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for Sec 2 parents and students, before the option form

Sec 3 Subject Combination: How to Choose Your Child’s Subjects Under Full SBB

  • 63 subjects mapped
  • 11 schools' own rules
  • 34 official sources
  • Checked 2026-10-24
Two Sec 2 students sorting subject cards to choose their Sec 3 subject combination

If you only read one thing: JC needs five G3 subjects that fill L1 and R1 to R4, plus a G3 Maths subject. Polytechnic Year 1 needs four G3 subjects and a fifth at G2 or G3. Additional Maths, pure sciences and 7 or 8 subjects are not required for JC entry.

Under Full SBB your child picks subjects and a level (G1, G2 or G3) for each. To keep JC open they need 5 G3 subjects that fill L1 and R1 to R4, plus G3 Maths or Additional Maths. Polytechnic Year 1 needs English and three more subjects at G3, plus a fifth at G2 or G3.

Valid for the 2026 option exerciseSec 2 in 2026, Sec 3 in 2027. Facts from MOE, SEAB and each school’s own documents, each with its source and date. Last checked 2026-10-24.

Where you are now in a typical school year

  1. 1Term 1 to 3Briefings and subject talks
  2. 2Late Sep to early OctEnd-of-year exams
  3. 3Mid to late OctOption formyou are here
  4. 4Early to mid NovAllocation
  5. 5NovAppeal window

Each school sets its own dates. Full details in the timeline. Source S13S12S6

The answer in 60 seconds

JC needs five G3 subjects that fill L1 and R1 to R4, plus a G3 Maths subject. Polytechnic Year 1 needs four G3 subjects and a fifth at G2 or G3. Additional Maths, pure sciences and 7 or 8 subjects are not required for JC entry.

Three doors after Sec 4: JC and MI, polytechnic Year 1, and PFP or ITE, with what each needs
  1. 1To keep JC and MI open
    5 G3L1, R1 to R4, plus one G3 Maths subject
  2. 2To keep Polytechnic Year 1 open
    4 G3 + 1English, R1, R2 and B1 at G3; B2 at G2 or G3
  3. 3For PFP and ITE 2-Year Higher Nitec
    ELMAB3English, Maths and 3 best subjects, counted at G2
Sec 3 subject combination: which doors stay open? (SGSchoolKaki infographic)

Sec 3 subject combination: which doors stay open?

One-page version to save, print or send to your family chat.

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Does choosing wrongly shut the door to JC?

Is it true that "choosing wrongly shuts the door to JC"? Only partly. The JC door closes when a student ends up with fewer than 5 G3 subjects, or with English, Maths or Humanities below G3, or without a third G3 Humanities, Maths or Science subject for R3, or misses L1R4 of 16. Those outcomes depend mostly on Sec 2 results and the school's level criteria, not on the elective picked on the form. Electives such as Additional Math or pure sciences mostly decide which JC subjects can be taken, not whether the child gets in. One real risk: combinations are generally fixed once allocated. Another: overloading can lower grades.

  • Naval Base: combinations are final.S12
    “” Show the exact words“subject combinations are finalised upon allocation - mid-course changes are not possible” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • Jurong: overloading.S11
    “” Show the exact words“Taking a subject load that exceeds a student's optimal capacity leads to burnout and depressed aggregate scores across all subjects” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
Show the detail behind each answer, with sources

To keep JC open

You need at least 5 subjects at G3 that fill MOE's five slots: L1 = G3 English or Higher Mother Tongue (MOE works out L1R4 both ways and uses the better score), and G3 English at A1 to C6 is still required in every case; a G3 Humanities subject (R1), a G3 Maths or Science subject (R2), one more G3 Humanities, Maths or Science subject (R3), and any fifth G3 subject (R4). You must also have G3 Mathematics or Additional Mathematics at A1 to D7. Mother Tongue only needs a pass, at any level (G3 D7, G2 grade 5, G1 D). L1R4 gross must be 16 or less.

  • All G3.M2
    “” Show the exact words“All subjects used in aggregate score computation for JC and MI admissions must be taken at G3.” (28 Jul 2026)
  • L1.M2
    “” Show the exact words“G3 English or Higher Mother Tongue Language” (28 Jul 2026)
  • English minimum.M2
    “” Show the exact words“G3 English Language” (28 Jul 2026)
  • Maths minimum.M2
    “” Show the exact words“Any 1 Mathematics: G3 Additional Mathematics, G3 Mathematics: A1 to D7” (28 Jul 2026)
  • Cut-off.M2
    “” Show the exact words“Your L1R4 gross aggregate score must not exceed: 16 for JC admission” (28 Jul 2026)

To keep Poly Year 1 open

At least 4 subjects at G3 (English, R1, R2, B1), plus a fifth subject (B2) taken at G2 or G3. ELR2B2 net must be 22 or less (Nursing 24 or less).

  • Levels.M3
    “” Show the exact words“EL, R1, R2 and B1 will use G3 subject grade, while B2 will use G2 equivalent grade” (23 Jun 2026)
  • B2.M3
    “” Show the exact words“2nd best-scoring subject can be taken at either G2 or G3 level” (23 Jun 2026)
  • Cut-off.M3
    “” Show the exact words“Your ELR2B2 net aggregate score must not exceed 22.” (23 Jun 2026)

Not required for JC entry

Additional Math, pure sciences, Triple Science, and 7 or 8 subjects. JC counts only 5 subjects.

  • Five subjects, all G3.M2
    “” Show the exact words“All subjects used in aggregate score computation for JC and MI admissions must be taken at G3.” (28 Jul 2026)
  • Maths rule.M2
    “” Show the exact words“Any 1 Mathematics: G3 Additional Mathematics, G3 Mathematics: A1 to D7” (28 Jul 2026)
  • Naval Base.S12
    “” Show the exact words“No, Additional Mathematics is not compulsory for either JC/MI or polytechnic admission.” (checked 24 Oct 2026)

What these choices do affect

Which H2 subjects your child can take in JC. Some JCs (for example Hwa Chong) assume Additional Math for H2 Math, and National JC and Eunoia set a higher indicative grade for Combined Science students who want H2 sciences. These JC lines are still in O-Level wording.

  • Hwa Chong.J2
    “” Show the exact words“Assumed knowledge of O-Level Additional Math or equivalent” (26 Aug 2026)
  • National JC.J1
    “” Show the exact words“B3 in the corresponding Pure Science subject at O-Level; or A2 in O-Level Combined Science” (28 Aug 2026)
  • Eunoia JC.J4
    “” Show the exact words“B3 for the respective subject” (2026 (SCOPE 2026 booklet))

What do G1, G2, G3 and Full SBB mean?

From the 2024 Sec 1 cohort the Express, Normal (Academic) and Normal (Technical) streams are removed. Each subject is taken at G1, G2 or G3, and the GCE O-Level is treated as equivalent to G3.

The system in six facts

  • Streams are removed from the 2024 Sec 1 cohort.M10
    “” Show the exact words“Starting from the 2024 Secondary 1 cohort, the Normal (Technical), Normal (Academic) and Express streams will be removed.” (29 Sep 2026)
  • G3 corresponds to the old O-Level standard.M2
    “” Show the exact words“GCE O-Level will be considered as equivalent to G3” (28 Jul 2026)
  • The SEC replaces the O- and N-Levels.M7
    “” Show the exact words“In 2027, the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate Education (GCE) for the N(T), N(A) and Ordinary Levels will be combined” (14 May 2026)
  • SEC grades by level.M7
    “” Show the exact words“G1 - Grades A, B, C, D and E / G2 - Grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 / G3 – Grades A1, A2, B3, B4, C5, C6, D7, E8, 9” (14 May 2026)
  • One certificate, all levels.M7
    “” Show the exact words“Candidates will receive a single examination certificate that reflects all the subjects taken at the different levels” (14 May 2026)
  • Five compulsory upper-secondary subjects.M9
    “” Show the exact words“Upper secondary elective subjects are subjects that students can choose to offer in addition to the five compulsory subjects, English Language, Mother Tongue Languages, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities.” (Nov 2025 to Jan 2026)

For how Sec 1 posting groups work, read Posting Groups 1, 2 and 3 explained. For the exam change, read how the SEC replaces the O-Levels.

Which year is this?

The 2026 exercise: students in Sec 2 in 2026 are the second Full SBB cohort. They are in Sec 3 in 2027, sit the SEC in 2028 and apply after secondary school in early 2029 (worked out from MOE dates, not a sentence MOE published). MOE's published criteria are headed "starting from 2028 PSE" and MOE says to check again in mid-2027. The rules on this page are the current MOE criteria (from 2028).our reading

  • Heading of MOE's criteria.M2
    “” Show the exact words“Admission criteria starting from 2028 PSE” (28 Jul 2026)
  • Check again in mid-2027.not yet confirmedM2
    “” Show the exact words“Revisit these pages in mid-2027” (28 Jul 2026)
  • SEC results timing.M8
    “” Show the exact words“will receive their SEC results at the same time in January 2028” (3 Mar 2026)

Words you will hear

Plain meanings first. Where MOE or SEAB does not define a word, the entry says so.

