For the first time, Zimsec said candidates and their school authorities could access the results on its website, zimsec.co.zw.
But candidates checking the website were being welcomed by an error message: "The server is temporarily unable to service your request due to maintenance downtime or capacity problems. Please try again later."
The facility, according to Zimsec, allows candidates to view their results online but does not permit them to print.
Candidates still need to physically pick-up their results from their examination centres.
Out of service … The Zimsec website when accessed on Wednesday
Zimsec, in a statement, said the pass rate rose from 28.7 percent from November 2017 to 32.83 percent last year – the highest it has ever been.
Of the 162,541 candidates who sat at least five or more subjects, 50,664 obtained Grade C or better in five or more subjects, the examinations body said.
The November 2018 Ordinary Level exams were the first under the new curriculum.
