From O/N Levels to SEC: Common Exam Period Starts 2027

1) Article in a nutshell (1-minute read)

One common exam window from 2027 when the new Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) replaces O- & N-Levels. First cohort: the 2024 Sec 1s (graduating in 2027). The Straits Times Ministry of Education
Written papers split into two blocks: English & Mother Tongue in September; all other written subjectsfrom October to November. Non-written components (orals, listening, practicals) remain before the written papers. Ministry of Education
Single results release: January of the following year for everyone (previously N-Level in mid-Dec, O-Level in mid-Jan). CNA
Systems alignment: ITE moves to one intake in April from 2027 (same as polytechnics). CNA

Sec 2 (2025) → Sec 4 in 2027: First SEC cohort under the common window. Plan for EL/MTL in Sept; other subjects Oct–Nov. Ministry of Education
Sec 1 (2025) → Sec 4 in 2028: Will also sit SEC with the same schedule. Ministry of Education
Sec 3 (2025) → Sec 4 in 2026 and Sec 5 (if applicable) in 2027:
- Most Sec 3 Express students finish with final O-Levels in 2026 (last O/N cohort). Those progressing to Sec 5 in 2027 will be on SEC/common window. Ministry of Education
Sec 4/5 (2025): Continue under the current O/N timetables. SEC/common window does not apply to your 2025 exams. Ministry of Education

Study pacing & mock exams: With EL/MTL in September, schools/tutors should bring language drill earlier (Term 3) and keep subject-content peaks for Oct–Nov. There’s no mid-year MTL second sitting under SEC; prepare to get it right once. (MOE notes the old “second sitting” changed postings for <2% of candidates anyway.) CNA
Results & applications: Expect one January results release; JC/Poly/ITE application windows will bunch right after. Families should avoid long trips in early–mid January. CNA
ITE pathway: From 2027, only one ITE intake in April—important for those eyeing Higher Nitec; plan bridging time accordingly. CNA
Admissions criteria (Poly/JC) under SEC:
- Poly Year 1 (AY2028 intake): assessed on a common 4 G3 + 1 G2 benchmark, with a net ELR2B2 cut-off adjusted to 22 (24 for Nursing). The “[B] subject” mapping from G3→G2 is standardised. Build subject mixes and targets with this in mind. Ministry of Education
- JC/MI (from 2028 JAE): MOE has updated JC/MI criteria to reflect Full SBB/SEC. Check latest L1R4 details and subject-group requirements when choosing Sec 3 options. Ministry of Education

Mark the rhythm now: Sept = EL/MTL; Oct–Nov = all other written papers; January = results. Sync family calendars, tuition intensives, and CCAs accordingly. Ministry of Education CNA
Choose Sec 3 subjects with SEC in mind: Mixed G1/G2/G3 combinations are fine—ensure they align with your target (JC/Poly/ITE) given the new admission benchmarks. Ministry of Education
If aiming ITE → Poly: Note the single April intake and plan for interim enrichment or internships between results and matriculation. CNA