Levels and the system
Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB)
From Sec 1 in 2024 there are no more Express, Normal (Academic) or Normal (Technical) classes. Each subject is taken at G1, G2 or G3, so a child can be G3 in Maths and G2 in Humanities.MOE gives no one-line definition of Full SBB; the quote is the closest.Source M10
G1, G2 and G3
Three levels of the same subject. G3 is the most demanding (the old O-Level standard), G2 is the old N(A), G1 is the old N(T).SEAB says G1/G2/G3 share the grading structure and standards of the old exams. The word "equivalent" comes from the admission pages.Source M10M2M3M5M7
Subject levelnot an official term
Which of G1, G2 or G3 a child takes a particular subject at.MOE leaves "subject level" undefined.Source M7
More demanding / less demanding level
Moving a subject up (for example G2 to G3) or down (G3 to G2). Schools decide who is eligible.MOE sets no national cut-off; schools decide eligibility.Source M9
SEC (Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate)
The new national exam certificate from 2027. It replaces the separate N-Level and O-Level papers and lists each subject with its level.Cohort timing is worked out by us from MOE dates, not quoted: the 2024 Sec 1 cohort sits SEC in 2027 (results mid-Jan 2028, PSE 2028). Students in Sec 2 in 2026 sit SEC in 2028 and apply in early 2029. MOE has published criteria only "starting from 2028 PSE" and says to check again in mid-2027.Source M7
Express, Normal (Academic) and Normal (Technical)
The three secondary courses (streams) that Full SBB removes. Posting Groups only decide which secondary school a child enters.Source M9
Posting Group 1, 2 and 3
Three PSLE-score bands used only to place a Sec 1 child in a school.Source M9
Mixed form class
A form class that mixes children from all Posting Groups. Whether Sec 3 and 4 classes stay mixed is left to each school.Source M9
Common Curriculum
Six subjects children attend together in their mixed form classes: Art, CCE, D&T, Food and Consumer Education, Music and PE.Source M9
PSE (Post-Secondary Admissions Exercise)
The single application exercise from 2028 for JC, MI, polytechnic (including PFP) and ITE. It replaces the old JAE, the PFP admissions exercise and the ITE Joint Intake Exercise.MOE's Infosheet 1 (6 Mar 2025) still says "JAE" because it predates the rename.Source M5
Subjects
Humanities
The "social subjects" bucket: Geography, History, Literature and Social Studies (always paired inside a combined paper). For JC, MOE's own Humanities list is longer and stranger than parents expect: it includes Higher Art, Higher Music, Chinese and Malay (Special Programme) and Bahasa Indonesia (3rd Language). Economics is NOT in it: MOE lists Economics under "Others".MOE has no sentence that defines "Humanities"; it defines it only by list, and the lists differ by institution.Source M2M9
Pure Humanities (our term)not an official term
Geography, History or Literature taken as a full, stand-alone subject. It counts as one subject and can fill R1 or R3.MOE does not use the phrase "pure Humanities". The stand-alone titles are SEAB's Geography, History and Literature in English / Chinese / Malay / Tamil.Source
Combined Humanitiesnot an official term
Social Studies plus one other humanity in a single combined paper, taken as ONE subject. SEAB lists six G3 titles: Social Studies with Geography, History, Literature in English, Literature in Chinese, Literature in Malay or Literature in Tamil. Only the first three are offered at G2.SEAB's 2027 lists have no title literally named "Combined Humanities", yet SEAB's own SEC page example reads "G2 Combined Humanities / 2" and MOE's polytechnic PDF uses "Combined Humanities". MOE's JC page uses a slash, SEAB a comma. Schools call the second half the "elective" and some bar the matching pure subject; that is a school rule, not MOE's.Source M7M2
Does a combined paper count as one subject or two?not an official term
Each combined paper (Combined Humanities, Combined Science) is ONE line in MOE's lists, so it fills ONE slot. Two separate pure subjects fill two slots.MOE never says "counts as one subject" in words, and does not spell out whether a combined Humanities and a pure Humanities may fill R1 and R3 together, or two pure sciences R2 and R3. This is our reading of the list structure, not a quote.Source M2
Social Studies
The civics-and-society subject. At G2 and G3 it is taken only inside a combined Humanities paper; there is no stand-alone SEC paper. At G1 it sits inside G1 Humanities, which is non-examinable.SEAB lists no stand-alone Social Studies at G1, G2 or G3.Source M11M9
Literature in English / Chinese / Malay / Tamil
The literature subjects. Each counts as a Humanities subject for admission. Literature in English exists at G2 and G3; the other three at G3 only.Source M2
Science: general, combined and purenot an official term
Pure Science = Physics, Chemistry, Biology, each a full subject (G3 only). Combined Science = one paper blending two of the three, for example Science (Physics, Chemistry) (G2 or G3). General Science = just "Science", G1 only. Schools also say single, double and triple science.MOE does not define pure, combined, double, triple or single science. Those are school words. SEAB writes a comma, MOE a slash, and the polytechnic PDF "Science (Phy,Chem)".Source M2
Mathematics vs Additional Mathematics
Mathematics is the core paper. Additional Mathematics is a harder add-on, optional, offered at G2 and G3. For JC admission you need one G3 Maths subject, Mathematics or Additional Mathematics, at A1 to D7. Additional Mathematics is not required.MOE says nothing about which JC H2 subjects need Additional Mathematics; that is each JC's own prerequisite.Source M2M4
Mother Tongue (MTL), Higher Mother Tongue (HMTL), MTL 'B' and MTL-in-lieu
MTL = Chinese, Malay or Tamil at G1, G2 or G3. HMTL = Higher Chinese, Malay or Tamil at G3 (an L1 option). MTL-in-lieu = an MOE-approved language standing in for Mother Tongue.MOE does not define "H1".Source M2M9
Special Programme and Third Languagenot an official term
Chinese (Special Programme) and Malay (Special Programme) are stronger Mother Tongue tracks; Bahasa Indonesia and Arabic are offered as a "3rd Language". For JC, MOE puts the first three in its Humanities list.No definition of "Special Programme" on any page we checked.Source M2
Applied Subjects (MOE AS and MOE-ITE AS), Design Studies, Biotechnology
Subjects for students with interest and aptitude in a field of applied study. Some are offered only in certain schools.SEAB says 2028 will be the last year of examinations for the MOE Applied Subjects, and 2027 the last for the MOE-ITE Applied Subjects.Source M14
Elective
The word has several meanings. See the table of meanings below this glossary.Source M9
Coursework subject (school term)not an official term
A subject graded partly or wholly on a coursework project (Art, D&T, NFS, ESS, Music at some schools).MOE, SEAB and JC pages are silent. It is a school label.Source S6S10
8th subject (school term)not an official term
An extra subject on top of seven, usually for the strongest students. JC counts only five G3 subjects.No MOE term.Source S11S1
Subject combination and examinable subjectnot an official term
A subject combination is the particular set of subjects (and levels) a school lets a child choose for Sec 3 and 4. An examinable subject has a national SEC paper.MOE leaves "subject combination" undefined; schools publish their own combinations and set their own minimum class sizes.Source M9S1
Admission scores
Aggregate score: gross and net
Add the grades (lower is better). Gross = before bonus points. Net = gross minus bonus points, and net is what ranks a child in posting. We use "gross" and "net" with parents.Some school documents use other words for the gross score; MOE uses "gross".Source M5
L1R4 (JC and MI)
Five subjects count: L1 (English or Higher Mother Tongue) plus four Relevant subjects R1 to R4, all G3. The total must not exceed 16 for JC and 20 for MI (gross). It replaces L1R5 (cut-off 20) from the 2028 PSE.Points per grade for L1R4 are not printed in the MOE page text we checked, so we state no grade-to-point scale. MOE does not say whether Physics and Chemistry may fill R2 and R3 together.Source M2M1
L1, R1, R2, R3 and R4
L1 = first-language slot. R1 = best Humanities subject. R2 = best Maths or Science subject. R3 = best of any Humanities, Maths or Science subject. R4 = best other G3 subject from any list, including "Others".MOE does not expand "L1" or "R" beyond "First Language (L1) + Relevant Subject 1 (R1)".Source M2
L1R5 (the old JC aggregate)
The JC aggregate for O-Level students: six subjects counted, cut-off 20. Still used for the 2026 JAE.Source M2M1
ELR2B2 (polytechnic) and ELR2B2-A, B, C, D
English + 2 Relevant subjects + 2 Best subjects. At least four of the five are G3 and the 2nd best subject (B2) can be G2 (converted). Cut-off 22 (Nursing 24). Four versions, A to D, depending on the course's field.MOE's subject groups are published only as a PDF with O-Level names, labelled "based on 2026 JAE". MOE says SEC students should check back in mid-2027. The SEC-era relevant-subject groups are not published.Source M3
ELMAB3 (PFP and ITE 2-Year Higher Nitec)
English + Maths + 3 Best subjects, all converted to G2-equivalent grades. Cut-offs: PFP gross 12 or less; ITE 2-Year Higher Nitec gross 19 or less.Course and cluster minimum entry requirements for 2028 are not yet published.Source M4M5
ITE 3-Year Higher Nitec aggregates (R2B2, R1B3-A/B/C, B4)
ITE's own aggregate types. The grade requirement applies only to R1, R2 and B1 (R2B2) or R1, B1 and B2 (R1B3-A/B/C). The last slot has no grade requirement, and B4 has none. One 9 does not by itself rule a child out.Source M5
ELB3 and MAB3 (5th-year criteria)
Used only in the fifth-year criteria. MOE does not expand ELB3 or MAB3.Source M5
Grade mapping (G3 to G2 to G1)
How a G3 grade is converted to its G2-equivalent grade for polytechnic, PFP and ITE.Source M7
CCA bonus points, the bonus cap and the Language Elective Programme
A CCA grade of Excellent is worth 2 bonus points and Good is worth 1, taken off the gross score. JC also gives bonus points for language and special-programme grades and for an affiliated JC, capped at 3 in total. A JC Language Elective Programme place adds 2 more, outside the cap. Polytechnic, PFP and ITE take CCA only.Only the Excellent = 2 and Good = 1 CCA points are stated as fact here; any other CCA grading detail is not confirmed.Source M2M1M3
Affiliated JC
A bonus for Sec 4 and 5 students graduating from affiliated secondary schools. It applies to the 1st choice only, or the first two choices only.Source M2
Minimum entry requirements (MER)
The extra subject grades a specific polytechnic or ITE course demands on top of the aggregate.MOE does not define MER further.Source M3
Conditional admission
A route for students who miss the minimum subject grades for JC or MI.The page gives no details.Source M2
5th year (secondary)
An extra year at secondary school for students who meet one of MOE's two routes.Source M5
How schools run it
Subject option / placement / allocation exercisenot an official term
The Sec 2 to Sec 3 process: briefings, a rank-ordered option form, allocation and appeals. Seats are given by merit and choice, subject to vacancies. Merit comes first at schools that explain it.MOE has no page for this exercise; each school runs its own.Source S6S12
Option form (All Ears, Parents Gateway)not an official term
The online form where the child ranks combinations.Source S7S6
Appealnot an official term
A short window to ask for a different combination, set by each school and depending on space.Source S6
Combination (A, B, C or Form D / A / M)not an official term
A pre-packaged set of subjects and levels.Source S2
Common academic requirementnot an official term
A school's pass rule for keeping levels.Source S1
ELMA of 6 or betternot an official term
A school criterion for an 8th subject: English plus Maths at G3 totalling 6 or better. Not an MOE aggregate.Source S1
ECG (Education and Career Guidance)not an official term
School counselling about pathways. Our evidence for some wording is an unattributed Sec 3 ECG parent-talk deck on the Isomer government file host; no school or date is named.Source M12
Moving up a level (MDL)not an official term
Taking a subject at a harder level, often needing about 75%. A school rule.Source S12S1
Lateral transfer
The old name for moving all subjects up to a harder course.Source M9
Single, double and triple science; double Humanitiesnot an official term
School labels for how many sciences or humanities are taken. Single or combined science = one combined science (1 subject). Double Science = two pure sciences, usually Chemistry plus Physics or Biology (2 subjects). Triple Science = all three pure sciences (3 subjects).MOE is silent on these labels.Source S6

What “elective” can mean

  • MOE upper-secondary elective subject: Any subject taken in addition to the five compulsory ones. Source M9 · Nov 2025 to Jan 2026
  • "Elective Humanities" or elective Geography, History, Literature (school): The second half of a combined Humanities paper, or a second Humanities subject beyond the compulsory one. MOE does not use the phrase "elective Humanities". Source S5 · checked 24 Oct 2026
  • JC "Elective Programme": A programme, not a subject: the Chinese, Malay or Tamil Language Elective Programme at selected JCs, worth +2 bonus points outside the cap. Source M1 · 6 Mar 2025
  • School "Elective 1 / Elective 2" in a combination: A choice slot on the school's subject option form. School-specific. Source S10 · 1 Oct 2026
  • The 7th or 8th subject: A subject beyond the core. See "8th subject".
  • Polytechnic or JC "elective modules": Later-stage modules inside a diploma or A-Level course. Not a Sec 3 term.

The subject bucket: where every subject fits

MOE sorts subjects into five lists, and each list can fill only certain JC slots. First the five boxes, then which list fills which box. Every subject is also in the full table underneath.

Step 1: five boxes to fill

JC and MI admission (L1R4) puts one best-scoring G3 subject in each box.

Five boxes your child's Sec 3 subjects must fill for JC: L1, R1, R2, R3 and R4
L1R4: the five boxes JC and MI admission fills, each with one best-scoring G3 subject.
  1. 1L1
    L1 = G3 English or Higher Mother Tongue. MOE works out L1R4 both ways and uses the better score, and G3 English at A1 to C6 is still required in every case. M2
  2. 2R1
    R1 = best G3 Humanities subject. M2
  3. 3R2
    R2 = best G3 Maths or Science subject. M2
  4. 4R3
    R3 = best G3 subject from Humanities, Maths or Science. M2
  5. 5R4
    R4 = any other best-scoring G3 subject, including MOE's "Others" list. Religious Knowledge cannot be used. M2
L1R4 explained: the 5 boxes your Sec 3 subjects fill (SGSchoolKaki infographic)

L1R4 explained: the 5 boxes your Sec 3 subjects fill

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Step 2: which basket can fill which box

Every subject sits in one of MOE’s five lists. The number in brackets is how many subjects are on that list.

MOE's five subject lists for JC admission shown as five baskets: L1, Humanities, Mathematics, Science and Others
  1. 1L1 languages (4)
    Fills: L1e.g. English Language, Higher Chinese Language, Higher Malay Language…M2
  2. 2Humanities (17)
    Fills: R1R3R4e.g. Geography, History, Literature in English…M2
  3. 3Mathematics (2)
    Fills: R2R3R4e.g. Mathematics, Additional MathematicsM2
  4. 4Science (6)
    Fills: R2R3R4e.g. Physics, Chemistry, Biology…M2
  5. 5Others (28)
    Fills: R4e.g. Chinese Language, Malay Language, Tamil Language…M2
MOE’s 5 subject lists: which subject fills which L1R4 box (SGSchoolKaki infographic)

MOE’s 5 subject lists: which subject fills which L1R4 box

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Show every subject, grouped by family (Humanities, sciences, arts, POA and more)

Humanities

MOE's Humanities list, plus Economics, which MOE puts under "Others".

JC/MI slots (G3 only):
R1R3R4
Poly groups:
A: R1, A: R2, B: R2, D: R2
  • Chinese (Special Programme) G3R1 R3 R4
  • Malay (Special Programme) G3R1 R3 R4
  • Bahasa Indonesia as a 3rd Language G3R1 R3 R4
  • Geography G2G3R1 R3 R4
  • History G2G3R1 R3 R4
  • Literature in English G2G3R1 R3 R4
  • Literature in Chinese G3R1 R3 R4
  • Literature in Malay G3R1 R3 R4
  • Literature in Tamil G3R1 R3 R4
  • Humanities (Social Studies, Geography) G2G3R1 R3 R4
  • Humanities (Social Studies, History) G2G3R1 R3 R4
  • Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in English) G2G3R1 R3 R4
  • Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in Chinese) G3R1 R3 R4
  • Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in Malay) G3R1 R3 R4
  • Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in Tamil) G3R1 R3 R4
  • Social Studies (on its own) no stand-alone paper
  • Humanities (G1, Social Studies plus Humanities Exposure Modules) G1
  • Higher Art G3R1 R3 R4
  • Higher Music G3R1 R3 R4
  • Economics G3R4

Pure Science

Each science as its own subject.

JC/MI slots (G3 only):
R2R3R4
Poly groups:
C: R2, D: R2
  • Physics G3R2 R3 R4
  • Chemistry G3R2 R3 R4
  • Biology G3R2 R3 R4

Combined Science

Two sciences in one subject, plus general Science at G1.

JC/MI slots (G3 only):
R2R3R4
Poly groups:
C: R2, D: R2
  • Science (Physics, Chemistry) G2G3R2 R3 R4
  • Science (Physics, Biology) G2G3R2 R3 R4
  • Science (Chemistry, Biology) G2G3R2 R3 R4
  • Science G1

Arts

Art, Music, Drama, Design.

JC/MI slots (G3 only):
R4
Poly groups:
A: R1, A: R2, B: R2, C: R2, D: R2
  • Art G1G2G3R4
  • Music G1G3R4
  • Drama G3R4
  • Design & Technology G1G2G3R4
  • Design Studies G3R4

POA and others

Principles of Accounts, Computing, Business and the applied subjects.

JC/MI slots (G3 only):
R4
Poly groups:
A: R1, A: R2, B: R2, C: R2, D: R2
  • Principles of Accounts G2G3R4
  • Business G3R4
  • Elements of Business Skills G1
  • Computing G1G2G3R4
  • Nutrition and Food Science G1G2G3R4
  • Electronics G3R4
  • Exercise and Sports Science G3R4
  • Biotechnology G3R4
  • MOE-ITE Applied Subjects (Mobile Robotics, Smart Electrical Technology, Retail Operations) G1
  • Religious Knowledge no stand-alone paper

Languages

English and Mother Tongue first (L1 is English or a Higher Mother Tongue).

JC/MI slots (G3 only):
L1R4
Poly groups:
EL, A: R2
  • English Language G1G2G3L1
  • Higher Chinese G3L1
  • Higher Malay G3L1
  • Higher Tamil G3L1
  • Chinese G1G2G3R4
  • Malay G1G2G3R4
  • Tamil G1G2G3R4
  • Arabic as a 3rd Language G3R4
  • Bengali G2G3R4
  • Gujarati G2G3R4
  • Hindi G2G3R4
  • Panjabi G2G3R4
  • Urdu G2G3R4
  • Burmese G3R4
  • Thai G3R4
  • French G3R4
  • German G3R4
  • Japanese G3R4
  • Spanish G3R4

Mathematics

Mathematics and Additional Mathematics.

