Planning to apply for Direct School Admission (DSA) for your child's Secondary 1 placement in 2026? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the DSA-Sec exercise, including key dates, talent areas, application steps, and portfolio tips.
With SGSchoolKaki's comprehensive DSA database featuring 1,320 programs across 139 schools, we'll help you find the perfect match for your child's talents.
What is DSA (Direct School Admission)?
Direct School Admission (DSA-Sec) allows Primary 6 students to gain early admission to participating secondary schools based on their talents and achievements before their PSLE results are released.
Who is DSA for?
- Students with strong talents in sports, arts, or academics
- Students who want to continue developing a specific interest
- Students seeking schools aligned with their passion
DSA Timeline Comparison
| Milestone | 2025(For 2026 Intake)COMPLETED | 2026(For 2027 Intake)UPCOMING |
|---|---|---|
| Application Opens | 7 May 2025, 11am | Early May 2026 (TBC) |
| Application Closes | 3 June 2025, 3pm | Early June 2026 (TBC) |
| Selection Period | Jun - Aug 2025 | Jun - Aug 2026 (TBC) |
| Results Released | By 4 Sep 2025 | By Sep 2026 (TBC) |
| School Preference Deadline | 31 Oct 2025, 3pm | Late Oct 2026 (TBC) |
| Final Allocation | Late Nov 2025 | Late Nov 2026 (TBC) |
DSA Talent Categories
Sports
Physical Excellence
Performing Arts
Creative Expression
Academic
Intellectual Pursuits
Leadership & UG
Character Building
How to Apply for DSA (7 Steps)
Research Schools & Talent Areas
Use SGSchoolKaki DSA Browser to explore 1,320+ programs across 139 schools. Filter by region, school type, and talent category.
Prepare Portfolio & Certificates
Gather certificates, awards, and evidence of achievements in your chosen talent area. Include CCA records and testimonials.
Log in to DSA-Sec Portal
Access the portal using parent's Singpass when application opens (typically early May). Ensure your child's details are correct.
Select Up to 3 Choices
Choose up to 3 school-talent area combinations. You can apply to the same school for different talents.
Attend Selection Trials/Interviews
Schools will contact shortlisted applicants for trials, auditions, or interviews between June-August.
Receive Results (by early Sep)
Schools will inform you of the outcome: Confirmed Offer (CO), Waiting List (WL), or Unsuccessful.
Submit School Preference (by late Oct)
If you have multiple offers, rank your school preferences on the DSA-Sec Portal by the deadline.
Portfolio Preparation Tips
What to Include
- +Certificates from competitions (national, zonal, school)
- +CCA records and leadership roles
- +External grading certifications (ABRSM, dance grades, etc.)
- +Photos/videos of performances or competitions
- +Testimonials from coaches or teachers
Personal Statement Tips
- *Explain why you're passionate about this talent area
- *Describe specific achievements and what you learned
- *Explain why you want to join this particular school
- *Share your goals for secondary school and beyond
- *Keep it authentic - schools value genuine interest
IP Schools via DSA-Sec Portal
Integrated Programme (IP) schools offer a 6-year through-train to JC without sitting for O-Levels. IP schools may admit up to 30-35% of their intake through DSA, while non-IP schools can admit up to 20%.
IP Schools via DSA-Sec Portal
Schools with Separate Admission (NOT via DSA-Sec Portal)
Only these 2 schools have their own admission process. Apply directly to their websites:
Note: NUS High and SST now use the centralised MOE DSA-Sec Portal.
After Accepting a DSA Offer
Commitment Required
If you accept a DSA offer and are allocated to the school, you are committed to that school for the duration of the programme. You cannot participate in the S1 Posting Exercise.
No School Transfers
Students admitted via DSA cannot transfer to another school after the allocation. Make sure you are certain about your choice.
PSLE Still Required
You still need to sit for PSLE. Your results determine which posting group (G3, G2, G1) you qualify for at your DSA school.
Explore 1,320+ DSA Programs
Use SGSchoolKaki's free DSA Browser to search programs by school, talent area, region, and more. Filter by IP schools, co-ed options, and posting groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many DSA choices can I make?
You can select up to 3 school-talent area combinations. Applying to School A for Basketball and School B for Band uses 2 choices. You can also apply to the same school for 2 different talents, which also uses 2 choices.
What happens if I accept a DSA offer?
If you are successfully allocated to a school via DSA, you cannot participate in the Secondary 1 Posting Exercise. You are also not allowed to transfer to another school after PSLE results are released, as you are expected to honour your commitment.
Do I still need PSLE for DSA?
Yes, admission is conditional. You must sit for PSLE and your results must qualify you for the Posting Group (G3/G2/G1) that the school offers. For IP streams, you generally need to qualify for the G3 posting group.
What is the DSA intake allowance for different school types?
IP schools have a higher DSA allowance (typically 30-35%) compared to non-IP schools (up to 20%). Specialised Independent Schools (SIS) like NUS High can admit up to 100% via DSA.
Which schools have separate admission (not via DSA-Sec Portal)?
Only SOTA and Singapore Sports School have separate admission processes. Apply directly via their websites. All other schools including NUS High and SST now use the centralised MOE DSA-Sec Portal.
Key Takeaways
- You can apply for up to 3 school-talent area combinations
- IP schools admit 30-35% of intake through DSA (non-IP: up to 20%)
- Prepare your portfolio with certificates, achievements, and testimonials
- Accepting a DSA offer is a commitment - no transfers allowed
- Only SOTA and Sports School have separate admission (all others use DSA-Sec Portal)
- Use SGSchoolKaki's DSA Browser to explore 1,320+ programs across 139 schools