01 · The basics
SEC stands for the Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate. From 2027, it replaces the O-Level, N(A)-Level and N(T)-Level exams.
One exam, three levels
Each subject is sat at the level your child takes it: G1, G2 or G3. These map from the old N(T), N(A) and Express standards.
One certificate
Every subject appears on one certificate, at the level it was taken. No more separate O-Level and N-Level certificates.
Same standard
SEAB, MOE and Cambridge still set and award it. The mode of assessment and overall standards stay the same.
SEAB: "There is no change in the overall standards of examinations under the SEC, and the qualification continues to be recognised locally and internationally."
MOE compares it to the A-Level, where students take subjects at H1, H2 and H3, and to the PSLE, where subjects are at standard or foundation level. New to G1, G2 and G3? Read our parent guide to Full Subject-Based Banding.
02 · Your child's year
It depends on the year your child started Sec 1. The 2024 Sec 1 cohort is the first to sit the SEC, at the end of Sec 4 in 2027.
Sec 4 in 2026
O-Level or N-LevelThe last O-Level and N-Level. An N(A) student who goes on to Sec 5 in 2027 sits the SEC.
Sec 3 and below in 2026
SECToday's Sec 3s sit the first SEC in 2027, with results in mid-January 2028. Each later cohort sits it at the end of Sec 4.
Sources: MOE Full SBB FAQ; SEAB SEC page and important dates; MOE PSE page.
Is your child in Sec 3 now? They are the first SEC cohort and the first to apply to JC with L1R4. MOE told Parliament in August 2026 that in this cohort, fewer students are taking Geography, Physics and Principles of Accounts, and fewer are taking 8 subjects or more.
03 · Old vs new
The format and standard of the papers stay the same. What changes is the exam calendar, the certificate and the admission rules after it.
Sources: SEAB SEC page; MOE JC/MI, polytechnic and PSE pages; MOE Full SBB FAQ; SEAB 2027 syllabus lists.
04 · Grading
Each level keeps the grades of the exam it replaces. G3 is graded like the O-Level, G2 like the N(A)-Level and G1 like the N(T)-Level.
G3 was O-Level
Certificate awarded with at least one subject at E8 or better. A1 to C6 count as passes, as at O-Level.
G2 was N(A)-Level
Certificate awarded with at least one subject at Grade 5 or better.
G1 was N(T)-Level
Certificate awarded with at least one subject at Grade D or better.
Shaded grades: the grades that earn an SEC certificate (SEAB). At O-Level, A1 to C6 count as passes (SEAB, May 2026), and G3 uses the same grading structure.
Example SEC result slip
English LanguageG3B3
MathematicsG3A2
Additional MathematicsG3B4
ChemistryG3C5
Humanities (SS, History)G22
ChineseG23
G3 was O-LevelG2 was N(A)-Level
One certificate, every level
A student can take English and Math at G3 and Humanities at G2, and get one certificate. SEAB: the SEC "reflects all the subjects taken at the different levels".
An illustration only, not a real student's slip.
SEAB does not publish the marks behind each grade. "A1 = 75 marks" tables come from school tests. Asked in Parliament in May 2026, MOE gave the passing grades but no mark ranges.
05 · Mixing levels
Some aggregates are counted at G2 or G1. Then a G3 grade is converted down, even if every subject was taken at G3. It only runs downwards: a G2 Grade 1 never becomes an A1.
| G3 grade | Counts as G2 |
|---|---|
| A1, A2, B3 | 1 |
| B4, C5, C6 | 2 |
| D7 | 3 |
| E8 | 4 |
| 9 | 5 |
| G2 grade | Counts as G1 |
|---|---|
| 1, 2, 3 | A |
| 4 | B |
| 5 | C |
| 6 | D |
Source: SEAB SEC page; the G3 to G2 table also in MOE's infosheet of 4 March 2024. No G3 grade maps to G2 Grade 6, and no G2 grade maps to G1 Grade E.