JC/MI slots (G3 only):
R2R3R4
Poly groups:
A: R2, B, C, D: R1
  • Mathematics G1G2G3R2 R3 R4
  • Additional Mathematics G2G3R2 R3 R4

The odd cases parents ask about

  • Higher ArtJC/MI: Humanities list, so it can be R1. Polytechnic: A1, A2, B2 and D2. Source M2 · 28 Jul 2026
  • Higher MusicJC/MI: Humanities list (R1). Polytechnic: A1, A2, B2. Source M2 · 28 Jul 2026
  • Art and Music (plain)JC/MI: Others only, so R4 only. Polytechnic: A1, A2, B2 (and D2 for Art). Opposite treatment at JC and polytechnic. Source M2 · 28 Jul 2026
  • Chinese / Malay (Special Programme) and Bahasa Indonesia (3rd Language)JC/MI: Humanities list (R1) although they are languages. Polytechnic: none, so best-subject slots only. Source M2 · 28 Jul 2026
  • EconomicsJC/MI: Others (R4 only), not Humanities. Polytechnic: A1, A2, B2. Source M2 · 28 Jul 2026
  • Computing, Principles of Accounts, Design & Technology, Nutrition and Food ScienceJC/MI: Others only (R4). Polytechnic: Computing C2 and D2; POA A2 and B2; D&T A2, C2, D2; NFS A2, C2, D2. Source M2 · 28 Jul 2026
  • Chinese / Malay / Tamil (Mother Tongue)JC/MI: Others (R4), and separately a pass requirement. Polytechnic: A2 only. Source M2 · 28 Jul 2026
  • Mathematics and Additional MathematicsJC/MI: Mathematics list (R2). Polytechnic: A2, and the R1 slot in groups B, C and D. Source M2 · 28 Jul 2026
  • Foreign languages (French, German, Japanese, Spanish and so on)JC/MI: R4 (Others). Polytechnic: none, so best-subject slots only. Source M2 · 28 Jul 2026

“One entry fills one slot” is our reading of MOE’s lists; MOE does not say it in wordsour reading

Show every subject in one table (63 subjects)

Poly groups are the 2026 JAE (O-Level) groups, not yet published for SEC. They use O-Level subject names and are the latest MOE has published.

Every subject, its levels, and where it fits (63 rows)
SubjectLevels offeredMOE listJC/MI slots (G3)Poly groups
2026 JAE (O-Level) groups, not yet published for SEC		NoteSource
English LanguageG1G2G3L1L1ELL1 is G3 English or Higher Mother Tongue (MOE works out L1R4 both ways and uses the better score), and G3 English at A1 to C6 is still required in every case.M2M7M3
Higher ChineseG3L1L1A: R2Higher Mother Tongue grade needs A1 to E8 for JC/MI.M2M7M13
Higher MalayG3L1L1A: R2M2M7M13
Higher TamilG3L1L1A: R2M2M7M13
ChineseG1G2G3OthersR4A: R2Also a grade requirement, not a slot: any one Mother Tongue at G3 A1 to D7, G2 grade 1 to 5 or G1 A to D.M2M7M13
MalayG1G2G3OthersR4A: R2Also a grade requirement, not a slot: any one Mother Tongue at G3 A1 to D7, G2 grade 1 to 5 or G1 A to D.M2M7M13
TamilG1G2G3OthersR4A: R2Also a grade requirement, not a slot: any one Mother Tongue at G3 A1 to D7, G2 grade 1 to 5 or G1 A to D.M2M7M13
Chinese (Special Programme)G3HumanitiesR1R3R4noneMOE puts this language in its Humanities list (a MOE-ruled oddity) and gives a bonus for A1 to C6.M2M7
Malay (Special Programme)G3HumanitiesR1R3R4noneMOE puts this language in its Humanities list (a MOE-ruled oddity) and gives a bonus for A1 to C6.M2M7
Bahasa Indonesia as a 3rd LanguageG3HumanitiesR1R3R4noneMOE puts this language in its Humanities list (a MOE-ruled oddity) and gives a bonus for A1 to C6.M2M7
Arabic as a 3rd LanguageG3OthersR4noneOn MOE's MTL-in-lieu list.M2M7
BengaliG2G3OthersR4noneOn MOE's MTL-in-lieu list.M2M7
GujaratiG2G3OthersR4noneOn MOE's MTL-in-lieu list.M2M7
HindiG2G3OthersR4noneOn MOE's MTL-in-lieu list.M2M7
PanjabiG2G3OthersR4noneMOE writes "Punjabi" on the MTL-in-lieu line and "Panjabi" in the Others list, on the same page. On MOE's MTL-in-lieu list.M2M7
UrduG2G3OthersR4noneOn MOE's MTL-in-lieu list.M2M7
BurmeseG3OthersR4noneOn MOE's MTL-in-lieu list.M2M7
ThaiG3OthersR4noneOn MOE's MTL-in-lieu list.M2M7
FrenchG3OthersR4noneOn MOE's MTL-in-lieu list.M2M7
GermanG3OthersR4noneOn MOE's MTL-in-lieu list.M2M7
JapaneseG3OthersR4noneOn MOE's MTL-in-lieu list.M2M7
SpanishG3OthersR4noneNot on MOE's MTL-in-lieu list.M2M7
MathematicsG1G2G3MathematicsR2R3R4A: R2, B, C, D: R1JC/MI needs one G3 Maths subject, Mathematics or Additional Mathematics, at A1 to D7. PFP and ITE call the slot "MA: Mathematics/Additional Mathematics".M2M7M13
Additional MathematicsG2G3MathematicsR2R3R4A: R2, B, C, D: R1Optional: G3 Mathematics alone meets the Maths grade rule.M2M7M13
PhysicsG3ScienceR2R3R4C: R2, D: R2M2M7M13
ChemistryG3ScienceR2R3R4C: R2, D: R2M2M7M13
BiologyG3ScienceR2R3R4C: R2, D: R2M2M7M13
Science (Physics, Chemistry)G2G3ScienceR2R3R4C: R2, D: R2MOE writes a slash, SEAB a comma. One list line, so one slot.M2M7M13
Science (Physics, Biology)G2G3ScienceR2R3R4C: R2, D: R2MOE writes a slash, SEAB a comma. One list line, so one slot.M2M7M13
Science (Chemistry, Biology)G2G3ScienceR2R3R4C: R2, D: R2MOE writes a slash, SEAB a comma. One list line, so one slot.M2M7M13
ScienceG1not on MOE’s five listsnonenoneGeneral science, G1 only. Cannot be used for JC/MI.M2M7
GeographyG2G3HumanitiesR1R3R4A: R1, A: R2, B: R2M2M7M13
HistoryG2G3HumanitiesR1R3R4A: R1, A: R2, B: R2M2M7M13
Literature in EnglishG2G3HumanitiesR1R3R4A: R1, A: R2, B: R2M2M7M13
Literature in ChineseG3HumanitiesR1R3R4A: R1, A: R2, B: R2M2M7M13
Literature in MalayG3HumanitiesR1R3R4A: R1, A: R2, B: R2M2M7M13
Literature in TamilG3HumanitiesR1R3R4A: R1, A: R2, B: R2M2M7M13
Humanities (Social Studies, Geography)G2G3HumanitiesR1R3R4A: R1, A: R2, B: R2A "combined Humanities" paper: Social Studies plus one other humanity, taken as one subject.M2M7M13
Humanities (Social Studies, History)G2G3HumanitiesR1R3R4A: R1, A: R2, B: R2A "combined Humanities" paper.M2M7M13
Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in English)G2G3HumanitiesR1R3R4A: R1, A: R2, B: R2A "combined Humanities" paper.M2M7M13
Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in Chinese)G3HumanitiesR1R3R4A: R1, A: R2, B: R2A "combined Humanities" paper, G3 only.M2M7M13
Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in Malay)G3HumanitiesR1R3R4A: R1, A: R2, B: R2A "combined Humanities" paper, G3 only.M2M7M13
Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in Tamil)G3HumanitiesR1R3R4A: R1, A: R2, B: R2A "combined Humanities" paper, G3 only.M2M7M13
Social Studies (on its own)nonenot on MOE’s five listsnonenoneThere is no stand-alone Social Studies subject at G2 or G3 on SEAB's lists. Social Studies is examined only inside a "Humanities (Social Studies, X)" paper. At G1 it sits inside G1 Humanities, which is non-examinable.M9
Humanities (G1, Social Studies plus Humanities Exposure Modules)G1not on MOE’s five listsnonenoneG1 Humanities is non-examinable, so it is not usable for JC/MI.M9
Higher ArtG3HumanitiesR1R3R4A: R1, A: R2, B: R2, D: R2MOE puts Higher Art in its Humanities list, so it can be R1. Plain Art is R4 only.M2M7M13
Higher MusicG3HumanitiesR1R3R4A: R1, A: R2, B: R2MOE puts Higher Music in its Humanities list, so it can be R1. Plain Music is R4 only.M2M7M13
EconomicsG3OthersR4A: R1, A: R2, B: R2NOT a Humanities subject for JC: MOE lists Economics under "Others", so R4 only. Offered only in schools approved to offer it.M2M7M13
ArtG1G2G3OthersR4A: R1, A: R2, B: R2, D: R2JC/MI: Others, so R4 only. Polytechnic treats Art as a humanities-type subject (A1/B2). The two institutions differ.M2M7M13
MusicG1G3OthersR4A: R1, A: R2, B: R2SEAB lists Music at G1 and G3 but not G2.M2M7M13
DramaG3OthersR4noneM2M7
Design & TechnologyG1G2G3OthersR4A: R2, C: R2, D: R2M2M7M13
Design StudiesG3OthersR4A: R2, D: R2An Applied Subject offered in approved schools only; SEAB says 2028 will be the last year of examinations.M2M7M13
Principles of AccountsG2G3OthersR4A: R2, B: R2M2M7M13
BusinessG3OthersR4A: R1, A: R2, B: R2Offered in approved schools only. The polytechnic PDF writes "Business Studies".M2M7M13
Elements of Business SkillsG1not on MOE’s five listsnonenoneG1 only; not usable for JC/MI.M2M7
ComputingG1G2G3OthersR4C: R2, D: R2Only G2 Computing is new: G1 replaces N-Level CPA and G3 replaces O-Level Computing.M2M7M13
Nutrition and Food ScienceG1G2G3OthersR4A: R2, C: R2, D: R2Often called NFS. The polytechnic PDF writes "Food & Nutrition".M2M7M13
ElectronicsG3OthersR4C: R2, D: R2M2M7M13
Exercise and Sports ScienceG3OthersR4C: R2Often called ESS.M2M7M13
BiotechnologyG3OthersR4C: R2, D: R2An Applied Subject offered in approved schools only; SEAB says 2028 will be the last year of examinations.M2M7M13
MOE-ITE Applied Subjects (Mobile Robotics, Smart Electrical Technology, Retail Operations)G1not on MOE’s five listsnonenoneG1 only; 2027 is the last year of examinations. Not usable for JC/MI.M2M7
Religious Knowledgenonenot on MOE’s five listsnonenoneExcluded from JC/MI aggregate computation.M2
Which levels each subject is offered at (SEAB 2027 lists)
Offered atSubjects
All three levels (G1, G2, G3)English Language; Mathematics; Chinese / Malay / Tamil; Computing; Nutrition and Food Science; Art; Design & Technology
G2 and G3Additional Mathematics; Literature in English; Geography; History; Humanities (Social Studies, Geography / History / Literature in English); Science (Physics, Chemistry / Physics, Biology / Chemistry, Biology); Principles of Accounts; Bengali; Gujarati; Hindi; Panjabi; Urdu
G3 onlyPhysics; Chemistry; Biology; Higher Chinese / Malay / Tamil; Chinese (Special Programme); Malay (Special Programme); Literature in Chinese / Malay / Tamil; Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in Chinese / Malay / Tamil); Higher Music; Higher Art; Economics; Business; Drama; Electronics; Exercise and Sports Science; Arabic and Bahasa Indonesia (3rd Language); Spanish; Burmese; Thai; French; German; Japanese; Biotechnology; Design Studies
G1 onlyScience (general); Elements of Business Skills; MOE-ITE Applied Subjects
G1 and G3, not G2Music
Source M7 · 12 Oct 2026
Show MOE's five lists, word for word
MOE's five JC/MI subject lists (titles as MOE prints them)
MOE listTitlesSource
L1 (4)English Language; Higher Chinese Language; Higher Malay Language; Higher Tamil LanguageM2 28 Jul 2026
Humanities (17)Bahasa Indonesia as a 3rd Language; Chinese (Special Programme); Geography; Higher Art; Higher Music; History; Humanities (Social Studies/Geography); Humanities (Social Studies/History); Humanities (Social Studies/Literature in Chinese); Humanities (Social Studies/Literature in English); Humanities (Social Studies/Literature in Malay); Humanities (Social Studies/Literature in Tamil); Literature in Chinese; Literature in English; Literature in Malay; Literature in Tamil; Malay (Special Programme)M2 28 Jul 2026
Mathematics (2)Additional Mathematics; MathematicsM2 28 Jul 2026
Science (6)Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Science (Chemistry/Biology); Science (Physics/Biology); Science (Physics/Chemistry)M2 28 Jul 2026
Others (28)Chinese Language; Malay Language; Tamil Language; Arabic as a 3rd Language; Art; Bengali; Biotechnology; Burmese; Business; Computing; Design and Technology; Design Studies; Drama; Economics; Electronics; Exercise and Sports Science; French; German; Gujarati; Hindi; Japanese; Music; Nutrition and Food Science; Principles of Accounts; Panjabi; Spanish; Thai; UrduM2 28 Jul 2026

Which doors does this combination open?

Tick the subjects and levels your child is considering. The tool shows which JC, polytechnic and PFP or ITE slots they can fill. It checks structure only: no grades go in, and it is not an admission guarantee.

This checks which slots your subjects can fill. It is not an admission guarantee; cut-offs and course requirements change yearly. Applicants must also meet each cluster's or course's minimum entry requirements.

This checks which slots your subjects can fill. It is not an admission guarantee; cut-offs and course requirements change yearly. No grades are entered here.

English and Higher Mother Tongue
  • English Language
  • Higher Chinese
  • Higher Malay
  • Higher Tamil
Mother Tongue and other languages
  • Chinese
  • Malay
  • Tamil
Mathematics
  • Mathematics
  • Additional Mathematics
Science
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Science (Physics, Chemistry)
  • Science (Physics, Biology)
  • Science (Chemistry, Biology)
Humanities (MOE list)
  • Chinese (Special Programme)
  • Malay (Special Programme)
  • Bahasa Indonesia as a 3rd Language
  • Geography
  • History
  • Literature in English
  • Literature in Chinese
  • Literature in Malay
  • Literature in Tamil
  • Humanities (Social Studies, Geography)
  • Humanities (Social Studies, History)
  • Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in English)
  • Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in Chinese)
  • Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in Malay)
  • Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in Tamil)
  • Higher Art
  • Higher Music
Everything else (MOE "Others" list)
  • Arabic as a 3rd Language
  • Bengali
  • Gujarati
  • Hindi
  • Panjabi
  • Urdu
  • Burmese
  • Thai
  • French
  • German
  • Japanese
  • Spanish
  • Economics
  • Art
  • Music
  • Drama
  • Design & Technology
  • Design Studies
  • Principles of Accounts
  • Business
  • Computing
  • Nutrition and Food Science
  • Electronics
  • Exercise and Sports Science
  • Biotechnology
0 of 9 subjects ticked

Tick a level for each subject your child is considering (up to 9) to see which doors it keeps open.

