Matric Results 2025 Release Date: Everything You Need to Know

The wait for the Class of 2025 is almost over.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has officially confirmed that the 2025 Matric results will be released to students on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. If you wrote the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) exams, your results will be available one day earlier, on Monday, January 12, 2026.

This guide covers the confirmed dates, how to get your results instantly, and what to do if you don’t get the marks you hoped for.

Official Release Dates at a Glance

The release of Matric results happens in two stages: the Minister’s national announcement and the individual release to students.

• Minister’s Announcement: Monday, January 12, 2026 (Evening). The Minister of Basic Education will announce the national pass rate and top achievers on live TV. You will not get your individual marks during this broadcast.
• IEB Student Release: Monday, January 12, 2026 (Midnight/Early Morning).
• NSC (Public School) Student Release: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 (From 06:00 AM).

How to Check Your Matric Results Online (Step-by-Step)

The fastest way to get your statement of results is online. The system is often overloaded in the first hour, so be patient or try multiple platforms.

1. Department of Basic Education (DBE) Website

This is the official government portal for all public school students.

1. Go to the Department of Basic Education website.
2. Click on the “2025 NSC Exam Results” button on the homepage.
3. Enter your Exam Number (found on your exam permit).
4. Enter your ID Number.
5. Click “Search” to view your results.

Note: The website shows a preview of your results. You must still collect your official printed certificate from your high school or exam center.

2. IEB Website (Private Schools)

If you attended a private school, you check on the IEB portal.

1. Go to the IEB website.
2. Login using your exam number and date of birth.
3. Your results will be displayed on the dashboard.

[Tool] Check Results via SMS or USSD (No Data Needed)

If you don’t have data or the websites are down, you can use your phone’s cellular network.

Method 1: The USSD Code

• Dial *120*35658# on your phone.
• Answer the questions and enter your ID number and Exam number.
• You will receive your results per subject as soon as they are available.
• Cost: Approximately R0.50 per 20 seconds.

Method 2: SMS Service

• SMS your ID Number and Exam Number to 35658.
• Example: 9901015000080 1234567890123
• You will receive a confirmation message. When results are released, they will be sent directly to your inbox.
• Cost: R1.50 per SMS.

Important: Ensure you have airtime loaded. Free SMS bundles usually do not work for premium numbers like 35658.

Will My Name Be in the Newspaper?

Yes. After a recent court ruling, the Department of Basic Education is allowed to publish results in newspapers (like The Sowetan, The Star, and City Press).

However, your name will not be shown for privacy reasons. You must look for your Exam Number to find your results.

What to Do If You Failed or Want to Upgrade

If your results aren’t what you expected, do not panic. You have options to fix them immediately.

• Apply for a Remark: If you failed a subject by 1% or 2%, you can pay to have your paper remarked. Applications usually close quickly (around late January 2026), so act fast.
• Register for the “Second Chance” Matric Program: You can rewrite specific subjects in May/June 2026 without repeating the whole year. Registration opens immediately after results are released.
• Supplementary Exams: If you missed an exam due to illness or failed up to two subjects, you qualify to write the supplementary exams.

Contact Details for Help

If your results are missing, or you cannot login, contact the department directly.

• DBE General Call Center: 0800 202 933
• Email: callcentre@dbe.gov.za
• IEB Contact: 011 483 9700