06 · Junior college
From 2028, JC admission counts five subjects instead of six. Each grade is worth its number of points, so lower is better. L1R5's cut-off (until the 2027 JAE) is 20 points. The new L1R4 cut-off is 16 points or fewer for JC, and 20 or fewer for Millennia Institute (MI).
| Slot | Which subject counts |
|---|---|
| L1 | G3 English, or Higher Mother Tongue |
| R1 | Best G3 Humanities subject |
| R2 | Best G3 Math or Science subject |
| R3 | Best G3 Humanities, Math or Science subject |
| R4 | Best of any other G3 subject |
Source: MOE, JC and MI admission (PSE), updated 28 July 2026. Religious Knowledge cannot be counted.
All five subjects at G3
Every subject counted must be taken at G3. A G2 subject cannot be counted for JC or MI.
English C6, Math D7
G3 English at A1 to C6, and G3 Math or G3 A-Math at A1 to D7.
Mother Tongue: a pass at its level
G3 A1 to D7, G2 Grade 1 to 5, or G1 Grade A to D. Mother Tongue is the one requirement that can be met at G1 or G2.
Bonus points: up to 3
CCA Excellent 2, Good 1, and others, capped at 3. A Language Elective Programme adds 2 more. Bonus points lower the net score; the 16-point cut-off is on the gross score.
Minister Chan Chun Sing, March 2025: "With one fewer subject counted, students will need a gross aggregate score of 16 points, rather than 20 points, to be eligible for JC. This is a natural recalibration given that five subjects will be counted, rather than six."
MOE's example: eligible
L1R4 = 12 Net 10 with CCA Excellent
12 is within 16, so the student is eligible for JC (and MI).
Same student, Math at G2: not eligible
L1R4 = 14, but not eligible
The score is within 16, but JC needs G3 Math or G3 A-Math at D7 or better. Our example, built from MOE's rules.
07 · Try it
Add your child's subjects, levels and grades. The calculator sorts them into L1 and R1 to R4 and checks every rule. Also on its own page: L1R4 calculator.
1 · Your child's subjects
Add every subject and its level. We sort them into L1, R1 to R4 for you.
2 · Bonus points (optional)
3 · Result
12
L1R4 gross
10
net, after 2 bonus points
JC Eligible (16 or fewer)
MI Eligible (20 or fewer)
| L1 | English Language | A2 = 2 |
|---|---|---|
| R1 | Humanities (Social Studies/History) | B3 = 3 |
| R2 | Mathematics | A2 = 2 |
| R3 | Chemistry | B3 = 3 |
| R4 | Malay Language | A2 = 2 |
Not counted: Physics (G3 B4, a better grade was used)
Bonus: CCA Excellent 2
MOE's rules for admission from 2028 (PSE). The 16 and 20 cut-offs are on the gross score; the net score ranks applicants. Each JC's own cut-off for 2028 is not out yet. A guide only, not an official result.
08 · Other routes
From 2028, students apply to JC, MI, poly and ITE through one Post-Secondary Admissions Exercise (PSE). It replaces the JAE and the separate poly foundation and ITE exercises.
Polytechnic Year 1
22 or fewer (net)ELR2B2 = English + two relevant + two best subjects, after CCA bonus points. The last subject (B2) may be G2; it counts at its G2 grade. Nursing: 24 or fewer.
Polytechnic Foundation Programme
12 or fewer at G2ELMAB3 (English, Math and best three subjects) counted at G2. From 2028, open to students with G2, G3 or mixed subjects. MOE calls it an alternative to the fifth year.
ITE 2-year Higher Nitec
19 or fewer at G2ELMAB3 counted at G2, excluding CCA points. A mix of G3 and G2 subjects can apply.
ITE 3-year Higher Nitec
Set at G1Four G1 subjects; G3 and G2 grades are mapped down. All Nitec courses now run as 3-year Higher Nitec.