Show the same rules as tables (JC, poly, PFP and ITE)

The helper uses exactly these rules. They are printed here so you can read them without the tool.

What a mix of levels keeps open (structure only, not an admission guarantee)
Your child’s subjectsJC / MIPolytechnic Year 1PFPITESource
5 or more G3 (including English, Maths and a Humanities)Yes, if L1R4 is 16 or less (MI 20 or less)Yes, if ELR2B2 is 22 or lessYes, if ELMAB3 is 12 or less (G3 mapped to G2)Yes (2-Year if ELMAB3 is 19 or less; 3-Year by course requirement)M2M3M4M5
4 G3 plus 1 G2 (English at G3)No (all 5 must be G3)Yes, if ELR2B2 is 22 or lessYes, if ELMAB3 is 12 or less, plus the cluster minimum entry requirementYes, if ELMAB3 is 19 or less, plus the course minimum entry requirementM2M3M4M5
Mostly G2 (5 G2)NoNo (English, R1, R2 and B1 must be G3)Yes, if ELMAB3 is 12 or less, plus the cluster minimum entry requirementYes: Year 2 entry if ELMAB3 is 19 or less, plus the course minimum entry requirementM3M4M7
Mostly G1 (4 G1)NoNoNo (G1 is not used for ELMAB3)Yes: Year 1 of 3-year Higher NitecM7M5
  • Naval Base says the same in its own words: admission to JC needs minimum 5 G3 subjects.S12
    “” Show the exact words“Admission to JC G3 subject level, minimum 5G3 subjects” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • Naval Base: admission to Poly Year 1 needs minimum 4 G3 plus 1 G2.S12
    “” Show the exact words“Admission to Poly Y1 G3 subject level, minimum 4G3 + 1G2” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • Naval Base: admission to PFP needs minimum 5 G2. The same slide says the level can be "G2, or G3, or a mix" and that G3 grades are mapped to G2 for PFP, so 5 G2 is a minimum level, not "G2 only".S12
    “” Show the exact words“Admission to PFP G2 subject level, minimum 5G2” (checked 24 Oct 2026)

Polytechnic Year 1: ELR2B2

  • ELR2B2 net = English + 2 Relevant subjects + 2 Best subjects, minus CCA bonus points. At least four of the five are G3; the fifth (B2) can be G2.M3
    “” Show the exact words“ELR2B2 net aggregate score = English Language (EL) + 2 Relevant Subjects (R1, R2) + 2 Best Subjects (B1, B2) minus CCA bonus points” (23 Jun 2026)
  • At least 4 subjects at G3 (English, R1, R2, B1), plus a fifth subject (B2) taken at G2 or G3.M3
    “” Show the exact words“EL, R1, R2 and B1 will use G3 subject grade, while B2 will use G2 equivalent grade” (23 Jun 2026)
  • B2 can be G2 or G3.M3
    “” Show the exact words“2nd best-scoring subject can be taken at either G2 or G3 level” (23 Jun 2026)
  • ELR2B2 net must not exceed 22.M3
    “” Show the exact words“Your ELR2B2 net aggregate score must not exceed 22.” (23 Jun 2026)
  • Diploma in Nursing: ELR2B2-C net must not exceed 24.M3
    “” Show the exact words“For Diploma in Nursing, your ELR2B2-C net aggregate score must not exceed 24.” (23 Jun 2026)
  • G3 to G2-equivalent mapping: A1 to B3 = 1; B4 to C6 = 2; D7 = 3; E8 = 4.M3
    “” Show the exact words“A1 to B3 1 B4 to C6 2 D7 3 E8 4” (23 Jun 2026)
  • G3 grade 9 and G2 grade 5 and 6 cannot be used for ELR2B2.M3
    “” Show the exact words“G3/O-Level grade 9 and G2/N(A)-Level grade 5 and 6 cannot be used” (23 Jun 2026)
  • You must also meet the minimum entry requirements (MER) of the course.M3
    “” Show the exact words“Meet the minimum entry requirements (MER) of the course that you are applying for.” (23 Jun 2026)
  • Course-specific minimum entry requirements for 2028 are not published yet.not yet confirmedM3
    “” Show the exact words“Revisit these pages in mid-2027” (23 Jun 2026)
The four ELR2B2 types (2026 JAE (O-Level) groups, not yet published for SEC)
TypeR1 comes fromR2 comes fromSource
ELR2B2-Aa humanities-type list (Art, Business Studies, Combined Humanities, Economics, Geography, Higher Art, Higher Music, History, the six Humanities (Social Studies, X) titles, Literature subjects, Music and more)a very wide list: all of those plus Additional Mathematics, Mathematics, Chinese, Malay, Tamil, Higher Chinese, Higher Malay, Higher Tamil, Design & Technology, Design Studies, Food & Nutrition and Principles of AccountsM3 2026 JAE (O-Level) groups, not yet published for SEC
ELR2B2-BAdditional Mathematics or Mathematicsthe humanities-type list plus Principles of AccountsM3 2026 JAE (O-Level) groups, not yet published for SEC
ELR2B2-CAdditional Mathematics or Mathematicsa science and applied list (Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Computing, Design & Technology, Food & Nutrition, Electronics, Exercise & Sports Science, Physics, the three combined sciences). Diploma in Nursing uses this type.M3 2026 JAE (O-Level) groups, not yet published for SEC
ELR2B2-DAdditional Mathematics or MathematicsArt, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Computing, Design & Technology, Design Studies, Food & Nutrition, Electronics, Higher Art, Physics and the three combined sciencesM3 2026 JAE (O-Level) groups, not yet published for SEC

PFP and ITE

  • PFP: ELMAB3 gross (G2-equivalent grades) must not exceed 12.M4
    “” Show the exact words“Your ELMAB3 gross aggregate score computed based on G2 equivalent grade must not exceed 12.” (22 Sep 2026)
  • ELMAB3 = English + Maths + 3 Best subjects, all converted to G2-equivalent grades.M4
    “” Show the exact words“ELMAB3 gross aggregate score using G2 equivalent grade = English Language (EL) + Mathematics (MA) + 3 Best Subjects (B1, B2 and B3)” (22 Sep 2026)
  • The Maths subject for ELMAB3 is Mathematics or Additional Mathematics.M4
    “” Show the exact words“MA | Mathematics/Additional Mathematics” (22 Sep 2026)
  • G1 subjects are not used for ELMAB3.M7
    “” Show the exact words“Not mapped (subject is not used for computing ELMAB3)” (14 May 2026)
  • MOE's FAQ describes PFP as a programme to better prepare polytechnic-bound students with G2 or G3 subjects; eligibility is the ELMAB3 up to 12 rule plus the cluster minimum entry requirement.M9
    “” Show the exact words“better prepare polytechnic-bound students with G2 or G3 subjects” (Nov 2025 to Jan 2026)
  • ITE 2-Year Higher Nitec (entry to Year 2): ELMAB3 gross (G2-equivalent) must not exceed 19.M5
    “” Show the exact words“ELMAB3 gross aggregate score computed based on G2 equivalent grade must not exceed 19.” (16 Mar 2026)
  • ITE 3-Year Higher Nitec uses the aggregate types R2B2, R1B3-A/B/C and B4.M5
    “” Show the exact words“R2B2 R1B3-A R1B3-B R1B3-C B4” (16 Mar 2026)
  • G3, G2 and G1 grades are converted to ITE aggregate points.M5
    “” Show the exact words“G3, G2 and G1 grade will be converted to ITE aggregate points” (16 Mar 2026)
  • The ITE 3-Year grade rule applies only to R1, R2 and B1 (R2B2) or R1, B1 and B2 (R1B3-A/B/C). The last slot has no grade requirement, B4 has none.M5
    “” Show the exact words“No grade requirement for B2 subject” (16 Mar 2026)
  • G3 grade 9, G2 grade 6 and G1 grade E can be used for ITE aggregate computation, so one such grade does not by itself rule a child out.M5
    “” Show the exact words“G3 grade 9, G2 grade 6 and G1 grade E can be used for aggregate computation.” (16 Mar 2026)
  • Applicants can combine results from up to two examination years.M5
    “” Show the exact words“Applicants have the flexibility to combine results from up to two examination years of SEC, GCE N-/O-Level or a combination of both, to meet eligibility requirements.” (16 Mar 2026)
  • A fifth year is open to students with 3 or more G3 passes who do not qualify for JC, MI or a polytechnic diploma, among other routes.M5
    “” Show the exact words“3 or more G3 Passes, and not qualify for JC, MI or polytechnic diploma course” (3 Mar 2026)
  • Another fifth-year route: 2 or fewer G3 passes and a gross ELMAB3 of 21 or better, or ELB3 or MAB3 of 14 or better, computed at G2.M5
    “” Show the exact words“2 or fewer G3 Passes, and attain a gross ELMAB3 ≤ 21, ELB3 ≤ 14 or MAB3 ≤ 14, computed at G2” (3 Mar 2026)
  • From 2028 one Post-Secondary Admissions Exercise (PSE) takes applications for JC, MI, polytechnics and ITE.M5
    “” Show the exact words“eligible Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) holders can apply online for admission to courses offered in junior colleges (JC), Millennia Institute (MI), polytechnics, and Institute of Technical Education (ITE)” (22 Sep 2026)

How does the Sec 2 to Sec 3 selection work?

MOE leaves the process to schools. Most schools run a briefing, an option form where students rank choices, allocation by merit and choice subject to vacancies, then a short appeal window that each school sets.

MOE leaves the process to schools.

Source M9 · Nov 2025 to Jan 2026

  1. Step 1.Briefings (Term 1 to 3)

    A parent briefing or seminar, subject talks, and often a trial option exercise that has "no bearing on the actual subject allocation exercise" (Peirce).

    • Peirce.S13
      “” Show the exact words“no bearing on the actual subject allocation exercise” (19 Oct 2026)

  2. Step 2.End-of-year exams (late Sep to early Oct)

    Most schools allocate using the overall Sec 2 results for the whole year. Naval Base: "Allocation will be based on the Overall Results for the year and not solely on the End-of-Year Examination results".

    • Naval Base.S12
      “” Show the exact words“Allocation will be based on the Overall Results for the year and not solely on the End-of-Year Examination results” (checked 24 Oct 2026)

  3. Step 3.Option form (mid to late Oct)

    Usually online via All Ears; students rank their choices. Some schools show only the combinations a student qualifies for. PLMGS: "Only subjects that you are eligible for will display for your rank order".

    • PLMGS.S7
      “” Show the exact words“ONLY options that the students are eligible for will be displayed on the online option portal for selection” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
    • Crescent.S6
      “” Show the exact words“Option Exercise on AllEars portal” (checked 24 Oct 2026)

  4. Step 4.Allocation (early to mid Nov)

    By merit and choice, subject to vacancies. Merit comes first at schools that explain it (Crescent: "The first and most important criterion is a student's academic performance"). Classes need a minimum size: Peirce needs 10 students, at Damai "An elective will only be offered if the number of students is at least 10", PLMGS needs 15, and Pasir Ris may not run combinations with fewer than 15 students.

    • Crescent.S6
      “” Show the exact words“The first and most important criterion is a student's academic performance” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
    • Damai.S2
      “” Show the exact words“An elective will only be offered if the number of students is at least 10” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
    • Peirce.S13
      “” Show the exact words“minimum of 10 students to start a class” (19 Oct 2026)
    • PLMGS.S7
      “” Show the exact words“all options are subjected to minimum of 15 students and maximum of 40 students class size per subject” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
    • Pasir Ris.S3
      “” Show the exact words“Subject Combination with less than 15 students may not be implemented.” (13 Aug 2026)

  5. Step 5.Appeals (a short window set by each school)

    About 1 to 5 days, opening when allocation results come out. Examples from 2026 school documents: Pasir Ris 2 to 3 Nov (6pm); PLMGS 3 to 5 Nov; Naval Base 4 to 8 Nov; St. Patrick's 6 to 10 Nov; Crescent 10 Nov 12pm to 11 Nov 5pm (dates "to be confirmed"); Evergreen 10 Nov 3pm to 12 Nov 12pm; Holy Innocents' 11 to 13 Nov; Damai 13 to 15 Nov. Outcomes range from 10 Nov to the end of November: Pasir Ris 10 Nov, PLMGS 12 Nov, Crescent / Evergreen / Naval Base / St. Patrick's 16 Nov, Holy Innocents' 18 Nov, Damai final results from 20 Nov (appeal by 15 Nov 11.59pm, after results on 13 Nov), Peirce "at the end of November". Check your own school's dates. Approval is case by case and depends on space. Crescent requires the appeal to have "Met the cut-off point". The school table lists each school's dates with its source.

    • Pasir Ris.S3
      “” Show the exact words“2 - 3 November 2026 (6.00pm) Appeal (Online)” (6 Aug 2026)
    • PLMGS.S7
      “” Show the exact words“Appeal period 3 – 5 Nov” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
    • Naval Base.S12
      “” Show the exact words“The appeal can be conducted online from 04 to 08 November after the subject choice results are released.” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
    • St. Patrick's.S9
      “” Show the exact words“6 Nov - 10 Nov Submission of Appeal (if applicable)” (22 Oct 2026)
    • Crescent.S6
      “” Show the exact words“*10 Nov (Mon) 12pm to 11 Nov (Tue) 5pm Submission of Appeal Form (if applicable)” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
    • Holy Innocents'.S14
      “” Show the exact words“11 Nov - 13 Nov Appeal period” (22 Oct 2026)
    • Peirce.S13
      “” Show the exact words“The results of the appeals will only be confirmed and made known to applicants at the end of November.” (19 Oct 2026)
    • Crescent: appeal condition.S6
      “” Show the exact words“Met the cut-off point” (checked 24 Oct 2026)

“The first and most important criterion is a student’s academic performance”

Crescent Girls' School, Sec 3 Subject Placement Info Booklet

Keeping your levels

Several schools use the same "common academic requirement" for keeping levels: "at least 50% (regardless of subject level) in: English Language and 2 subjects, or At least half the total number of examinable subjects offered" (St. Patrick's and Crescent wording; Evergreen: "Pass English Language and 2 subjects OR Pass at least half the total number of examinable subjects offered (minimum 3 subjects)"; PLMGS words it as "Pass EL and 2 subjects, or Pass at least half the total no. of examinable subjects offered"). Students who miss it may have to reduce subjects or take an elective at a less demanding level.

