Quick Answer
The primary official USSD codes used in South Africa to register for and receive Department of Basic Education (DBE) National Senior Certificate (NSC) matric results are *120*35658# and *120*45856#.
Last Verified: July 2026
Service Status: Active for National Senior Certificate (NSC) full-time candidates. Standard USSD network rates apply (typically 20c to 50c per 20-second session; free minutes do not apply).
To use the service, dial the code on a mobile phone, follow the prompt, and enter your 13-digit National ID number along with your official 13-digit Matric Examination Number. If the USSD menu is unavailable or timing out, the official web portal at www.education.gov.za serves as the primary alternative.
What the Service Is and Who Can Use It
The matric results USSD service is a low-data mobile option provided in partnership with South Africa’s Department of Basic Education (DBE), SABC Education, and major telecommunications operators (Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, and Telkom). It allows Grade 12 learners and guardians to pre-register and receive official subject marks directly on feature phones or smartphones without requiring an active internet connection.
Who Can Use This Route?
- Full-Time NSC Candidates: Public school learners who wrote the national November National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
- Registered Mobile Network Users: Anyone with an active SIM card on Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, or Telkom with a small amount of airtime credit.
Who Cannot Use This Route?
- Independent Examinations Board (IEB) Students: IEB candidates must check results via the IEB portal or dedicated IEB SMS services (e.g., sending exam number to
35135). - Part-Time Candidates: Part-time NSC candidates must collect their results directly from the exam center where they wrote.
How to Check the Results
Before You Start
Ensure you have the following information on hand before dialing:
- 13-Digit South African Identity (ID) Number.
- 13-Digit Matric Examination Number.
- Airtime Credit: Keep at least R3.00 to R5.00 in positive airtime balance (data bundles and free SMS/USSD units cannot be used for premium service lines).
- Device: Any functional mobile phone connected to a South African cellular network.
Verified Step-by-Step Process
- Open Phone Keypad: Open the phone or dialer application on your mobile device.
- Dial Code: Enter
*120*35658#(or*120*45856#) and press the call button. - Accept Terms: If prompted, accept the standard service charges (e.g., 20c–50c per 20 seconds).
- Enter ID Number: Enter your complete 13-digit South African ID number when prompted and press Send.
- Enter Examination Number: Type your 13-digit Matric Examination number without spaces and press Send.
- Confirm Registration/Request: Read the confirmation prompt on screen and submit your request.
Confirmation or Expected Result
When the USSD session finishes successfully:
- Pre-Release Period: You will receive an on-screen notification (and a follow-up SMS) confirming that your phone number is linked to your examination number.
- Post-Release Period: Once the official embargo lifts (typically at 06:00 AM on the official release day), dialing the code or completing the session will display your subject symbols and overall pass status directly on screen or send a detailed summary SMS.
Example Expected SMS Output:
NSC 2025/2026 Results: Exam No: 1234567890123
ENG HL: 68% (5), AFR FAL: 72% (6), MATH: 65% (5),
LIFE OR: 80% (7), PHYS SCI: 61% (5), LIFE SCI: 70% (6), ACC: 55% (4).
Status: Achieved Bachelor's Degree Pass.
Fees, Limits, Eligibility, and Processing Times
| Parameter | Specification / Limit | Notes |
| USSD Session Fee | Approx. 20c – 50c per 20 seconds | Standard network tariffs apply; free USSD minutes do not apply. |
| SMS Registration Fee | R1.50 per SMS (Alternative route via 35658 or 45856) | Charged once per successful registration message. |
| Device Mapping Limit | 1 Mobile Number per Exam Number | You can only link one cellphone number per student examination record. |
| Processing Time | Real-time during USSD session | Session timing out can occur under high network traffic. |
| Eligibility | Full-Time Public School NSC Candidates | Excludes IEB and part-time candidates. |
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Code, Session, SIM, or Account Errors
- “Result Not Found” / Invalid Credentials: Ensure there are no spaces or dashes when entering your 13-digit ID number or 13-digit Exam number. Double-check your admission ticket for accuracy.
- “Connection Problem or Invalid MMI Code”: This occurs when network towers are overloaded on release day. Wait 5 to 10 minutes, toggle Airplane Mode on and off, and dial the code again.
- “Insufficient Airtime Balance”: USSD codes on premium lines require actual airtime balance. Ensure you have at least R3.00 to R5.00 in main airtime credit (not data or SMS bundles).
- Session Timeout: USSD menus automatically terminate if input takes longer than 20 seconds. Have your ID number and exam number written down on paper next to you before dialing.
When the Service Has Changed or Is Unavailable
If USSD lines remain unreachable or persistently time out:
- Try the official alternative SMS channel: Send your
[ID Number] [Exam Number]to 35658 or 45856 (Costs R1.50). - Switch to the official DBE online portal using a web browser.
- Visit your school or exam center after 12:00 PM on release day to obtain your official physical Statement of Results.
Official Alternatives
| Alternative Channel | Requirements | Best Used For |
DBE Official Website(www.education.gov.za) | Internet data, ID number, Exam number | Immediate, detailed online breakdown of subject marks. |
SMS Service (Text to 35658 or 45856) | R1.50 airtime credit, ID number, Exam number | Low-data delivery when USSD network sessions keep timing out. |
| MatricsMate Mobile App | Smartphone, App download, Data | Automated push notifications when results are published. |
| School / Exam Centre Collection | ID document or exam permit | Collecting the official physical Statement of Results needed for university registration. |
Safety and Privacy
Warning: Never disclose your full ID number, examination number, or personal banking credentials to third-party social media pages, unofficial messaging groups, or unverified websites claiming to offer early results.
- Official Privacy Protection: Under South African privacy legislation and DBE regulations, matric results published in public newspapers or online media portals display examination numbers only—never full candidate names or ID numbers.
- Verification: The Department of Basic Education never requests banking details, PINs, or money transfers via USSD or SMS to release results.
- Reporting Scams: If you encounter fraudulent websites or fake USSD channels charging excessive fees, report them immediately to the DBE Call Centre at 0800 202 933 or contact your telecommunications network provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current USSD Code For Matric Results?
The primary official USSD codes for Department of Basic Education matric results are *120*35658# and *120*45856#. Standard network USSD rates apply.
When are results available?
National Senior Certificate results are typically released in mid-January each year. Online and USSD access opens at 06:00 AM on the national learner release day, while physical statements are available at schools after 12:00 PM.
What details are required to check matric results via USSD?
You must provide your 13-digit South African ID Number and your 13-digit Matric Examination Number. Both credentials must match official DBE registration records.
Does the service cost anything?
Yes. USSD sessions cost between 20c and 50c per 20 seconds depending on your cellular network provider. Free network minutes and data bundles do not cover this cost, so you must have positive airtime credit.
What should I do if the matric results USSD route does not work?
If the USSD code times out or fails, send an SMS with your ID number and exam number to 35658 or 45856 (R1.50), check the official website at www.education.gov.za, or collect your Statement of Results directly at your school or exam center.