Sec 5 (fifth year)
Still thereRoute 1: 3 or more G3 passes, but no JC, MI or poly place. Route 2: 2 or fewer G3 passes, and ELMAB3 21 or fewer at G2 (or ELB3 / MAB3 14 or fewer). All subjects at G3 in Sec 5 only with ELMAB3 19 or fewer.
DPP
EndsThe Direct-Entry-Scheme to Polytechnic Programme ends from the 2028 ITE intake. G2 students can still enter the 2-year Higher Nitec with their SEC grades.
MOE's own poly example
Old rule: four C5s and one C6 = 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 6 = 26.
From 2028: the C6 counts at G2 as Grade 2 = 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 2 = 22.
So the cut-off moves from 26 to 22. MOE: this "is not a tightening of admission criteria".
Sources: MOE PSE, polytechnic, PFP, ITE Higher Nitec and explore-pathways pages; MOE Full SBB FAQ.
09 · Math
Math matters for every route: L1R4 for JC, ELR2B2 for poly, and ELMAB3 for the Polytechnic Foundation Programme and ITE. Here is what to know.
| Subject | SEC code | Old code | Papers |
|---|---|---|---|
| G3 Mathematics | K310 | 4052 | 2 × 2 h 15 min, 90 marks each |
| G3 Additional Mathematics | K341 | 4049 | 2 × 2 h 15 min, 90 marks each |
| G2 Mathematics | K210 | 4045 | 2 × 2 h, 70 marks each |
| G2 Additional Mathematics | K232 | 4051 | 2 × 1 h 45 min, 70 marks each |
| G1 Mathematics | K110 | 4046 | See SEAB's syllabus |
Source: SEAB 2027 syllabus lists and syllabus documents (G1 Math papers: see SEAB).
Our view
The G2 and G3 Math papers keep the same time and marks. So recent O-Level and N-Level past papers are still the right practice.
Recent means E-Math and N(A) Math from 2023, and A-Math from 2021, when the current syllabuses started.
If your child is aiming for JC, G3 Math is not optional. A G2 Math student can still move up. See how schools move students from G2 to G3 Math.
10 · Classes and fees
Sec 1 to Sec 4 Math at G1, G2 and G3, plus E-Math and A-Math in their own classes. Your child learns the syllabus for the level they actually sit.
Sec 1–2 Math
$300$280
4 lessons × 2 h ($70 each)
You save $20 every 4 lessons
2027 price for new families: $300
Sec 3–4 E-Math or A-Math
$320$300
4 lessons × 2 h ($75 each)
You save $20 every 4 lessons
2027 price for new families: $320
Double Math (E + A)
$600$560
8 lessons × 2 h ($70 each)
You save $40 every 8 lessons
2027 price for new families: $600
Trials are paid lessons, by appointment. After it, we tell you in writing where your child is losing marks: our Post Trial Analysis & Feedback.
More: G3 E-Math and A-Math tuition · G2 Math tuition · Sec 1 Math tuition · how we teach · Katong · Hougang
11 · Quick answers
The Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate. From 2027 it replaces the O-Level, N(A)-Level and N(T)-Level exams. Students sit each subject at its level (G1, G2 or G3) and get one certificate that lists every subject. SEAB, MOE and Cambridge International Education examine and award it.
Yes. The last O-Level and N-Level exams are in 2026, for students who entered Sec 1 in 2023. From 2027, students sit the SEC, starting with those who entered Sec 1 in 2024.
No. SEAB says there is no change in the overall standards, and that the mode of assessment is the same as the O-Level, N(A)-Level and N(T)-Level. G3 papers are set at the old O-Level (Express) standard.
It is a new exam name and certificate. MOE says there is no change to the examination format. The Math syllabuses have new codes from 2027 (O-Level Math 4052 becomes G3 Math K310), with the same number of papers, time and marks.
