How to Check Your Matric Results 2026 With Your ID Number (Official Ways)
All the official ways to check your 2026 matric results with your ID and exam number: online, SMS, USSD and at school, plus what to do if you lost your exam number.
Matric results come out every January, the year after the exams are written. The national results are announced one evening, and learners can see their own marks from the next morning.
This year’s key dates (Class of 2026) — update this box every January
- Results released: January 2027 [CHECK: exact date on education.gov.za]
- SMS cost: R1.50 per SMS in 2026 [CHECK]
- Re-mark / re-check applications: open on results day, close about two weeks later [CHECK]
Here are the official ways to get your results, and what you need for each.
What you need
- Your 13-digit examination number, from your statement of entry (the exam admission letter from your school)
- Your 13-digit South African ID number
You can’t check your results with only your ID number. The official services ask for your exam number, and some also ask for your ID number to confirm it’s you.
1. Online: the DBE website
- On results day, go to the DBE website: education.gov.za.
- Open the NSC Exam Results link.
- Enter your exam number (and ID number if asked).
- Tap Search to see your marks per subject.
The site gets very busy early on results day. If it doesn’t load, try again later or use SMS.
2. SMS
SMS your ID number and exam number to 35658, for example: 0801015000000 1234567890123.
You’ll get a confirmation, then your results by SMS when they’re released. Each SMS is charged at a premium rate (see This year’s key dates above), and free SMS bundles don’t work.
3. USSD (no data needed)
Dial *120*35658# on results day and follow the prompts. Network charges apply.
4. At your school
Your official statement of results is collected at the school or exam centre where you wrote. Take your ID. Schools usually hand out results on the morning they’re released.
Lost your exam number?
Ask your school or the district education office. They can find it on your record when you show your ID.
Watch out for scams
- Checking your results is free online and costs only the normal SMS rate. Never pay anyone to “get your results early”.
- Results are never released early to anyone, for any fee.
- Only enter your ID and exam number on education.gov.za or the official SMS and USSD services.
What to do next
- Passed? Work out your APS with our free APS calculator, then see university and college applications and bursaries.
- Didn’t get the pass you need? Read Matric rewrite: how to register. The Second Chance Matric Programme is free.
- Want to understand your pass type? Read Bachelor pass requirements explained.
Guide details
- Last checked on: 10 November 2026
- Official source link:
https://www.education.gov.za
Frequently asked questions
Can I check my matric results with only my ID number?
No. The official services need your 13-digit exam number. Some also ask for your ID number to confirm it is you.
When are matric results released?
Every January, the year after the exams. The Department of Basic Education announces the exact date in advance.
How do I check my matric results by SMS?
SMS your ID number and exam number to 35658. A premium SMS rate applies and free SMS bundles do not work.
What is the USSD code for matric results?
Dial *120*35658# on results day and follow the prompts.
I lost my exam number. What do I do?
Contact your school or district education office with your ID. They can find your exam number.
Can I pay to get my results early?
No. Results are never released early. Anyone offering this is running a scam.
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