The Difference Between A Recheck And A Remark

If you failed Matric or you passed, but you are not happy with your results, you can apply for a remark or recheck and an examiner will go through your paper.

A remark and a recheck are almost the same. These are methods used to help students who have reason to believe that their Matric results are not adding. These methods are used to help check to see if students were given unfair marks. This could result in them getting the marks they deserve. Here are the differences between a remark and a recheck:

Remark Recheck 
An examiner marks your paperAn examiner only looks through your paper 
Your paper is remarked to ensure all questions are marked fairlyYour paper is checked to ensure you were given the correct mark allocation
The remark costs R116 per subject. (Fee is likely to change)

The recheck costs R29 per subject. (Fee is likely to change)

Always make sure that you keep updated with the prices, these can change, the prices are available on the DBE website.

What Is A Remark Matric?

A remark is a method used by students who have either passed or failed Matric and wish to get better results. A remark is requested so that the paper can be remarked. The examiner will carefully go through your exam and ensure that the results correlate to your given marks. 

If it does not, the new marks will then replace the ones you have prior. This option should only be considered if you are sure that there has been a mistake. 

What Is A Recheck Matric?

A recheck is a method used by students who have failed Matric or received marks that they are not happy with. They apply for a recheck so that their paper is checked thoroughly to ensure they were given the right mark allocation. 

How Do I Apply For A Remark Or Recheck?

You can apply for a remark or a recheck on the Department of Basic Education e-Services website. Here is the process laid out in easy steps:

Step 1: Browsing The Website

You will need to go to the e-Gov portal to apply for either the recheck or remark for your Matric results. Keep in mind that you should be aware of the prices. Currently, as shown in the table, the recheck is R29, while the remark is set at R116.

Step 2: Registration (if applicable)

If you have not already registered on the portal, you can do so. What you will need to provide is your ID and other personal details. After you have provided all the information the form requires, you will then be sent a One Time Pin (OTP). You have to enter this pin to successfully register. 

Step 3: Login

At this stage, your registration was successful, and you will be able to login with the username and password you created. Please make sure to use a strong password and not to share your details with anyone. 

Step 4: Select An Option

At this point, you should have a clear understanding of the difference between the two options available for checking your marks. You will have the option to select the option that you want. 

Step 5: Confirm Access

The OTP you receive from the DBE will be used at this point. Once you have chosen the option that suits you, you will use the OTP to confirm access to the remark or recheck services that are offered. 

Step 6: Request

You now have access to the services, but what to do next? It is simple, you can now send a request for your selected subjects to be either remarked by the examiner or rechecked. Please make sure the subjects you indicate are correct. 

Step 7: Declaration

As with any service, you probably saw terms and conditions or declarations of some sort. Using this service does involve checking to see if you have provided the correct information. At this point, you will need to sign a declaration stating that the information you have provided is correct.  

Step 8: Feedback

You will get feedback on the status of your request. That will be sent in the form of an email. Be sure to always check your emails, to ensure that you are up-to-date.

Step 9: Results

Once they have completed the recheck or remarked your results. You will then receive a results letter. 

What Is A Supplementary Exam?

A supplementary exam is also known as the Second Chance Programme or the Matric Rewrite. This is an exam taken by students who failed or missed their Matric final examinations. The exam helps students gain a second chance to improve their results and earn a Matric Certificate that can be valued by universities and employers. 

Where Do I Supplement My Matric?

You can rewrite your Matric at the Matric College. Choosing us will allow you to not feel isolated with our study groups and exam preparation groups. We also provide our students with tutors to help them progress faster.  There are however other options to consider: 

How Many Times Can You Rewrite Matric?

You can rewrite your Matric through the Department of Basic Education as many times as possible, just as long as you are younger than the age of 21. However, you should dedicate yourself to studying hard, so that you only rewrite once. 

If you feel you want to enter a specialised course. You could take our Matric equivalent courses that will help you gain entry into our ICB courses.

Where Can I Check My Matric Results Online?

You can check your results online through the Department of Basic Education (DBE) website this way: 

  • Search the DBE website 
  • Click on examination results 
  • Click on the NSC exam results 
  • Put in your exam number 
  • Put in more details required 
  • Click on the search button 
  • Your results will appear 

Is Upgrading Matric Results A Good Thing?

Yes, upgrading your Matric results is a good idea. You can do this at Matric College. We have the Matric Upgrade course which is best for improving your results. You can study whether you failed or passed Matric. To study, these are the requirements you must meet: 

  • You must have an incomplete Matric result or
  • Your final Matric results
  • Passed or failed Matric
  • Willing to study through distance learning

What Is The Difference Between Matric Rewrite And Upgrading?