  • St. Patrick's and Crescent.S9
    “” Show the exact words“at least 50% (regardless of subject level) in: English Language and 2 subjects” (22 Oct 2026)
  • Evergreen.S1
    “” Show the exact words“Pass at least half the total number of examinable subjects offered (minimum 3 subjects)” (20 Oct 2026)
  • PLMGS.S7
    “” Show the exact words“Pass at least half the total no. of examinable subjects offered” (checked 24 Oct 2026)

Moving up a level

Moving up a level (MDL = More Demanding Level). The typical bar is 75% in the subject (Evergreen, Naval Base; PLMGS plus a teacher's recommendation). Students already taking a subject at the higher level usually just need to pass it: PLMGS requires "a Pass grade", and Peirce requires "at least C6 (50%)". Moving up late is hard. St. Patrick's: "The runway to adequately prepare the student to switch from G2 to G3 is limited and this can be very stressful".

  • Evergreen.S1
    “” Show the exact words“Eligible students may take selected subjects at MDL if meet criteria: 75% in specific subject” (20 Oct 2026)
  • Naval Base.S12
    “” Show the exact words“Students scoring 75% and above may be offered the option to take the subject at” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • PLMGS.S7
    “” Show the exact words“a Pass grade” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • Peirce.S13
    “” Show the exact words“at least C6 (50%)” (19 Oct 2026)
  • St. Patrick's.S9
    “” Show the exact words“The runway to adequately prepare the student to switch from G2 to G3 is limited and this can be very stressful” (22 Oct 2026)

Pure Science or Combined Science?

All six G3 science subjects are in MOE's L1R4 Science list, so pure or combined does not change JC eligibility. The choice mainly affects which H2 sciences some JCs allow later.

Three kinds of science at Sec 3

  • Science (general)

    General science

    • Science
    Levels
    G1 only
    Counts as
    1 subjectour reading

  • Combined Science

    One subject covering two of the three sciences

    • Science (Physics, Chemistry)
    • Science (Physics, Biology)
    • Science (Chemistry, Biology)
    Levels
    G2 or G3
    Counts as
    1 subjectour reading

  • Pure Science

    Each science as a full subject on its own

    • Physics
    • Chemistry
    • Biology
    Levels
    G3 only
    Counts as
    1 subject eachour reading

SEAB G1/G2/G3 syllabus lists for 2027; "counts as" is our reading of MOE's L1R4 list. Source M7 · 12 Oct 2026

A student who obtained an A1 for Combined Science will have more post-secondary options due to lower net aggregate than a student who scored a C5 for Pure Science.
Jurong Secondary School— Sec 3 subject combinations guidance, checked 24 Oct 2026

What schools call them

  • School labels: Single or Combined Science = one combined science (1 subject); Double Science = two pure sciences, usually Chemistry plus Physics or Biology (2 subjects); Triple Science = all three pure sciences (3 subjects). Crescent offers all three.S6
    “” Show the exact words“Triple Science” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • Naval Base offers Pure Chemistry plus Physics or Biology, or a combined science.S12
    “” Show the exact words“Pure Chemistry” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • St. Andrew's offers pure science combinations.S10
    “” Show the exact words“Pure Science” (1 Oct 2026)
  • PLMGS offers no combination without Chemistry.S7
    “” Show the exact words“The school does not offer any combination without Chemistry as Chemistry is a key science prerequisite for many courses at JC and many university science courses” (checked 24 Oct 2026)

For JC

  • All six G3 science subjects are in MOE's L1R4 Science list, so pure vs combined does not affect JC admission.M2
    “” Show the exact words“Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Science (Chemistry/Biology), Science (Physics/Biology), Science (Physics/Chemistry)” (28 Jul 2026)
  • National JC (O-Level wording).J1
    “” Show the exact words“B3 in the corresponding Pure Science subject at O-Level; or A2 in O-Level Combined Science” (28 Aug 2026)
  • National JC: students without O-Level Pure Science.J1
    “” Show the exact words“Students who did not offer O-Level Pure Science are strongly recommended to take no more than one H2 Science subject” (28 Aug 2026)
  • Eunoia JC (O-Level wording).J4
    “” Show the exact words“B3 for the respective subject” (2026 (SCOPE 2026 booklet))
  • Hwa Chong H2 Chemistry (O-Level wording).J2
    “” Show the exact words“Assumed knowledge of 'O' level Combined Science (Physics, Chemistry) OR O-level Chemistry” (26 Aug 2026)
  • Hwa Chong H2 Biology (O-Level wording).J2
    “” Show the exact words“Assumed knowledge of 'O' level Biology” (26 Aug 2026)
  • Crescent.S6
    “” Show the exact words“The Science (Chem/Bio) syllabus provides the content and skills required for students to take H1 or H2 Science subjects in JCs.” (checked 24 Oct 2026)

Is Triple Science needed?

  • Jurong.S11
    “” Show the exact words“Junior colleges do not offer Triple Science.” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • St. Patrick's.S9
    “” Show the exact words“A student does not need to take Triple Science in order to pursue a science-related course at JC.” (22 Oct 2026)
  • PLMGS.S7
    “” Show the exact words“students need not offer triple science for course like Medicine” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • Crescent (Principal's deck).S6
    “” Show the exact words“For medicine in local universities, the pre-requisite is a Year 12 or higher level good pass in Chemistry and either Biology or Physics (no need for triple sciences)” (checked 24 Oct 2026)

For polytechnic

  • Naval Base.S12
    “” Show the exact words“Pure Sciences are not prerequisites for polytechnic programmes, including Engineering and Life Science courses.” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • CHIJ Toa Payoh.S15
    “” Show the exact words“For polytechnic courses, there is no distinction between pure and combined science.” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • Jurong: grades matter more than how hard the subject is.S11
    “” Show the exact words“A student who obtained an A1 for Combined Science will have more post-secondary options due to lower net aggregate than a student who scored a C5 for Pure Science.” (checked 24 Oct 2026)

Combined Humanities or pure Humanities?

Humanities is one of MOE's five compulsory upper-secondary subjects. Combined Humanities is Social Studies plus one elective, taken as one subject. Pure Humanities is Geography, History or Literature as a full subject on its own.

  • Combined Humanities = Social Studies plus one elective, as one subject. SEAB 2027 has six G3 titles: Social Studies with Geography, History, Literature in English, Literature in Chinese, Literature in Malay and Literature in Tamil. Only the first three are offered at G2. SEAB's 2027 list has no subject literally named "Combined Humanities".M7
    “” Show the exact words“Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in Malay)” (12 Oct 2026)
  • Pure Humanities = Geography, History or Literature as a full subject on its own. Both kinds count for the JC Humanities slot (R1 or R3). ACS (Barker Road) counts both.S5
    “” Show the exact words“Both Elective Humanities (2260) and Pure Geography (2279) can be counted as a Relevant Subject for Humanities-related courses.” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • Humanities is one of MOE's five compulsory upper-secondary subjects.M9
    “” Show the exact words“Upper secondary elective subjects are subjects that students can choose to offer in addition to the five compulsory subjects, English Language, Mother Tongue Languages, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities.” (Nov 2025 to Jan 2026)
  • G1 students take G1 Humanities, which MOE says comprises Social Studies and Humanities Exposure Modules.M9
    “” Show the exact words“comprises both Social Studies and Humanities Exposure Modules” (Nov 2025 to Jan 2026)
  • A second (pure) Humanities is an elective. Crescent: "a maximum of two Humanities subjects".S6
    “” Show the exact words“a maximum of two Humanities subjects” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • Higher Music can stand in for Humanities in L1R4. PLMGS: it can be a direct replacement, "however you will still need to do the mandatory humanities".S7
    “” Show the exact words“Higher Music can be used as a direct replacement for a Humanities subject when calculating your L1R4” (checked 24 Oct 2026)

Is Additional Maths needed?

Not for JC or polytechnic admission. MOE's Maths requirement is any one G3 Maths subject, Mathematics or Additional Mathematics. It matters later, for H2 Math in JC and some courses.

  • Not compulsory for JC or poly admission. MOE's Maths requirement is any one G3 Maths subject.M2
    “” Show the exact words“Any 1 Mathematics: G3 Additional Mathematics, G3 Mathematics: A1 to D7” (28 Jul 2026)
  • Naval Base: not compulsory for JC/MI or polytechnic.S12
    “” Show the exact words“No, Additional Mathematics is not compulsory for either JC/MI or polytechnic admission.” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • It matters for H2 Math in JC (O-Level wording): Hwa Chong.J2
    “” Show the exact words“Assumed knowledge of O-Level Additional Math or equivalent” (26 Aug 2026)
  • National JC H2 Mathematics (O-Level wording).J1
    “” Show the exact words“H2 Mathematics B4 in O-Level Additional Mathematics; or A2 in O-Level Mathematics” (28 Aug 2026)
  • National JC: students without O-Level Additional Mathematics.J1
    “” Show the exact words“Students who did not offer O-Level Additional Mathematics are strongly recommended to take H1 Mathematics” (28 Aug 2026)
  • Eunoia lists no Additional Math requirement for H2 Math, only for H2 Further Math (indicative cut-off A1).J4
    “” Show the exact words“Further Mathematics” (2026 (SCOPE 2026 booklet))
  • Jurong.S11
    “” Show the exact words“Students who intend to take H2 Math in JC will be assumed to have knowledge and understanding of G3 Additional Math” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • Evergreen.S1
    “” Show the exact words“Strongly recommended to do A. Math and Pure Science in order to pursue H2 Math and H2 Science in JC” (20 Oct 2026)
  • Crescent: for poly, some engineering, IT and science courses may require or strongly prefer it.S6
    “” Show the exact words“some engineering, IT, and science-related courses may also require or strongly prefer” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • Some schools make it compulsory in their all-G3 combinations: Crescent. This is a school policy, not an MOE rule.S6
    “” Show the exact words“compulsory for students taking all G3 subjects at Sec 2” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • St. Patrick's: all 7-subject G3 combinations include Additional Math (a school policy).S9
    “” Show the exact words“Additional Mathematics” (22 Oct 2026)
  • Peirce: students offering A Maths must also offer G3 Maths.S13
    “” Show the exact words“Students offering A Maths must also offer G3 Maths” (19 Oct 2026)
  • Additional Math at G2 exists at some schools (Crescent, Damai, HIHS, PLMGS, Peirce).S6
    “” Show the exact words“G2 Additional Mathematics” (checked 24 Oct 2026)

Polytechnic course examples

  • SP Aeronautical Engineering (S88) accepts "Additional Mathematics or Mathematics" under the 2026 JAE O-Level requirements.P1
    “” Show the exact words“Additional Mathematics or Mathematics” (2026 JAE (O-Level requirements))
  • NP Pharmaceutical Science (N73) accepts "Additional Mathematics or Mathematics" under the 2026 JAE O-Level requirements.P3
    “” Show the exact words“Additional Mathematics or Mathematics” (2026 JAE (O-Level requirements))
  • RP Aerospace Engineering accepts "Mathematics (Elementary/Additional)".P2
    “” Show the exact words“Mathematics (Elementary/Additional)” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • The three course pages above list combined sciences.P1
    “” Show the exact words“Science (Physics, Chemistry)” (2026 JAE (O-Level requirements))

Course pages quoted above still use O-Level wording (2026 JAE).our reading

L1R4, L1R5 and ELR2B2 in one minute

JC and MI add up L1 and four more subjects (L1R4), all at G3, and the total must not exceed 16 for JC. Polytechnic Year 1 adds English, two relevant subjects and two best subjects (ELR2B2), and the net total must not exceed 22. Our calculators do the scoring.

JC and MI: the five L1R4 slots
SlotWhat can fill it (all at G3)MOE’s wordsSource
L1L1 = G3 English or Higher Mother Tongue. MOE works out L1R4 both ways and uses the better score, and G3 English at A1 to C6 is still required in every case.“G3 English or Higher Mother Tongue Language”M2 28 Jul 2026
R1R1 = best G3 Humanities subject.“Any 1 best-scoring G3 subject from Humanities”M2 28 Jul 2026
R2R2 = best G3 Maths or Science subject.“Any 1 best-scoring G3 subject from Mathematics or Science”M2 28 Jul 2026
R3R3 = best G3 subject from Humanities, Maths or Science.“Any 1 best-scoring G3 subject from Humanities, Mathematics or Science”M2 28 Jul 2026
R4R4 = any other best-scoring G3 subject, including MOE's "Others" list. Religious Knowledge cannot be used.“Any 1 best-scoring G3 subject”M2 28 Jul 2026

The JC and MI rules in one list

  • L1R4 gross aggregate (G3) = L1 + R1 + R2 + R3 + R4.M2
    “” Show the exact words“L1R4 gross aggregate score (G3 subject level) = First Language (L1) + Relevant Subject 1 (R1) + R2 + R3 + R4” (28 Jul 2026)
  • Every subject used for JC and MI admission must be taken at G3.M2
    “” Show the exact words“All subjects used in aggregate score computation for JC and MI admissions must be taken at G3.” (28 Jul 2026)
  • L1R4 gross must not exceed 16 for JC.M2
    “” Show the exact words“Your L1R4 gross aggregate score must not exceed: 16 for JC admission” (28 Jul 2026)
  • L1R4 gross must not exceed 20 for MI.M2
    “” Show the exact words“20 for MI admission” (28 Jul 2026)
  • G3 English Language at A1 to C6 is required.M2
    “” Show the exact words“G3 English Language” (28 Jul 2026)
  • One G3 Mathematics subject (Mathematics or Additional Mathematics) at A1 to D7.M2
    “” Show the exact words“Any 1 Mathematics: G3 Additional Mathematics, G3 Mathematics: A1 to D7” (28 Jul 2026)
  • Mother Tongue needs a pass at any level: G3 A1 to D7, G2 grade 1 to 5, G1 A to D (Higher Mother Tongue A1 to E8).M2
    “” Show the exact words“G3: A1 to D7 | G2: 1 to 5 | G1: A to D” (28 Jul 2026)
  • For G1 or G2 Mother Tongue, the minimum for JC/MI entry is a pass grade.M9
    “” Show the exact words“For students who take G1 or G2 MTL, the minimum MTL requirement for entry into JC/MI will be a pass grade” (Nov 2025 to Jan 2026)
  • With Higher Mother Tongue, MOE computes L1R4 using English and again using Higher Mother Tongue and uses the better (lower) score.M2
    “” Show the exact words“Between the two aggregate scores, the one that qualifies you for JC or MI admission and indicates better performance (i.e. lower score) will be used.” (28 Jul 2026)
  • One language cannot be counted twice: if Higher Chinese is L1, Chinese cannot be R4.M2
    “” Show the exact words“if Higher Chinese is used as the first language (L1), Chinese cannot be used as a relevant subject (R4).” (28 Jul 2026)
  • Religious Knowledge cannot be used.M2
    “” Show the exact words“Religious Knowledge cannot be used as one of the best-scoring subjects for aggregate score computation.” (28 Jul 2026)
  • Bonus points are capped at 3 (down from 4).M2
    “” Show the exact words“You get a maximum of 3 bonus points from a combination of any of these types:” (28 Jul 2026)
  • CCA grade Excellent earns 2 bonus points, Good earns 1.M2
    “” Show the exact words“CCA grade awarded to graduates of national secondary schools: Excellent | 2” (28 Jul 2026)
  • English and Higher Mother Tongue both at A1 to C6 earn a bonus.M2
    “” Show the exact words“English and Higher Mother Tongue Language grade : A1 to C6” (28 Jul 2026)
  • Chinese or Malay (Special Programme) or Bahasa Indonesia at A1 to C6 earns a bonus.M2
    “” Show the exact words“Chinese (Special Programme), Malay (Special Programme) or Bahasa Indonesia grade” (28 Jul 2026)
  • Affiliation bonus applies only to Sec 4 and 5 students graduating from affiliated secondary schools, to the 1st choice or the first two choices only.M2
    “” Show the exact words“Affiliated JC” (28 Jul 2026)
  • A Language Elective Programme place at a JC earns 2 more bonus points beyond the cap.M1
    “” Show the exact words“additional two bonus points beyond the bonus points cap” (6 Mar 2025)
  • Students short of the minimum grades may be eligible for conditional admission.M2
    “” Show the exact words“find out whether you are eligible for conditional admission” (28 Jul 2026)

