Candidates who are not happy about the results they get in their matric examinations can apply for a recheck or remark if they believe they could have performed better. Some individuals thoroughly prepare for their final exams, but the grades they get do not reflect such effort. However, a recheck or remark can resolve all the disputes that may arise if one feels they have been awarded an unfair grade in their matric. This article explains everything about a recheck and a remark.
The Difference Between Matric Recheck and Remark
A remark and recheck are often confused and used interchangeably, but they are different. A remark means your exam script is marked for the second time to ensure you get the marks you deserve. With a remark, the examiner will go through all the answers to check if there are no mistakes.
On the other hand, a recheck does not involve marking the script but just checking the answers to make sure that all answers are marked and the marks are correct. In some cases, mistakes might happen, so these two methods are used to rectify such issues. The figure below outlines the differences between a remark and a recheck of a matric paper.
| Remark | Recheck |
| The exam scrip is marked for the second time | The examiner will only check your script |
| A remark costs about R112 and is subject to change | A recheck is relatively cheaper, R27 |
A remark and recheck might not cause the changes you desire in your matric grades. However, if there are any mistakes, they are rectified, and you get the marks you deserve.
What Is A Remark Matric?
According to the Department of Basic Education (DBE), a remark is a process where a disgruntled candidate applies for their paper to be marked for the second time. If you feel that you got unfair marks in your final exam, you have a legal right to apply for a remark. However, a remark is a bit expensive, so you must have a genuine complaint to avoid wasting your money and time.
What Is a Recheck Matric?
Similarly, a recheck is meant for people who are unhappy about their final results. With a recheck, the examiner simply checks if all the answers are marked and the marks calculated correctly. The examiners don’t check if the answers are correct or wrong, but just to see if they are all marked.
How Do I Apply for a Remark or Recheck?
You can apply for a remark or recheck of your matric exam script online since physical applications are not allowed. Follow the steps below to submit your application for a recheck or remark.
- Visit the Department of Basic Education’s e-Services website on https://www.eservices.gov.za/
- Navigate to the education icon with a graduation cap and tap on it
- Choose the Basic Education option, and you will see several options appear on the screen
- Select the Remark/Recheck option
To submit your application for remark or recheck, you must first create a profile on the eServices website. Applicants should pay a fee for a remark or recheck.
What Is the Difference Between Matric Rewrite and Upgrading?
Individuals who are disgruntled about their matric results have two options to improve them, including a rewrite or matric upgrade. Recent matric graduates from high school who are also below 21 years can consider the option of matric rewrite to improve their results. Applicants are only allowed to rewrite two subjects they have failed in the previous exam.
A rewrite is also known as a supplementary exam where candidates are not allowed to choose new subjects. Supplementary exams are usually written in May and June after the release of November results. Candidates have limited time to register and prepare for the exam, but it is expected that they will use the previous resources and knowledge acquired in school. When you pass your supplementary exams, they will be combined with your previous results.
Upgrading your matric is another option designed to help you improve your grades. However, this method is available to people who are above 21 years. When you choose to upgrade your matric, you do not need to be in school. Instead, a matric upgrade is for adults who want to realize their dreams of acquiring tertiary education to pursue their dream careers.
You can upgrade your matric even if you failed your first exam. Additionally, you can also choose new subjects to write when you upgrade your matric. The marks you get from your matric upgrade exams are combined with your previous results. Both sets of results will be used to calculate your best average grade for each subject, which will appear on your matric certificate.
A matric upgrade comes with many advantages, which include the following:
- Candidates can choose the subjects they are confident with. This helps them to increase their chances of passing.
- You can choose subjects that align with your career goals.
- Candidates can also choose two languages, including their home language.
A matric upgrade is designed in such a way that serious people can easily pass their exams. Adult students can complete their matric in two years if they want, giving them enough time to prepare for the exams. Furthermore, students can also study and work at the same time. However, success is not always guaranteed. You need to work hard to get good passes in your matric via the upgrade program.
If you think that you have been given unfair marks in your matric results, you can apply for a remark or recheck. These options help resolve disputes that may arise when other candidates believe they should get better marks. If these methods fail to resolve the issue, you can improve your matric grades via a rewrite or upgrade. Even if you are an adult, nothing can stop you from pursuing your dream career by obtaining good matric passes in different subjects of your choice.
