When the 2025 Matric exam results are released in January 2026, candidates will have several ways to access them. Gone are the days when checking results meant paging through newspapers only. Today, learners can view their Matric results online, by SMS, or collect official statements from their schools.
Below is a clear guide on when the results will be released and how to check them safely.
2025 Matric Results Release Date
Umalusi, the body responsible for quality assurance of national examinations, is currently moderating and approving the Matric scripts written in November 2025. Once this process is complete, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) is authorised to release the results.
The Minister of Basic Education will announce the national Matric pass rate on the evening of 12 January 2026. Individual learner results will be available from the morning of 13 January 2026.
Candidates should note that:
- A statement of results will be issued by the DBE to examination centres
- This statement serves as an official document while learners wait for their Matric certificates
Learners can collect their full results directly from the school or centre where they wrote their exams.
Will Matric Results Be in the Newspapers?
Yes. Following a legal ruling involving the Department of Basic Education and the Information Regulator, Matric results will continue to be published in newspapers.
Newspapers usually become available around midnight on 12 January. These listings only display:
- The learner’s examination number
- Whether the learner passed or failed
- The type of pass achieved
No names or personal details are shown.
How to Check Your 2025 Matric Results Online
The Department of Basic Education provides an official online platform where candidates can check their results securely.
Steps to Check Matric Results Online
- Visit the Department of Basic Education Matric Results page
- Enter your examination number
- Provide any additional personal details if requested
- Click Search
- Your Matric results will be displayed on screen
Checking results through the DBE website is the safest and most reliable option, as many unofficial websites claim to offer the same service.
Official Matric Results Website
The DBE website is the official platform for releasing the 2025 Matric results online. Learners will be able to log in using their examination number and personal details from 13 January 2026.
This platform is recommended for candidates who want to view their results before collecting their statement from their school.
Check Your Matric Results by SMS
For learners who do not have access to the internet, the DBE also offers an SMS service.
How to Use the SMS Service
- Open a new SMS on your phone
- Type your examination number
- Send the message to 45856
- The SMS costs R1.50
- You will receive your results within a minute
How to Check IEB Matric Results
Candidates who wrote IEB Matric exams can access their results online through the IEB portal.
Steps to Check IEB Results
- Visit the IEB online results portal
- Enter your exam number and date of birth
- Ensure all details are correct
- Click Submit
- Your results will appear on screen
Learners are advised to download or save a copy of their results until the official certificate is issued.
Final Reminder to Candidates
Learners should keep their examination numbers safe and avoid using unofficial websites to check results. Official platforms provided by the Department of Basic Education and the IEB remain the most reliable sources.
Once results are released, candidates are encouraged to collect their official statements as soon as possible, especially if they plan to apply for tertiary studies or funding.