A defining moment for South Africa’s Matric Class of 2025
For over 927,000 students who completed their National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations in late 2025, a defining moment is fast approaching.
The 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations concluded on November 27, 2025. The national outcome will be officially announced by the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, on Monday, January 12, 2026 (as outlined in our earlier coverage).
This year’s release is framed by two significant backdrops: an ongoing Supreme Court appeal over how results are published and investigations into a paper leak. Umalusi, the quality assurance council, has stated it is satisfied with the steps taken by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) regarding the leak and has assured that results for unaffected pupils will not be delayed.
Key dates for the 2025 NSC results release
The Basic Education Ministry has confirmed the following schedule:
- Monday, January 12, 2026 (6pm): National results announcement by Minister Siviwe Gwarube.
- Tuesday, January 13, 2026 (6am): Results officially released across all platforms.
- February 6, 2026: Closing date for applications to write the June 2026 NSC examinations.
- February 20, 2026: Deadline for personal detail corrections on statements of results.
- January 27, 2026: Deadline for re-mark/re-check applications (manual or online).
- March 13, 2026: Release of re-mark/re-check results.
Where and how to access your 2025 matric results
From 6am on Tuesday, January 13, you can access your results through several official channels. Keep your Examination Number and ID Number ready.
- At your school or exam centre
Collecting your physical Statement of Results from the school or centre where you wrote is the most reliable and official method. This document is essential for future applications. - Department of Basic Education (DBE) website
Results will be available online from 6am on 13 January 2026. Ensure your exam number is on hand before logging in. - Official Matric Results Portals
· DBE Portal: Results will be available online from 6am. Ensure your exam number is on hand. - · Gauteng Portal: Learners in Gauteng can use the dedicated Gauteng Matric Results portal.
- Official mobile options
SMS: Text your exam number to 35658 (R1.50 per SMS)
USSD: Dial 12035658# and follow the prompts (50c per 20 seconds).
Note: Only one cellphone number may be registered per exam number. - Alternative education routes for unsuccessful candidates
Learners who don’t pass can explore several pathways, including re-enrolment, the Senior Certificate (SC) examination, or vocational training at one of South Africa’s 50 public FET colleges. Read more: Failed matric? Here are 4 viable options to rewrite your future.
Re-mark, re-check, and viewing of exam scripts
Candidates may apply to have their scripts reviewed. Applications open on January 13 and close on January 27, 2026.
- Re-mark fee: R120 per subject
- Re-check fee: R30 per subject
- Viewing fee: R230 (only after re-mark/re-check results are released)
Applications open on January 13 and close on January 27, 2026.
Visit www.eservices.gov.za for online applications or inquire at your district office.
June 2026 NSC Examinations
The supplementary February/March exams have been phased out. Instead, candidates can now write in May/June 2026 to improve or complete their results. Applications close on February 6, 2026, with registration available to:
- Candidates seeking subject or overall improvement, or
- Those with valid reasons (medical or personal) for missing November 2025 exams.
Understanding the legal stalemate and its impact
The situation is legally complex due to an ongoing Supreme Court appeal. While this appeal suspends a High Court order that favoured public publication of results, the DBE has not indicated it will change its plans.
For now, the practical outcome for learners and parents remains unchanged: matric results are expected to be published in newspapers and online media using examination numbers on the scheduled dates.
The debate centers on whether an examination number constitutes personal information. The Regulator argues yes, while the High Court and DBE contend it is not personally identifiable to the general public.
What tjis means for the Matric Class of 2025? The immediate process for accessing results should proceed as normal while the appeal is pending.
Next steps after getting your result
- To challenge marks: Apply for a re-check or re-mark via your school, district office, or online at www.eservices.gov.za by January 27, 2026.
- To improve results: Register for the May/June NSC exams by 6 February 2026.
- Considering other paths: Learners who don’t pass can explore pathways including re-enrolment, the Senior Certificate (SC) examination, or vocational training at one of South Africa’s 50 public TVET colleges.
Visit DBE’s official portal for the most accurate updates.
In case you missed it: Matric Class of 2024 – marked a significant achievement for more than 870,000 students who sat for the NSC exams