Why the numbers changed

  • Why the cut-off moved from 26 to 22: the last Best subject is now G2.M6
    “” Show the exact words“Correspondingly, the net aggregate cut-off for admission to Polytechnic Year 1 will be adjusted from 26 points to 22 points” (4 Mar 2024)
  • A Sec 3 ECG parent-talk deck (no school or date named) gives the reason.M12
    “” Show the exact words“since the last 'B' subject will be mapped from G3 to G2” (checked 24 Oct 2026)

The JC change from L1R5 up to 20 to L1R4 up to 16 is explained in the facts above and in the linked guides.

Calculators and deeper guides

Polytechnic subject groups: 2026 JAE (O-Level) groups, not yet published for SEC. Source M3M13.

Parent FAQ: myths and facts

Short answers to what parents ask most. Each one rests on an MOE page or a school document.

✗ MythIs Additional Math compulsory for JC?

False. G3 Maths alone satisfies the Maths requirement. Additional Math helps for H2 Math in JC.

  • MOE's Maths requirement.M2
    “” Show the exact words“Any 1 Mathematics: G3 Additional Mathematics, G3 Mathematics: A1 to D7” (28 Jul 2026)
  • Naval Base: not compulsory for JC/MI or polytechnic.S12
    “” Show the exact words“No, Additional Mathematics is not compulsory for either JC/MI or polytechnic admission.” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
✗ MythDoes Combined Science close the JC door?

False. All combined sciences are in the L1R4 Science list. JCs may ask for A1 or A2 instead of B3 for H2 sciences.

  • All six G3 science titles are on MOE's list.M2
    “” Show the exact words“Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Science (Chemistry/Biology), Science (Physics/Biology), Science (Physics/Chemistry)” (28 Jul 2026)
  • National JC's indicative cut-off (O-Level wording).J1
    “” Show the exact words“B3 in the corresponding Pure Science subject at O-Level; or A2 in O-Level Combined Science” (28 Aug 2026)
  • Eunoia JC (O-Level wording).J4
    “” Show the exact words“B3 for the respective subject” (2026 (SCOPE 2026 booklet))
✗ MythDo you need Triple Science for Medicine?

False. Schools say a good A-Level pass in Chemistry and in Biology or Physics is what is needed.

  • Naval Base.S12
    “” Show the exact words“students need a good H2 pass in Chemistry and a good H2 pass in either Biology or Physics at A level.” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • PLMGS.S7
    “” Show the exact words“good pass in Chemistry and either Biology/Physics” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • Crescent (Principal's deck).S6
    “” Show the exact words“For medicine in local universities, the pre-requisite is a Year 12 or higher level good pass in Chemistry and either Biology or Physics (no need for triple sciences)” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
✗ MythDo you need 8 subjects to be safe for JC?

False. Only 5 G3 subjects count. Evergreen says 6 or 7 G3 subjects give access to a good range of JC courses.

  • JC counts five subjects, all G3.M2
    “” Show the exact words“All subjects used in aggregate score computation for JC and MI admissions must be taken at G3.” (28 Jul 2026)
  • Evergreen.S1
    “” Show the exact words“6 or 7 G3 subjects provide students access to a good range of JC courses” (20 Oct 2026)
✗ MythDoes Mother Tongue at G2 mean no JC?

False. G2 Mother Tongue needs grade 1 to 5; G1 needs A to D.

  • MOE's grade rule.M2
    “” Show the exact words“G3: A1 to D7 | G2: 1 to 5 | G1: A to D” (28 Jul 2026)
  • MOE FAQ.M9
    “” Show the exact words“For students who take G1 or G2 MTL, the minimum MTL requirement for entry into JC/MI will be a pass grade” (Nov 2025 to Jan 2026)
✗ MythIf English is at G2, can my child still go to JC?

No. L1 must be G3 English (A1 to C6) or Higher Mother Tongue, and G3 English at A1 to C6 is still required in every case. Polytechnic Year 1 also needs G3 English. PFP is the route that accepts G2 English.

  • JC English minimum.M2
    “” Show the exact words“G3 English Language” (28 Jul 2026)
  • Polytechnic: English at G3.M3
    “” Show the exact words“EL, R1, R2 and B1 will use G3 subject grade” (23 Jun 2026)
  • PFP uses G2-equivalent grades.M4
    “” Show the exact words“ELMAB3 gross aggregate score using G2 equivalent grade = English Language (EL) + Mathematics (MA) + 3 Best Subjects (B1, B2 and B3)” (22 Sep 2026)
✗ MythMaths is at G2 but Science is at G3. Can my child still go to JC?

No. MOE requires one G3 Maths subject at A1 to D7, and a science cannot replace it.

  • MOE's Maths rule.M2
    “” Show the exact words“Any 1 Mathematics: G3 Additional Mathematics, G3 Mathematics: A1 to D7” (28 Jul 2026)
✗ MythHumanities is at G2. Can my child still go to JC?

No. R1 must be a G3 Humanities subject.

  • R1.M2
    “” Show the exact words“Any 1 best-scoring G3 subject from Humanities” (28 Jul 2026)
½ Partly trueDo Computing, POA, D&T, NFS and Art count for JC?

Partly. At G3 they count only in the R4 "any subject" slot, never in R1 to R3.

  • They sit in MOE's "Others" list.M2
    “” Show the exact words“Principles of Accounts” (28 Jul 2026)
  • R4 is any best-scoring G3 subject.M2
    “” Show the exact words“Any 1 best-scoring G3 subject” (28 Jul 2026)
✗ MythDo G1 MOE-ITE Applied Subjects count for JC?

No. JC subjects must be G3.

  • G3 only.M2
    “” Show the exact words“must be taken at G3” (28 Jul 2026)
? Not guaranteedIf my child qualifies, do they get their 1st choice?

Not guaranteed. Naval Base: "Meeting the eligibility criteria for a particular course does not guarantee placement in that course."

  • Naval Base.S12
    “” Show the exact words“Meeting the eligibility criteria for a particular course does not guarantee placement in that course.” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
½ Partly trueIs a harder level always better?

Not necessarily. Naval Base says a student who takes a less demanding level and does well may be better positioned than one who takes a more demanding level and struggles.

  • Naval Base.S12
    “” Show the exact words“A student who takes a less demanding subject level and achieves strong results (e.g. 65% and above) may be better positioned than a student who takes a more demanding level but struggles to achieve a pass or scores around 50% and below.” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
✗ MythIs pure science needed for polytechnic engineering?

No. Naval Base says pure sciences are not prerequisites for polytechnic programmes, including Engineering and Life Science courses. The three polytechnic courses we checked list combined sciences.

  • Naval Base.S12
    “” Show the exact words“Pure Sciences are not prerequisites for polytechnic programmes, including Engineering and Life Science courses.” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • CHIJ Toa Payoh.S15
    “” Show the exact words“For polytechnic courses, there is no distinction between pure and combined science.” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • SP Aeronautical Engineering lists combined science (2026 JAE, O-Level wording).P1
    “” Show the exact words“Science (Physics, Chemistry)” (2026 JAE (O-Level requirements))

The combination that keeps every door open

  • The combination that keeps every door open (from the rules, not a ranking): all five core subjects at G3 (English, Mother Tongue, Maths, a combined or pure science, Humanities). Add Additional Math if the student may want H2 Math, and two pure sciences (for example Chemistry plus Physics or Biology) if they may want two H2 sciences. That is the "All Pathways Open" profile Evergreen describes. Whether a student qualifies depends on that school's Sec 2 cut-offs. For a student who prefers the arts, a G3 combination with combined science and a second Humanities still keeps JC open, but Evergreen warns such students "will require significant bridging if they choose to do H2 Science and H2 Math in JC".S1
    “” Show the exact words“will require significant bridging if they choose to do H2 Science and H2 Math in JC” (20 Oct 2026)

How 11 schools set Sec 3 cut-offs (2026 exercise)

Cut-offs are set by each school, not by MOE. Among the schools that publish a percentage, pure-science cut-offs run from 60% to 75% (our summary of the table). The table below uses each school's own 2026 documents.

Every school sets different cut-offs, which is why one guide cannot fit every school. All figures are from each school's own 2026 documents. "-" means the school does not publish it.

Never present one school's cut-off as a national rule. MOE sets the admission rules; each school sets its own combinations, Sec 2 mark cut-offs, subject counts, timelines and appeals.

Among the schools that publish a percentage, pure-science cut-offs run from 60% (Peirce B4; Crescent Double Science) to 75% (St. Patrick's; Crescent Triple Science). This range is our summary of the table above, not a figure any school or MOE publishes. Pasir Ris and Jurong give no percentage.our reading

Source S13 and the school sources in the table · 19 Oct 2026

Show the 11-school cut-off table
How 11 schools set Sec 3 subject cut-offs (2026 exercise: Sec 2 in 2026 to Sec 3 in 2027)
SchoolPure scienceAdditional MathsPure HumanitiesSubjectsOption formAllocationAppealSources
Evergreen Secondary School crestEvergreen Secondary School2026 exercisePass G3 English + 65% G3 ScienceS1 · 20 Oct 2026Pass in G3 MathsS1 · 20 Oct 2026Pass in subjectS1 · 20 Oct 20265 to 8S1 · 17 Apr 202622 to 27 OctS1 · 20 Oct 2026-Appeal 10 Nov 3pm to 12 Nov 12pm; outcome 16 Nov from 3pmour readingS1 · 20 Oct 2026S1
Damai Secondary School crestDamai Secondary School2026 exerciseAt least 65% in G3 Science and at least 65% in G3 MathsS2 · checked 24 Oct 2026At least 65% (with pure science) or at least 60% (with combined science)S2 · checked 24 Oct 2026-5 to 7S2 · checked 24 Oct 202623 to 30 Oct (per the school web page)S2 · checked 24 Oct 2026-Results 13 Nov, appeal by 15 Nov 11.59pm, final allocation from 20 Novour readingS2 · checked 24 Oct 2026S2
Pasir Ris Secondary School crestPasir Ris Secondary School2026 exercise"A quality pass in the relevant lower secondary subjects" (no percentage given)S3 · 13 Aug 2026Quality passS3 · 13 Aug 2026Quality passS3 · 13 Aug 2026Up to 7 (G3 Option D, labelled "All G3 exp MT")S3 · 13 Aug 202623 to 27 OctS3 · 6 Aug 2026Allocation released 2 Nov, 8amS3 · 6 Aug 2026Appeal 2 to 3 Nov (6pm); appeal results 10 NovS3 · 6 Aug 2026S3
St. Patrick's School crestSt. Patrick's School2026 exerciseG3 Science at least 75% and G3 Maths above 60%S9 · 22 Oct 2026G3 Maths at least 60%S9 · 22 Oct 2026Geography at least 60%; Literature at least 50%S9 · 22 Oct 20266 to 7 (G3)S9 · 22 Oct 2026-Combination results released 6 NovS9 · 22 Oct 2026Appeal 6 to 10 Nov; outcome 16 NovS9 · 22 Oct 2026S9
St. Andrew's School (Secondary) crestSt. Andrew's School (Secondary)2026 exercise7-subject Pure Science: overall at least 65% and at least 65% in the Science End-of-Year exam. The school says the criteria "only serve as a guide".S10 · 1 Oct 2026--6 to 7S10 · 1 Oct 2026---S10
Crescent Girls' School crestCrescent Girls' School2026 exerciseDouble Science: Science at least 60%. Triple Science: Maths at least 70%, Science at least 75%, overall at least 65%.S6 · checked 24 Oct 2026Compulsory for students taking all G3 subjects at Sec 2S6 · checked 24 Oct 2026Second Humanities at least 50%S6 · checked 24 Oct 20266 to 8S6 · checked 24 Oct 202619 to 23 Oct (the school marks the dates "to be confirmed")S6 · checked 24 Oct 2026Merit comes firstS6 · checked 24 Oct 2026Appeal form 10 Nov 12pm to 11 Nov 5pm; outcome 16 Nov 12pm (dates to be confirmed)S6 · checked 24 Oct 2026S6
Paya Lebar Methodist Girls' School (Secondary) crestPaya Lebar Methodist Girls' School (Secondary)2026 exerciseG3 English and Science at least 65% (B3)S7 · checked 24 Oct 2026G3 English and Maths at least 65%S7 · checked 24 Oct 2026English and the subject at least 65%S7 · checked 24 Oct 20265 to 8 (mostly G3)S7 · checked 24 Oct 202620 to 22 OctS7 · checked 24 Oct 2026Merit: overall Sec 2 subject percentage and subject eligibility criteriaS7 · checked 24 Oct 2026Appeal 3 to 5 Nov; appeal results 12 NovS7 · checked 24 Oct 2026S7
Jurong Secondary School crestJurong Secondary School2026 exerciseAt least 5 G3 subjects plus a "strong foundation" in G3 Science and Maths (no percentage given)S11 · checked 24 Oct 2026At least 4 G3 subjects plus a strong G3 Maths foundationS11 · checked 24 Oct 2026History: at least 5 G3 subjects, strong G3 History, and G3 Geography or Literature in EnglishS11 · checked 24 Oct 20266 to 7, plus an 8th subject for the top ~10% of the cohortS11 · checked 24 Oct 202623 to 27 OctS11 · checked 24 Oct 2026Merit: overall academic performance and the relevant subject resultsS11 · checked 24 Oct 2026-S11
Naval Base Secondary School crestNaval Base Secondary School2026 exerciseAt least B3 in G3 ScienceS12 · checked 24 Oct 2026At least B3 in G3 MathsS12 · checked 24 Oct 2026Geography: at least B3; Literature: English at least B3S12 · checked 24 Oct 20266 to 7S12 · checked 24 Oct 202621 to 27 OctS12 · checked 24 Oct 2026Merit, vacancy and choiceS12 · checked 24 Oct 2026Appeal 4 to 8 Nov; appeal results 16 NovS12 · checked 24 Oct 2026S12
Peirce Secondary School crestPeirce Secondary School2026 exerciseAt least B4 (60%) in Sec 2 ScienceS13 · 19 Oct 2026At least B4 (60%) in Sec 2 MathsS13 · 19 Oct 2026At least B3 (65%)S13 · 19 Oct 20267 for mostly G3; 6 for mostly G2S13 · 19 Oct 2026Term 4 Week 6 (results Week 8)S13 · 19 Oct 2026Merit and choiceS13 · 19 Oct 2026Appeal outcomes at the end of NovemberS13 · 19 Oct 2026S13
Holy Innocents' High School crestHoly Innocents' High School2026 exerciseG3 Science at least 70%S14 · 22 Oct 2026G3 Maths at least 60%S14 · 22 Oct 2026History at least 65%; Literature: English at least 70% and Literature at least 70%S14 · 22 Oct 2026"7-subject combination" mentioned; the school gives no per-pathway countS14 · 22 Oct 202623 to 28 OctS14 · 22 Oct 2026-Appeal 11 to 13 Nov; appeal results 18 NovS14 · 22 Oct 2026S14

