated that schools cannot withhold results due to unpaid school fees, many schools still delay the release of statements to force payment. If your results are blocked online, you must contact your school principal immediately.

2. Technical Input Errors

The system is sensitive. If you type one digit of your exam number incorrectly, it will show “Record Not Found.” Double-check your slip and try again.

3. Irregularity Investigations

If your result shows “Null,” “Pending,” or “Blocked,” it may indicate that the exam center is under investigation for copying or irregularities. In this case, you will not receive your results until the investigation is concluded. You must contact your District Office for clarity.

Understanding Your Result Codes

When you receive your results, you will see a specific admission code. This code dictates which tertiary institutions you can apply to.

Bachelor’s Pass (Code B): You achieved 50% in four high-credit subjects. You qualify to apply for degree courses at universities.
Diploma Pass (Code D): You achieved 40% in four high-credit subjects. You qualify to apply for diploma courses at Universities of Technology.
Higher Certificate (Code H): You qualify to apply for certificate courses at TVET Colleges.
NSC (National Senior Certificate): You passed Matric but did not meet the minimum requirements for tertiary study.

Next Steps for Students:

If you obtained a Bachelor’s pass, log in to your university portal immediately to accept your offer. If your results were lower than expected, do not lose hope. You can register for the Second Chance Matric Programme to rewrite your subjects in May/June 2026.

Disclaimer: ApsScore.com is an independent information guide. Official results must be verified at your high school or exam center.