If you are unhappy with your Matric or National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, you can apply for a remark or recheck of your papers. A remark means that your exam scripts will be marked for the second time. On the other hand, a recheck means that your scripts are rechecked to ensure there are no mistakes. You need to register first to have your paper remarked or rechecked. Read on to learn everything you need to know about remarking or rechecking your papers.
How to Register for a Matric Remark and Recheck Online
You can register for a remark or recheck of your Matric exam papers online with the Department of Basic Education (DBE). To request this service, you need to register on the e-Gov portal at www.eservices.gov.za to create your account. You will use this account to access the service.
Once you have created the account, you can log in using your username and password. Choose the e-remark or recheck service from the options available. You will receive a one-time pin (OTP) which you must enter to request the service you want. You will receive correspondence via email.
The remarking service costs R110 per subject, while rechecking is R27. After remarking or rechecking your scripts, you can view them after paying a non-refundable fee of R212 per subject. You can get support services via “Online Help” if you want assistance.
How Does Remarking, Rechecking, and Viewing My Paper Work?
A remark is designed to help students who genuinely believe that they were awarded the wrong marks. A different marker marks your paper to ensure that there are no mistakes. A recheck refers to further checking your scripts for mistakes. In some cases, markers might make errors in calculating your marks, and this can only be rectified after a recheck.
If the mark you were awarded does not reflect your effort in the exam, you can apply for a remark. You can view your paper after it has been remarked or rechecked. Students have seven days to view their scripts if they want. If you miss the deadline, you will not be able to see your exam paper. Instructions about a remark or recheck are found on the back of the results statement.
Does Remarking, Rechecking, or Viewing My Exam Paper Improve My Marks?
Remarking, rechecking, or viewing your paper does not necessarily improve your marks. Your marks can even be lowered if the second marker discovers mistakes in your paper. It is recommended that you can only request a remark or recheck when you believe that you have thoroughly prepared for your examinations.
If you were not struggling with your subjects, you can request a remark or recheck of your paper. Furthermore, if your exam sitting was not difficult, you can also request a recheck or remark on your paper to improve your marks. You need to check your class assignments and tests to see if your marks are good. School-based assessments significantly contribute to the final results that you will get in your Matric.
If you want good grades in your exams, it is recommended that you must work hard to avoid reliance on remarks or rechecking, which might not improve your marks. Other options you can consider to improve your marks include a rewrite or upgrade of your Matric results. If you are above 21 years, a Matric upgrade is the best option to give you better results. You can change your subjects so that you can get better marks.
Which One Is Better, Rechecking or Remarking?
Both exam remarks and rechecks are good, depending on how you view your results. If the marks do not add up, a recheck will be appropriate. Rechecking your paper is relatively cheap, and it gives you closure if you have doubts about your final grade. However, if you want to try your luck, you might be disappointed since remarking or rechecking does not automatically improve your marks.
One thing you should know about a remark is that the second marker might not be lenient, which will likely impact your grade. Once you request a remark on your paper, it shows that you might have doubts about the examination system. Therefore, the second marker will be stricter, which will likely affect the final grade.
Students who are not happy about their Matric results can apply for a remark or recheck of their scripts. Your paper will be marked for the second time by a different marker, or it will be rechecked for errors. However, these options do not always lead to improvement of your marks. Your marks can even go down after a recheck or rewrite of your paper. Therefore, consider these options if you genuinely believe that you deserve better marks.