More from each school

Evergreen Secondary School crest

Evergreen Secondary School

  • An 8th subject needs ELMA of 6 or better.S1
    “” Show the exact words“consider taking an 8th subject. Criteria: ELMA<=6” (20 Oct 2026)
  • Evergreen labels each combination by the routes it keeps open, including "All Pathways Open".S1
    “” Show the exact words“All Pathways Open” (20 Oct 2026)
  • Evergreen labels one combination for NFP/PFP/ITE.S1
    “” Show the exact words“NFP/PFP/ITE” (20 Oct 2026)
  • Evergreen labels one combination for Poly Year 1, PFP, NFP and Arts Institutions.S1
    “” Show the exact words“Poly Year 1/ PFP/ NFP/Arts Institutions” (20 Oct 2026)
Damai Secondary School crest

Damai Secondary School

  • Damai sends each student one form: D (predominantly G3), A (predominantly G2) or M (predominantly G1).S2
    “” Show the exact words“predominantly G2” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • Being given Form A does not mean all subjects are at G2.S2
    “” Show the exact words“Being given Form A does not mean that you will have to take all your subjects at G2” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • An elective runs only with at least 10 students.S2
    “” Show the exact words“An elective will only be offered if the number of students is at least 10” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
Pasir Ris Secondary School crest

Pasir Ris Secondary School

  • A combination with fewer than 15 students may not run.S3
    “” Show the exact words“Subject Combination with less than 15 students may not be implemented.” (13 Aug 2026)
St. Patrick's School crest

St. Patrick's School

  • St. Patrick's has 15 numbered combinations: 1 to 7 are 7-subject G3 with Additional Mathematics, 8 to 11 are 6-subject G3, 12 and 13 are G2, 14 and 15 are G1.S9
    “” Show the exact words“Combi 14 | Combi 15” (22 Oct 2026)
  • The school still prints the old poly cut-off of ELR2B2 up to 26 on its page; MOE's current figure is 22.S9
    “” Show the exact words“ELR2B2 ≤ 26” (22 Oct 2026)
St. Andrew's School (Secondary) crest

St. Andrew's School (Secondary)

  • Students may offer only 1 Coursework subject.S10
    “” Show the exact words“students will only be allowed to offer 1 Coursework subject.” (1 Oct 2026)
Crescent Girls' School crest

Crescent Girls' School

  • An appeal must have "Met the cut-off point".S6
    “” Show the exact words“Met the cut-off point” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • A student can take a maximum of two Humanities subjects.S6
    “” Show the exact words“a maximum of two Humanities subjects” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • G3 NFS only: 40% exam and 60% coursework. The Crescent G3 Coursework seminar deck gives no weighting for G1 or G2 NFS.S6
    “” Show the exact words“G3 NFS / Assessment Components: 40% Exam & 60% Coursework” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
Paya Lebar Methodist Girls' School (Secondary) crest

Paya Lebar Methodist Girls' School (Secondary)

  • The option form shows only the subjects the student is eligible for.S7
    “” Show the exact words“ONLY options that the students are eligible for will be displayed on the online option portal for selection” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • A class needs at least 15 students.S7
    “” Show the exact words“all options are subjected to minimum of 15 students and maximum of 40 students class size per subject” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • No combination is offered without Chemistry.S7
    “” Show the exact words“The school does not offer any combination without Chemistry as Chemistry is a key science prerequisite for many courses at JC and many university science courses” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
Jurong Secondary School crest

Jurong Secondary School

  • Combinations A and B need 4 G1, C needs 5 G2, D to G need 5 G3.S11
    “” Show the exact words“No. of Subject A B C D E F G Subjects Combination 4 G1 4 G1 5 G2 5 G3 5 G3 5 G3 5 G3” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
Naval Base Secondary School crest

Naval Base Secondary School

  • All the combinations offered allow progression to post-secondary education.S12
    “” Show the exact words“All the subject combinations offered will allow your child to progress to post-secondary education” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • Combinations are final once allocated.S12
    “” Show the exact words“subject combinations are finalised upon allocation - mid-course changes are not possible” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
Peirce Secondary School crest

Peirce Secondary School

  • A class needs at least 10 students.S13
    “” Show the exact words“minimum of 10 students to start a class” (19 Oct 2026)
  • The trial option exercise has no bearing on the real allocation.S13
    “” Show the exact words“no bearing on the actual subject allocation exercise” (19 Oct 2026)
  • Students offering A Maths must also offer G3 Maths.S13
    “” Show the exact words“Students offering A Maths must also offer G3 Maths” (19 Oct 2026)
  • The school's G3 booklet still prints the old JC rule of L1R5 up to 20; MOE's current figure is L1R4 up to 16.S13
    “” Show the exact words“L1R5 must be 20 points and below” (19 Oct 2026)

Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road)

For ACS (Barker Road), the only Sec 3 subject-choice cut-off we found is for G3 Pure Geography: an overall 60% and above in G3 Secondary 2 Geography.

“An overall score of 60% and above in their G3 Secondary 2 Geography results” · Source S5 · checked 24 Oct 2026

How the combinations are labelled at each school
  • Evergreen labels each combination by the routes it keeps open: NFP/PFP/ITE (G1/G2, 6 subjects); Poly Year 1/PFP/NFP/Arts Institutions (G2/G3, 6); and two "All Pathways Open" combinations (G3), one Arts/Humanities-leaning and one Sciences-leaning.S1
    “” Show the exact words“All Pathways Open” (20 Oct 2026)
  • Damai sends each student one form: D (predominantly G3), A (predominantly G2) or M (predominantly G1).S2
    “” Show the exact words“predominantly G2” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • St. Patrick's has 15 numbered combinations. Combinations 1 to 7 are 7-subject G3 combinations, all with Additional Math. Combinations 8 to 11 are 6-subject G3, 12 and 13 are G2, and 14 and 15 are G1.S9
    “” Show the exact words“Combi 14 | Combi 15” (22 Oct 2026)
  • Jurong has combinations A to G with minimum levels: A and B "4 G1", C "5 G2", D to G "5 G3", plus a non-examinable STEM elective linked to its ALP.S11
    “” Show the exact words“No. of Subject A B C D E F G Subjects Combination 4 G1 4 G1 5 G2 5 G3 5 G3 5 G3 5 G3” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • Naval Base has G3 combinations A to D (6 to 7 subjects), G2 A and B and a G1 coursework combination.S12
    “” Show the exact words“All the subject combinations offered will allow your child to progress to post-secondary education” (checked 24 Oct 2026)
  • Crescent has Group A (all G3: 7 to 8 subjects, Additional Math in every combination) and Group B (a mix of G2/G3 or all G2: 6 or 7 subjects, single science plus a coursework subject).S6
    “” Show the exact words“(A) For students offering all G3 subjects at Sec 2; (B) For students offering a mix of G2/G3 subjects or all G2 subjects at Sec 2” (checked 24 Oct 2026)

Questions to ask your school

Ten questions that settle most doubts. Every school answers them differently, so ask at the briefing or through your school's ECG counsellor.

  1. 1. Which combinations will run for Sec 3 next year, and what is the minimum class size? (Classes may not open below 10 to 15 students.)S2S7S13
  2. 2. What exact Sec 2 marks are needed for each subject and level: pure sciences, Additional Math, pure Humanities, coursework subjects?
  3. 3. Is allocation based on overall results for the whole year, or only the End-of-Year exams? In what order are merit, choice and vacancy applied?
  4. 4. How many choices can we rank, and can we resubmit before the deadline?
  5. 5. What are the appeal dates, and what counts as valid grounds?
  6. 6. What is the rule for moving up a level (for example 75%), and what is the "common academic requirement" for keeping current levels?
  7. 7. Can subjects or levels be changed in Sec 3 or Sec 4? (Some schools say no.)S12
  8. 8. With this combination, how many G3 subjects will my child have, and are English, Maths, Science and Humanities all at G3? (This decides JC eligibility.)M2
  9. 9. Is Additional Math or a pure science compulsory in the combination we want, and is that school policy or an MOE rule?
  10. 10. Where is your ECG (Education and Career Guidance) counsellor booking link?

Timeline

Full SBB started with the 2024 Sec 1 cohort, the SEC replaces the O- and N-Levels in 2027, and one post-secondary exercise (PSE) starts in 2028. Below: a typical school year, then MOE's announcements.

A typical Sec 2 school year as a path with five flags, from briefings to the appeal window
  1. 1Term 1 to 3
    Parent briefing or seminar, subject talks, and often a trial option exercise that has no bearing on the real allocation (Peirce). S13
  2. 2Late Sep to early Oct
    End-of-year exams. Most schools allocate using the overall Sec 2 results for the whole year (Naval Base). S12
  3. 3Mid to late Oct
    Option form, usually online, where students rank their choices. S6
  4. 4Early to mid Nov
    Allocation by merit and choice, subject to vacancies. S6
  5. 5Nov
    A short appeal window set by each school, about 1 to 5 days; outcomes between 10 Nov and the end of November (see the school table for each school's dates). S13
Sec 2 to Sec 3 subject selection: the typical school year (SGSchoolKaki infographic)

Sec 2 to Sec 3 subject selection: the typical school year

One-page version to save, print or send to your family chat.

Open full sizeDownload

Official announcements

  1. 2019

    Full SBB announced at MOE's Committee of Supply 2019 (the MOE infographic is headed "COS 2019" and says "MOE has now decided to expand SBB(Sec) to Full SBB"): the Express, N(A) and N(T) labels go; subjects are taken at G1, G2 or G3 ("G stands for General").

    Source M10 · COS 2019

  2. 1 Mar 2023

    Posting Groups 1/2/3 replace streams for Sec 1 posting; students "will have the opportunity to adjust their subject offerings to a more demanding level". PFP to be opened from the 2028 intake to students taking G3 subjects, or a mix of G2 and G3 subjects.

    Source M11 · 1 Mar 2023

  3. 2024

    Full SBB starts with the 2024 Sec 1 cohort.

    Source M10 · 29 Sep 2026

  4. 4 Mar 2024

    Polytechnic Year 1 from the 2028 intake: one Best subject may be G2; the cut-off moves from 26 to 22 (Nursing 28 to 24).

    Source M6 · 4 Mar 2024

  5. 6 Mar 2025

    JC: L1R5 up to 20 becomes L1R4 up to 16; the bonus cap moves from 4 to 3.

    Source M1 · 6 Mar 2025

  6. 3 Mar 2026

    PSE announced: one exercise from 2028 for JC, MI, polytechnics and ITE; first SEC results in January 2028.

    Source M8 · 3 Mar 2026

  7. 2026

    SEAB: the GCE N(T), N(A) and O-Levels combine into the SEC in 2027; its timetable table is headed "Current (2026 and before)".

    Source M7 · 14 May 2026

  8. Oct to Nov 2026

    Current Sec 2 students do their schools' Sec 3 option exercises (each school's dates are in the school table).

    Source S3 · 6 Aug 2026

  9. 2027

    First SEC (the 2024 Sec 1 cohort). MOE will update PSE and course information in mid-2027.

    Source M3 · 23 Jun 2026not yet confirmed

What is not published yet

Several things have not been published. We show them as gaps instead of filling them in, and we label anything that is our own reading.

  • Cut-off points for individual JCs and polytechnic courses under the SEC, and course minimum entry requirements for 2028. MOE says to check again in mid-2027.not yet confirmed Source M3M5“Revisit these pages in mid-2027” (23 Jun 2026)
  • Polytechnic subject groups for ELR2B2-A to D under SEC subject names. MOE's PDF uses O-Level names and is labelled "based on 2026 JAE". We show it as "2026 JAE (O-Level) groups, not yet published for SEC".not yet confirmed Source M3M13“Learn which O-Level subjects are used to compute each aggregate type based on 2026 JAE” (23 Jun 2026)
  • JC H2 subject prerequisites in SEC / G3 wording. None of the four JCs we checked (National JC, Hwa Chong, Raffles Institution, Eunoia) had published SEC / G3 wording. What we quote is in O-Level wording and is labelled that way.not yet confirmed Source J1J2J3J4
  • An MOE-level rule for Sec 2 to Sec 3 allocation. We found no MOE page that sets Sec 2 to Sec 3 cut-offs. MOE's FAQ gives general principles and leaves eligibility to schools. Source M9“Schools will guide and advise students on their eligibility to offer subjects at a more or less demanding level” (Nov 2025 to Jan 2026)
  • Whether two pure sciences can fill R2 and R3 together, or a combined Humanities and a pure Humanities can fill R1 and R3 together. MOE does not say so in words. The list structure allows it, and we present that as our reading of the table.our reading Source M2“Any 1 best-scoring G3 subject from Humanities, Mathematics or Science” (28 Jul 2026)
  • Points awarded per grade for L1R4. The MOE page text we checked does not print a scale, so we state none.not yet confirmed Source M2
  • National statistics, for example the percentage of students taking subjects at a more demanding level. We found none from an official source.not yet confirmed
  • Some school tables were hard to read from the published PDFs: Jurong's A to G elective grid, Evergreen's level ticks and Peirce's coursework criteria. Check the original documents before relying on fine detail.not yet confirmed Source S11S1S13
  • Crescent's documents conflict on the date of the parent talk (10 Apr vs 16 Apr) and on whether G3 Computing is offered.not yet confirmed Source S6
  • Religious Knowledge is excluded from JC/MI computation, so it is not a slot-filler. Source M2“Religious Knowledge cannot be used as one of the best-scoring subjects for aggregate score computation.” (28 Jul 2026)

Schools where we found no public criteria

Parents at these schools get the criteria through briefings, Parents Gateway or All Ears. This is a finding about what is publicly available, not a claim about how these schools run the exercise.

