HOW-TO

How to Check Your Matric Results by SMS

Checking your matric results by SMS is a convenient and reliable method, especially when online portals are congested.

Step by step

1. Find your examination number before results dayYou need your seven-to-thirteen-digit exam number, printed on your admission or examination timetable slip. If you cannot find it, ask your school or exam centre well before results are released, not on the morning itself.
2. Register for the SMS service in advanceTo use the SMS results line, register beforehand by texting your ID number, a space, then your examination number to 35658, for example: 0501015000000 1234567890123. A small once-off registration fee applies. Do this a few days early to avoid results-day congestion.
3. Confirm the release date and timeThe Department of Basic Education announces the release date each year, with individual results typically available from the early morning of release day. Note the date so you are not caught off guard or misled by rumours of early results.
4. Send your exam number on release dayOnce results are live, SMS your examination number to 35658. You will receive a reply with your results. Standard SMS rates apply for messages you send.
5. Use USSD if you have no airtime for SMSAs a data-free alternative, dial *120*35658# and follow the prompts. This works on basic handsets and is handy when networks are congested or you are low on airtime.
6. Collect your official statement from schoolThe SMS is a convenient preview. Your official Statement of Results is issued by your school or exam centre from January. Collect it, as you will need the official document for applications and registrations.

How to Check Your Matric Results by SMS is a crucial guide for students seeking a reliable and efficient way to access their matriculation examination results. While websites may become overloaded on results day, SMS provides a dependable backup method to obtain your results quickly and securely.

Using SMS to check your matric results is a straightforward process that involves pre-registration and sending a specific message on the release day. This guide will walk you through the steps, requirements, and important considerations to ensure you can access your results without any hassle.

How do I register for the SMS matric results service?

How do I register for the SMS matric results service?

Registering for the SMS matric results service is a straightforward process that ensures you receive your results promptly, even when the official websites are overloaded. This service acts as a reliable backup, especially on the day the results are released. Here’s how you can register:

To register, you need to send a text message containing your ID number and your examination number to 35658. This registration is a one-time process and incurs a small, once-off fee. Ensure you have both your ID number and your examination number ready before sending the message. Your examination number is a seven-to-thirteen-digit number printed on your admission or examination timetable slip. If you cannot locate your examination number, contact your school or exam centre well in advance of the results release date.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to registering for the SMS service:

• Compose a new text message on your mobile phone.
• Enter your ID number, followed by a space, and then your examination number. For example: 0501015000000 1234567890123.
• Send this message to 35658.
• Wait for a confirmation message. This message will confirm your registration and inform you that you are now set to receive your matric results via SMS.

It is advisable to complete this registration a few days before the results are released to avoid any potential congestion on the results day. This precaution ensures that your registration is processed in time, and you can receive your results without delay.

For your convenience, here is a summary of the registration process:

By following these steps, you can ensure that you are registered for the SMS service and ready to receive your matric results as soon as they are released.

What information do I need to check my matric results by SMS?

What information do I need to check my matric results by SMS?

To check your matric results by SMS, you need to ensure you have the correct information and have registered for the service in advance. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the requirements:

• Examination Number: You must have your seven-to-thirteen-digit examination number. This number is crucial and is printed on your admission or examination timetable slip. If you cannot locate your examination number, contact your school or exam centre well before the results are released to avoid last-minute stress.
• ID Number: You need your South African ID number to register for the SMS service. This number should be entered exactly as it appears on your ID document.
• Registration for SMS Service: Before results day, you must register for the SMS service by sending a text message with your ID number, followed by a space, and then your examination number to 35658. For example, your message should look like this: “0501015000000 1234567890123”. A small once-off registration fee applies, so ensure you have sufficient airtime to cover this cost.
• Confirmation of Results Release Date: The Department of Basic Education announces the matric results release date each year. Make sure you are aware of this date to avoid confusion or misinformation. Results are typically available from the early morning of the release day.

On the results day, you can retrieve your results by sending your examination number to 35658 via SMS. Standard SMS rates apply for the messages you send. If you have no airtime for SMS, you can use the USSD option by dialing *120*35658# and following the prompts. This method is data-free and works on basic handsets, making it a reliable alternative when networks are congested or you are low on airtime.

Remember, the SMS service is a convenient way to get a quick preview of your results. However, your official Statement of Results will be issued by your school or exam centre from January, and you will need this document for further applications and registrations.

How do I send the SMS to get my matric results?

How do I send the SMS to get my matric results?

Sending an SMS to check your matric results is a straightforward process, but it requires some preparation to ensure you receive your results promptly and accurately. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to send the SMS to get your matric results:

First, you need to register for the SMS service in advance. To do this, compose a message with your ID number and your seven-to-thirteen-digit examination number, separated by a space, and send it to 35658. For example, if your ID number is 0501015000000 and your examination number is 1234567890123, you would send the message “0501015000000 1234567890123” to 35658. A small once-off registration fee applies, so make sure you have sufficient airtime. It’s advisable to complete this registration a few days before the results are released to avoid any last-minute congestion.

On the day the results are released, you can retrieve your matric results by sending a message with just your examination number to 35658. For example, if your examination number is 1234567890123, you would send “1234567890123” to 35658. Standard SMS rates apply for this message. Alternatively, you can use the USSD option by dialing *120*35658# and following the prompts. This method is particularly useful if you have no airtime for SMS or if the networks are congested.