These are the differences between a Rewrite Matric and an Upgrade Matric. Aside from them both as a means to improve students’ results and opportunities, they are similar and yet different. Below, you will find a table that compares these options side by side:

Matric Supplementary/ Second Chance Programme/ Rewrite Matric Matric Upgrade 
Rewrites can be done through the Department of Basic EducationIt is possible to upgrade through a distance learning college such as Matric College
You can only rewrite subjects from your previous exam sittingYou can choose to upgrade a minimum of four (4) new subjects 
You have minimum academic supportYou have tutors, study guides, Grade12 past papers and memorandums as well as course experts to assist you

Why Upgrade My Matric Through Matric College?

High marks gains the attention of many people, including employers. That is why we encourage students to aim for the highest Matric pass. Here are some benefits you should consider when it comes to improving your Matric results: 

  • You can study at university 
  • You gain admission to bursaries 
  • You gain acceptance into internships 
  • You gain acceptance into learnerships 
  • You feel more confident in yourself 
  • You can inspire other students 

Benefits Of Improved Matric Results

  • You are able to study at university 
  • You gain admission to bursaries 
  • You gain acceptance into internships 
  • You gain acceptance into learnerships 
  • You feel more confident in yourself 
  • You are able to inspire other students 

What Can I Study If I Failed Matric?

If you failed Matric, you have other options to follow. You can study the following courses at Matric College: 

Rewrite Matric Course

The Rewrite Matric Course is a second chance course offered to students who failed Matric. Through this course, you have a chance to improve your results. You also have a chance to choose a minimum of four subjects that are all new. This is a good way to study something you may find less complicated. 

For example, if you always wanted to study Accounting instead of Geography, you have the chance to change that. Our Course Experts are also available to help you choose the right subjects for you.

ICB Courses

ICB Courses are business-related courses that equip you with skills and knowledge that get you work-ready. These courses are accredited by the ICB and awarded by FASSET. This makes you gain recognition when you look for employment or further your studies. 

ICB Courses also offer skills that are in demand in South Africa. This makes you a desirable candidate to employers when you look for work. The reason for this is that very few people have your type of skills. Here are the ICB courses we offer: 

Short Courses

Short Courses are courses that focus on skills that are good for the working environment. These courses offer skills that can be used to start a business or find employment. If you want to gain a qualification that is quick and easy, these are the courses you should study. Below is a list of the Short Courses we offer at Matric College: 

Adult Matric Course

The Adult Matric Course is knowledge-based. You learn different subjects that all equip you into a candidate desired by universities. This course prepares you for university. You study the course to gain a Matric Certificate. You can study if you are 21 years or older, but some students choose to start studying at 19 years old. 

What Level NQF Is Matric?

A Matric Certificate is at National Qualification Framework (NQF) Level 4. This is a qualification that is registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). This means you can use a Matric Certificate to further your academics or find employment anywhere in South Africa. You will have a better chance of being accepted because you have a registered qualification. 

How Can I Pass Matric?

Bachelor’s Degree Pass Level

  • A minimum of 40% in your home language 
  • A minimum of 50% in four subjects 
  • A minimum of 30% in two other subjects 

Diploma Pass Level

  • A minimum of 40% in your home language 
  • A minimum of 40% in four subjects 
  • A minimum of 30% in two other subjects 

Higher Certificate Pass Level

  • A minimum of 40% in your home language 
  • A minimum of  40% in two subjects 
  • A minimum of 30% in three other subjects 

National Senior Certificate Pass Level

  • A minimum of 40% in your home language 
  • A minimum of 40% in two other subjects 
  • A minimum of 30% in three other subjects 

Always make sure to stay updated with the pass requirements!

People Also Ask

This depends. It is highly possible that your marks can be lowered if the examiner finds that one of your answers is incorrect. However, choosing to remark on your paper could increase if some answers were indeed answered correctly. 

We would recommend that, unless you are sure that the examiner made a mistake. Rather, opt for a rewrite instead. You can complete a Matric Rewrite with us at an affordable price!

This depends on the volume of requests. Sometimes it can take from a few weeks to a month or more. Always remember to follow up if you find your results are taking too long. 

You will need to create a profile on the DBE services portal if you do not have one already. After that, you can access the services and choose the remarking option. You will have to pay the current fee of R116. 

Once you have requested the services along with the subjects you choose, you will be in a waiting period. Results should not take too long, but be mindful that there might be instances that could increase the duration. 

If you have written your exam in more than one sitting. You would naturally have two sets of results. These results are then combined to provide you with a new Matric certificate.

Currently, the remark services are priced at R116. This is subject to change, so always visit the DBE to make sure that you are aware of the costs involved. We recommend that a rewrite might be a more appropriate choice if you have not passed successfully. Not only will this help you improve your results, but you will be able to revisit topics you struggle with. 

Author: Mulisa Nethononda 
Editor: Razeen Dollie
Date: June 15, 2022