  • Chung Cheng High (Main) crestChung Cheng High (Main)
  • Chung Cheng High (Yishun) crestChung Cheng High (Yishun)
  • Nan Hua High School crestNan Hua High School
  • Anglican High School crestAnglican High School
  • Maris Stella High School crestMaris Stella High School
  • Commonwealth Secondary School crestCommonwealth Secondary School
  • Ngee Ann Secondary School crestNgee Ann Secondary School
  • Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary School crestKuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary School
  • Bukit Panjang Government High School crestBukit Panjang Government High School
  • Dunman Secondary School crestDunman Secondary School
  • Tanjong Katong Girls' School crestTanjong Katong Girls' School
  • Tanjong Katong Secondary School crestTanjong Katong Secondary School
  • Presbyterian High School crestPresbyterian High School
  • Nan Chiau High School crestNan Chiau High SchoolWe found no public page: the briefing page returns "page not found".
  • St. Margaret's Secondary School crestSt. Margaret's Secondary SchoolWe found no public page: the information sits behind a login.
  • Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road)Published only subject FAQs, plus a Pure Geography cut-off (see the school table notes).

Sources

Every fact on this page comes from one of these sources. Dates are as printed on the page, or the date we checked it.

MOE and SEAB (14)

  1. M1MOE, Infosheet 1: Revised JC Admission Criteria (with Annex A and B)

    https://www.moe.gov.sg/news/press-releases/20250306-infosheet-1-revised-jc-admission-criteria

    Page dated 6 Mar 2025; read from a saved copy, checked 24 Oct 2026.

  2. M2MOE, PSE: JC and MI admission criteria

    https://www.moe.gov.sg/post-secondary/admissions/pse/jc-and-mi

    Page dated 28 Jul 2026; checked live on 24 Oct 2026.

  3. M3MOE, PSE: Polytechnic diploma course

    https://www.moe.gov.sg/post-secondary/admissions/pse/polytechnic-diploma-course

    Page dated 23 Jun 2026; checked live on 24 Oct 2026.

  4. M4MOE, PSE: Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP)

    https://www.moe.gov.sg/post-secondary/admissions/pse/pfp

    Page dated 22 Sep 2026; read from a saved copy, checked 24 Oct 2026.

  5. M5MOE, PSE hub, ITE 2-Year and 3-Year Higher Nitec, Explore pathways

    https://www.moe.gov.sg/post-secondary/admissions/pse

    https://www.moe.gov.sg/post-secondary/admissions/pse/ite-2-year-higher-nitec

    https://www.moe.gov.sg/post-secondary/admissions/pse/ite-3-year-higher-nitec

    https://www.moe.gov.sg/post-secondary/admissions/pse/explore-pathways

    Page dated 16 Mar 2026; read from a saved copy, checked 24 Oct 2026.

  6. M6MOE, Infosheet 2: Full SBB-related changes on SEC examination timetable and Polytechnic Year 1 admission criteria

    https://www.moe.gov.sg/news/press-releases/20240304-infosheet-2-full-sbb-related-changes-on-sec-examination-timetable-polytechnic-year-1-admission-criteria

    Page dated 4 Mar 2024; read from a saved copy, checked 24 Oct 2026.

  7. M7SEAB, Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) and the 2027 G1/G2/G3 syllabus lists

    https://www.seab.gov.sg/secondary-education-certificate-sec/

    https://www.seab.gov.sg/secondary-education-certificate-sec/g3-syllabuses-for-school-candidates-2027/

    Page dated 14 May 2026; checked live on 24 Oct 2026.

  8. M8MOE press release, "We Learn for Life Together"

    https://www.moe.gov.sg/news/press-releases/20260303-we-learn-for-life-together-building-a-we-first-society-through-education

    Page dated 3 Mar 2026; read from a saved copy, checked 24 Oct 2026.

  9. M9MOE, Full Subject-Based Banding FAQ

    https://www.moe.gov.sg/psle-fsbb/full-subject-based-banding/faq

    No date printed on the page; checked live on 24 Oct 2026.

  10. M10MOE, Curriculum for secondary schools (Full SBB) and the "Evolution of Streaming" infographic (COS 2019)

    https://www.moe.gov.sg/secondary/schools-offering-full-sbb

    https://www.moe.gov.sg/api/media/0cf809a0-3cb0-436d-8413-5e7a1a6608ec/Evolution-of-Streaming-copy.pdf

    Page dated 29 Sep 2026; read from a saved copy, checked 24 Oct 2026.

  11. M11MOE press release, "Learn for Life"

    https://www.moe.gov.sg/news/press-releases/20230301-learn-for-life-forging-our-collective-future-nurturing-diverse-talents-and-expanding-pathways

    Page dated 1 Mar 2023; read from a saved copy, checked 24 Oct 2026.

  12. M12Sec 3 ECG parent talk slides (G3), unattributed, on the Isomer government file host (no school or date named)

    https://isomer-user-content.by.gov.sg/886/1d799bed-84e2-4f8f-85ed-23e9514a0376/ECG_PTM_for_Sec_3_G3.pdf

    No date printed on the page; checked live on 24 Oct 2026.

  13. M13MOE, Polytechnic Aggregate Types Computation (ELR2B2-A to D subject groups, O-Level subject names, based on 2026 JAE)

    https://www.moe.gov.sg/media/files/post-secondary/2027-jae/b491ae0b-2e5b-4a6c-af74-25c6228e71c1.pdf

    No date printed on the page; read from a saved copy, checked 24 Oct 2026.

  14. M14MOE, Applied subjects

    https://www.moe.gov.sg/secondary/schools-offering-full-sbb/school-specific-opportunities/applied-subjects

    Page dated 12 Jan 2026; checked live on 24 Oct 2026.

Schools (13)
  1. Evergreen Secondary School crest

    S1Evergreen Secondary: Subject allocation page, Sec 2 briefing (17 Apr 2026) and student slides (20 Oct 2026)

    https://www.evergreensec.moe.edu.sg/subject-allocation-exercise

    https://isomer-user-content.by.gov.sg/607/e90795d8-4ce6-470b-ad83-908e58e51b21/Sec_2_Briefing_to_Students_and_Parents_2026.pdf

    Page dated 20 Oct 2026; checked live on 24 Oct 2026.

  2. Damai Secondary School crest

    S2Damai Secondary: Subject Placement Exercise page, deck, Annexes D/A/M and FAQ

    https://www.damaisec.moe.edu.sg/information/students/subject-placement-exercise/

    No date printed on the page; checked live on 24 Oct 2026.

  3. Pasir Ris Secondary School crest

    S3Pasir Ris Secondary: List of Subject Combinations for Sec 3 in 2027, and the Subject Combination Exercise page

    https://www.pasirrissec.moe.edu.sg/holistic-education/the-curriculum/subject-combination-exercise/list-of-subject-combinations/

    https://www.pasirrissec.moe.edu.sg/holistic-education/the-curriculum/subject-combination-exercise/

    Page dated 13 Aug 2026; checked live on 24 Oct 2026.

  4. S5Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road): Full SBB page and Academic Matters FAQs

    https://www.acsbr.moe.edu.sg/education/academic/full-subject-based-banding/

    https://sites.google.com/moe.edu.sg/acsbr-academic-matters

    No date printed on the page; checked live on 24 Oct 2026.

  5. Crescent Girls' School crest

    S6Crescent Girls' School: Sec 3 Subject Placement Info Booklet (for Sec 2 2026) and the Science, Humanities and G3 Coursework seminar decks

    https://isomer-user-content.by.gov.sg/747/0e429743-1a5a-4aa5-9e0b-10e859a9fd74/2026_S2_Parents_Seminar___Subject_Placement_Info_Booklet.pdf

    https://www.crescent.edu.sg/subject-briefings/

    https://isomer-user-content.by.gov.sg/747/0bbc961e-cd9f-4856-886a-b88a41c04ec2/2026_Sec_2_Parents_Seminar___G3_Coursework_Art_NFS_Music.pdf

    No date printed on the page; read from a saved copy, checked 24 Oct 2026.

  6. Paya Lebar Methodist Girls' School (Secondary) crest

    S7Paya Lebar Methodist Girls' School (Secondary): 2027 Sec 3 Subject Option booklet, slides and 2026 S2 ECG FAQ

    https://www.plmgss.moe.edu.sg/recent-news-and-announcements/2027-secondary-3-subject-options/

    https://isomer-user-content.by.gov.sg/589/2a0c0d76-7587-49f8-a3a5-12539f73d86e/Secondary_3_Subject_Option_2027_Booklet.pdf

    No date printed on the page; checked live on 24 Oct 2026.

  7. St. Patrick's School crest

    S9St. Patrick's School: Secondary 3 Subject Combinations Information Booklet

    https://www.stpatricks.moe.edu.sg/curriculum/sec3-subject-combinations/

    Page dated 22 Oct 2026; checked live on 24 Oct 2026.

  8. St. Andrew's School (Secondary) crest

    S10St. Andrew's School (Secondary): final combination letters, 1 Oct 2026

    https://isomer-user-content.by.gov.sg/671/1af8f718-a287-4236-b76e-cb12789388fa/Sec%202%20Subject%20Selection_Final%20Combination%20(for%20students%20who%20take%20majority%20G3%20subjects)%20%5BWebsite%5D.pdf

    Page dated 1 Oct 2026; checked live on 24 Oct 2026.

  9. Jurong Secondary School crest

    S11Jurong Secondary: 2027 Sec 3 Subjects Offered and Subject Combinations, S2 MTP decks, Mathematics and Science decks, ECG deck

    https://www.jurongsec.moe.edu.sg/our-students/meet-the-parents-session/

    No date printed on the page; checked live on 24 Oct 2026.

  10. Naval Base Secondary School crest

    S12Naval Base Secondary: Sec 3 subject combination page, 2026 Sec 2 Parent Briefing, G3/G2/G1 booklets

    https://www.navalbasesec.moe.edu.sg/for-navalites/sec3subjcomb

    No date printed on the page; checked live on 24 Oct 2026.

  11. Peirce Secondary School crest

    S13Peirce Secondary: Sec 2 Subject Options Exercise slides and booklets (G3 booklet updated 19 Oct 2026)

    https://www.peircesec.moe.edu.sg/parents/briefing-webinar-resources/sec-2-subject-options-exercise/

    Page dated 19 Oct 2026; checked live on 24 Oct 2026.

  12. Holy Innocents' High School crest

    S14Holy Innocents' High: Sec 2 Subject Selection Exercise 2026 briefing (22 Oct 2026)

    https://www.holyinnocentshigh.moe.edu.sg/info-for-students-and-parents/notification-and-briefing-slides/

    Page dated 22 Oct 2026; checked live on 24 Oct 2026.

  13. S15CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh): FAQs (Sec 2 Webinar)

    https://isomer-user-content.by.gov.sg/564/92e55a2b-284a-4e46-925f-498031975534/FAQs__Sec_2_Webinar_.pdf

    No date printed on the page; read from a saved copy, checked 24 Oct 2026.

Junior colleges (4)

  1. J1National JC: Indicative cut-off points for merit-based allocated subjects

    https://www.nationaljc.moe.edu.sg/curriculum/senior-high/subject-combinations/indicative-cut-off-points-for-merit-based-allocated-subjects/

    Page dated 28 Aug 2026; checked live on 24 Oct 2026.

  2. J2Hwa Chong Institution: A Level Subjects info for 2027 JC1

    https://isomer-user-content.by.gov.sg/753/71ec24cf-7589-463a-b223-73975cbe6d32/A%20Level%20Subjects%20info%20for%202027%20JC1%20(Updated%20on%2026%20Aug%202026).pdf

    Page dated 26 Aug 2026; read from a saved copy, checked 24 Oct 2026.

  3. J3Raffles Institution: A Level Curriculum at RI Y5-6 (table text partly scrambled, check page 4 before quoting)

    https://isomer-user-content.by.gov.sg/281/7757c13b-64b7-4b19-b94f-de4215373c14/A%20Level%20Curriculum%20at%20RI%20Y56%20(updated%2023%20Feb%202026).pdf

    Page dated 23 Feb 2026; read from a saved copy, checked 24 Oct 2026.

  4. J4Eunoia JC: SCOPE 2026 booklet

    https://isomer-user-content.by.gov.sg/749/ebe41bec-e6eb-49be-a04f-d8e629f00251/EJC_SCOPE_2026.pdf

    No date printed on the page; read from a saved copy, checked 24 Oct 2026.

Polytechnic courses (3)

  1. P1MOE CourseFinder: S88 Aeronautical Engineering (2026 JAE, O-Level requirements)

    https://www.moe.gov.sg/coursefinder/coursedetail/s88-aeronautical-engineering

    No date printed on the page; read from a saved copy, checked 24 Oct 2026.

  2. P2Republic Polytechnic: Diploma in Aerospace Engineering

    https://www.rp.edu.sg/education/diplomas/diploma-in-aerospace-engineering/

    No date printed on the page; read from a saved copy, checked 24 Oct 2026.

  3. P3MOE CourseFinder: N73 Pharmaceutical Science (2026 JAE, O-Level requirements)

    https://www.moe.gov.sg/coursefinder/coursedetail/n73-pharmaceutical-science

    No date printed on the page; read from a saved copy, checked 24 Oct 2026.

Not a school, not MOE. SGSchoolKaki summarises public documents. Check the original page before you decide.