Here’s a quick summary of the steps:

• Register in advance by sending your ID number and examination number to 35658.
• On results day, send your examination number to 35658 to receive your results.
• Use USSD by dialing *120*35658# if you prefer a data-free option or if networks are congested.

While the SMS service provides a convenient preview of your results, you should collect your official Statement of Results from your school or exam centre, as this document will be required for further applications and registrations. The table below outlines the key details of the SMS service:

Can I use USSD to check my matric results if I have no airtime?

Can I use USSD to check my matric results if I have no airtime?

If you find yourself without airtime on results day, you can still check your matric results using the USSD service. This method is particularly useful when networks are congested or when you have no SMS balance. The USSD service allows you to access your results directly from your mobile phone without needing data or SMS capabilities.

To use the USSD service, follow these steps:

• Dial *120*35658# on your mobile phone.
• Follow the prompts provided by the USSD menu.
• Enter your seven-to-thirteen-digit examination number when prompted.
• Wait for a few moments while the system retrieves your results.
• Your results will be displayed on your screen.

This method is not only convenient but also ensures that you can access your results even if you are unable to send an SMS. While the USSD service is data-free, standard network rates may apply depending on your mobile service provider. Therefore, it is advisable to check with your provider beforehand to avoid any unexpected charges.

Here is a comparison of the two methods to check your matric results:

Remember to have your examination number ready before results day. This number is crucial for accessing your results and can be found on your admission or examination timetable slip. If you cannot locate it, contact your school or exam centre well in advance to avoid any last-minute stress.

What is the difference between the SMS preview and the official Statement of Results?

What is the difference between the SMS preview and the official Statement of Results?

When you check your matric results by SMS, you receive a convenient preview of your results. This SMS service, provided by the Department of Basic Education, allows you to quickly access your results on the day they are released. However, it is important to understand that this SMS preview is not an official document and should not be used for formal applications or registrations.

To obtain your official Statement of Results, you must collect it from your school or exam centre. This official document is typically issued from January and contains detailed information about your performance in each subject, including subject codes, symbols, and any distinctions or endorsements. The official Statement of Results is the document required for university applications, further education, and employment opportunities.

Here are the key differences between the SMS preview and the official Statement of Results:

To ensure you have all the necessary information, follow these steps:

• Register in advance for the SMS service by texting your ID number and exam number to 35658.
• Send your exam number to 35658 on results day to receive your SMS preview.
• Collect your official Statement of Results from your school or exam centre.

By understanding the difference between the SMS preview and the official Statement of Results, you can ensure you have the correct information for your future endeavours.

When are matric results released and how early should I register?

When are matric results released and how early should I register?

Matric results are typically released in January each year, with the exact date announced by the Department of Basic Education. You should confirm the release date through official channels to avoid misinformation. Once the date is confirmed, mark it on your calendar to ensure you are prepared. Individual results usually become available from the early morning of the release day, but due to high demand, online platforms can become overloaded. This is where the SMS service becomes invaluable as a reliable backup.

To use the SMS service effectively, it is highly recommended to register in advance. Registration involves sending a text message with your ID number and exam number to 35658. This step incurs a small once-off fee, so be sure to have sufficient airtime. Registering a few days before the results are released will help you avoid the last-minute rush and potential network congestion. Here is a simple guide to registering:

• Obtain your seven-to-thirteen-digit exam number from your admission or examination timetable slip.
• If you cannot find your exam number, contact your school or exam centre well before the results are released.
• Text your ID number, followed by a space and your exam number, to 35658. For example: 0501015000000 1234567890123.
• Wait for a confirmation message to ensure your registration is successful.

On the day of the results release, you can retrieve your results by sending a simple SMS with your exam number to 35658. Standard SMS rates apply for messages you send. If you have no airtime, you can use the USSD option by dialing *120*35658# and following the prompts. This method is data-free and works on basic handsets, making it a convenient alternative when networks are congested or you are low on airtime.

Remember, the SMS service is a convenient preview. Your official Statement of Results will be issued by your school or exam centre from January. Be sure to collect this document, as you will need it for further applications and registrations.

Are there any fees associated with checking matric results by SMS?

Are there any fees associated with checking matric results by SMS?

Yes, there are specific fees associated with using the SMS service to check your matric results. To use this convenient method, you need to be aware of the costs involved. Firstly, you must register for the SMS service in advance by sending a message with your ID number and examination number to 35658. This registration process incurs a small once-off fee. The exact amount of this fee may vary, so it’s advisable to check with your mobile service provider for the current charge.

On the day of the results release, you will need to send a message with your examination number to 35658 to receive your results. This message will be charged at the standard SMS rate determined by your mobile service provider. If you prefer not to use SMS, you can use the USSD option by dialing *120*35658#. While this method is data-free, it is important to note that standard USSD rates may apply, depending on your mobile service provider’s tariff plan.

Here is a summary of the fees and steps involved in checking your matric results by SMS:

You should register for the SMS service a few days before the results release to avoid congestion and ensure you receive your results promptly. Plus, always keep your examination number handy, as you will need it to request your results. Remember, the SMS service is a convenient preview, and you should collect your official Statement of Results from your school or exam centre in January.

CluedUp is an independent guide and is not affiliated with any government agency. Fees, links and steps can change — always confirm on the official portal before you act. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.