The South African Department of Basic Education (DBE) has officially confirmed the release timeline for the Matric Results 2025/2026, offering long-awaited clarity to thousands of learners, parents, educators, and institutions across the country. The announcement is especially important for candidates who sat for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations and are now preparing for the next stage of their academic or professional journeys.
Matric results play a decisive role in determining access to universities, TVET colleges, learnerships, and bursary opportunities. As a result, understanding when the results will be released and how to check them is essential for every candidate.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Matric Results 2025/2026, including official release dates, checking methods, troubleshooting missing results, and frequently asked questions.
Official Confirmation from the Department of Basic Education
The Department of Basic Education has confirmed that the 2025 NSC examinations will conclude on 27 November 2025. Once the examinations end, a rigorous national process begins, which includes:
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Marking of scripts
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Internal and external moderation
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Quality assurance and verification
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Standardisation of results
The Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, confirmed that all systems are operating as planned. She reassured the public by stating that “the marking and verification processes remain firmly on track,” reinforcing confidence in the integrity of the 2025/2026 matric results.
Countdown to the Matric Results 2025/2026 Announcement
The official Matric Results 2025/2026 announcement is scheduled for 12 January 2026. This date marks the national release of overall performance statistics, pass rates, and provincial breakdowns.
Individual candidate results will become available the following day, giving learners time to prepare their examination numbers and access methods.
When Will Matric Results 2025/2026 Be Released?
According to the Department of Basic Education, the release will happen in two official stages:
Key Dates to Remember
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12 January 2026
The Minister of Basic Education will formally announce the national outcomes of the 2025 NSC examinations. -
13 January 2026 (from 6:00 am)
Individual candidates can access their matric results online, via SMS/USSD, or collect them from schools and examination centres.
The DBE has cautioned that some results may not appear immediately due to technical exclusions or verification queries. This is a normal annual process and is handled through established follow-up procedures.
Matric Results 2025/2026 and Examination Integrity
The department also confirmed that the Matric Results 2025/2026 release will proceed as scheduled, despite a localised examination paper leak reported at a small number of schools in Pretoria.
According to Minister Gwarube:
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The incident involved seven schools
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It was detected early and quickly contained
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A National Investigative Task Team has been appointed
She emphasised that the investigation will not delay marking or result verification, stating that built-in integrity checks within the national system remain fully operational.
How to Check Matric Results 2025/2026
Once the results are officially released, candidates will be able to access their National Senior Certificate (NSC) results through several approved channels. These options ensure accessibility for learners across South Africa, including those without reliable internet access.
Important: Always keep your exam number ready. It is required for all result-checking methods.
1. Collect Results from School or Examination Centre
The most reliable method is to collect your official Statement of Results from the school or examination centre where you wrote your exams.
Why this method matters
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Schools receive official results directly from the DBE
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Ideal if your results are temporarily unavailable online
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Provides an official printed statement
Important Notes
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Results available from 13 January 2026
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Bring identification if required
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Arrive early to avoid long queues
2. Check Matric Results 2025/2026 Online
Online platforms remain one of the most popular methods for checking matric results.
Where to check
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Official Department of Basic Education website
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Provincial education department websites
Online access is expected to open from 6:00 am on 13 January 2026, though peak traffic may cause delays.
Steps to Check Online
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Visit the official DBE or provincial education website
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Navigate to the NSC Results section
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Enter your exam number (and ID number if requested)
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Submit to view your results
Some provinces operate independent portals that may perform better during high-traffic periods.
3. SMS Matric Results Service
For candidates without internet access, SMS remains a convenient option.
How to Check via SMS
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Open a new SMS message
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Enter your 13-digit exam number
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Send it to 45856
Your results will be sent directly to your phone once released.
Note: SMS charges may apply.
4. Check Matric Results Using USSD
USSD services allow candidates to check results on any mobile phone, even without data.
USSD Steps
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Dial *120*45856#
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Follow on-screen prompts
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Enter your exam number
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View your results instantly
This method is especially useful when websites experience slow loading times.
What to Do If Your Matric Results Do Not Appear
If your results are not immediately visible, do not panic. The DBE recommends the following steps:
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Visit your school or examination centre
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Contact your district or provincial education office
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Submit a formal results query within 30 days
Candidates should also verify that their names and ID numbers are correct on their statements and report any errors before 20 February 2026.
Conclusion
The Matric Results 2025/2026 represent a life-changing milestone for thousands of South African learners. Whether your goal is university admission, TVET college placement, or entering the job market, these results form the foundation of your next steps.
The Department of Basic Education has reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, transparency, and accuracy, ensuring that all results are processed and released according to national standards.
As the January 2026 release date approaches, candidates are encouraged to prepare their examination details, remain calm, and rely only on official platforms for accurate information. With proper preparation, accessing your matric results can be a smooth and stress-free experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will Matric Results 2025/2026 be released?
The national announcement will be made on 12 January 2026, with individual results available from 13 January 2026.
2. What time can I check my matric results online?
Online systems are expected to open from 6:00 am on 13 January 2026.
3. Can I check matric results without internet access?
Yes. You can use SMS (45856) or USSD (*120*45856#).
4. Why are some matric results withheld?
Results may be temporarily withheld due to verification issues, outstanding irregularities, or administrative checks.
5. How long do I have to query my results?
You must submit a results query within 30 days of the official release date.
