Matric Results 2026 — How and When to Check
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) releases NSC matric results in early January 2027, typically on the first Wednesday of January. Results are available via the official results portal, SMS, and published in newspapers. This guide explains when results drop, how to check yours, and what your options are if you did not pass.
Matric results 2026 are expected in early January 2027. The official results portal is results.examinations.gov.za.
When Are Matric Results 2026 Released?
NSC November 2026 results are expected to be released in early January 2027 — typically between 7 and 10 January. The MEC for Basic Education in each province usually makes a public announcement, followed by the national DBE minister's press conference.
The exact release date is announced by the DBE in December. Watch education.gov.za and follow @DBE_SA on social media for the confirmed date.
How to Check Results Online
- Go to results.examinations.gov.za — the official NSC results portal.
- Enter your 13-digit South African ID number.
- Enter the examination year (2026).
- Click 'Submit' to view your results.
- Your results will show your mark for each subject and your overall pass level (Higher Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor's, or Distinction).
How to Check Results via SMS
You can check your NSC results by SMS. The DBE partners with a network provider each year to provide this service. Typically you SMS your ID number to a five-digit shortcode (announced when results are released).
SMS results delivery costs approximately R1.50 per SMS. The service is available on all major networks (Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom).
Understanding Your Results
| Pass Level | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Higher Certificate | Pass Home Language at 40%, pass 2 other subjects at 40%, pass remaining 3 at 30% |
| Diploma Pass | Pass Home Language at 40%, pass 3 other subjects at 40% (not LO), pass remaining 3 at 30% |
| Bachelor's Degree Pass | Pass Home Language at 40%, pass 4 subjects at 50%+, pass 2 subjects at 30%+, pass LO at 30% |
| Distinction | 80% or above in a subject |
What to Do If You Fail
If you did not achieve the pass level you need, you have several options. Act quickly — supplementary examination registration windows are short.
- Apply for supplementary exams (February/March 2027) — you can rewrite up to 6 subjects.
- Request your marksheet from your school to see which subjects you failed or narrowly missed.
- Apply for a re-mark or re-check if you believe a specific paper was marked incorrectly (deadline is usually end of January).
- Consider the NSC for Adults if you need to rewrite multiple subjects over a longer period.
- Contact your provincial education department or the DBE on 0800 202 933 for guidance.