Each level keeps the grades of the exam it replaces. G3 subjects are graded A1, A2, B3, B4, C5, C6, D7, E8 and 9, like the O-Level. G2 subjects are graded 1 to 6, like the N(A)-Level. G1 subjects are graded A to E, like the N(T)-Level.
At G3, A1 to C6 count as passes, as at O-Level. SEAB awards an SEC certificate to a candidate with at least E8 in a G3 subject, Grade 5 in a G2 subject or Grade D in a G1 subject. For the JC Mother Tongue requirement, MOE treats Grade 5 at G2 and Grade D at G1 as a pass.
SEAB does not publish mark ranges for national exam grades. Percentage bands you see online come from school tests, not from SEAB.
A first language plus four relevant subjects: English (or Higher Mother Tongue), a Humanities subject, a Math or Science subject, one more Humanities, Math or Science subject, and the next best subject. All five must be taken at G3. From 2028, L1R4 replaces L1R5 for JC and MI admission.
16 points or fewer for JC and 20 or fewer for MI, on the gross score before bonus points. Bonus points (up to 3, plus 2 for a Language Elective Programme) lower the net score used to rank applicants. Each JC's own 2028 cut-off is not published yet.
Because one fewer subject is counted. Minister Chan Chun Sing said in March 2025 that 16 points rather than 20 is "a natural recalibration given that five subjects will be counted, rather than six", and that MOE is "not loosening eligibility for JC admission".
Only with enough G3 subjects. All five L1R4 subjects must be G3, and JC needs G3 Math or G3 A-Math at D7 or better. Mother Tongue is the one subject that can be taken at G1 or G2. A student in G2 Math can move up to G3 Math. Schools let students move up at set points, usually at the end of a school year, so ask the school when.
Yes, one. From the 2028 intake, the second of the two best subjects (B2) can be G2. English, the two relevant subjects and the first best subject must be G3. The cut-off moves from 26 to 22 points because B2 is counted at its G2 grade. MOE says this is not a tightening of admission criteria.
MOE allows conditional admission if the L1R4 is 12 or fewer, or 13 to 16 with A1 or A2 in all four relevant subjects. The student must resit the subject and get the required grade by the end of JC Year 1, or move to Year 2 of a course at MI.
In January of the following year. The first SEC results come out in mid-January 2028. English and Mother Tongue written papers are in September; the other written papers run from October to November.
From 2028, the Post-Secondary Admissions Exercise (PSE) replaces the JAE and the separate PFP and ITE exercises. It opens on SEC results day and runs for six calendar days, and students rank up to twelve choices. Results from up to two exam years can be combined.
Yes, for eligible students: those with 3 or more G3 passes who do not qualify for JC, MI or a poly diploma, or those with 2 or fewer G3 passes and ELMAB3 of 21 or fewer (or ELB3 or MAB3 of 14 or fewer) at G2. Only students with ELMAB3 of 19 or fewer can take every subject at G3 in Sec 5.
They sit the N-Level in 2026. If they are eligible for and take the fifth year in 2027, they sit the SEC in 2027, with the 2024 Sec 1 cohort.
The Direct-Entry-Scheme to Polytechnic Programme ends from the AY2028 ITE intake. G2 students can still enter the 2-year Higher Nitec with their SEC grades.
Yes. MOE says a GCE O-Level Mother Tongue taken in Sec 3 in 2026 can be used with 2027 SEC results to compute aggregate scores.
From 2027, private candidates register for the SEC and choose their subjects and levels (G1, G2 or G3). SEAB will publish the 2027 registration details in March 2027.
Tap one to see them full size, or download all six as one PDF to send to another parent.
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This guide summarises SEAB's and MOE's published rules as at 16 October 2026. Math Vigilante is not affiliated with SEAB, MOE or Cambridge, and this page is not reviewed or endorsed by them.
Rules and cut-offs can change. MOE will publish 2028 course information in mid-2027, so check moe.gov.sg and seab.gov.sg before making a decision. The calculator is a guide, not an official result. The wording and analysis are © 2026 Math Vigilante.
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