PSLE 2026 – Singapore
Full Exam Timetable
All exam dates, session times, and paper lengths – from August oral exams to September written papers
📅 Key Dates
Never miss a milestone. Track oral examinations, listening comprehension, and written papers across all assessment modes.
📘 What Changed?
Understand the first cohort shift. We detail the changes in English, Mathematics, and Science syllabuses and what they mean for you.
✅ Exam Checklist
Prepare with confidence. From 'The Night Before' rituals to essential 'Morning Of' gear, ensure nothing is left to chance.
PSLE 2026 Full Exam Timetable
Every exam date, time, and paper duration for PSLE 2026 — all Standard and Foundation papers across all three assessment modes.
Oral Examinations — 12 & 13 August 2026
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Students Assessment of communication, pronunciation, and stimulus-based conversation skills.
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All oral sessions run from 08:00 to 13:30. Your child's school will inform you of the specific reporting time.
Date | Time | Subject |
|---|---|---|
12 Aug (Wed) | 08:00 – 13:30 | English Language |
12 Aug (Wed) | 08:00 – 13:30 | Foundation English |
12 Aug (Wed) | 08:00 – 13:30 | Chinese / Malay / Tamil |
13 Aug (Thu) | 08:00 – 13:30 | English Language |
13 Aug (Thu) | 08:00 – 13:30 | Chinese / Malay / Tamil |
13 Aug (Thu) | 08:00 – 13:30 | Foundation Mother Tongue |
Listening Comprehension — 15 September 2026
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All LC exams are held on Tuesday 15 September in two sessions.
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The audio is played only once — students should read all questions before playback begins.
Date | Time | Subject |
|---|---|---|
15 Sep (Tue) | 09:00 - 09:40 | Foundation Mother Tongue LC |
15 Sep (Tue) | 09:00 - 09:35 | Chinese / Malay / Tamil LC |
15 Sep (Tue) | 11:15 - 11:50 | English Language LC |
15 Sep (Tue) | 11:15 - 11:50 | Foundation English LC |
01
Thursday, 24 September — English
Exam Format & Weightage
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Writing (Paper 1): 50 minutes. Students produce a composition based on a provided theme or prompt.
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Comprehension (Paper 2): 100 minutes. Includes reading passages, vocabulary, grammar, and language use questions.
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Oral Communication: Held in August. Assesses reading aloud and a conversation based on a visual stimulus.
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Listening Comprehension (LC): Held on 15 September. A single audio recording is played, lasting 35–40 minutes.
PAPER | TIME | DURATION |
|---|---|---|
English Language Paper 1 | 08:15 – 09:25 | 1 hour 10 minutes |
English Language Paper 2 | 10:30 – 12:20 | 1 hour 50 minutes |
Foundation English Paper 1 | 08:15 – 09:25 | 1 hour 10 minutes |
Foundation English Paper 2 | 10:30 – 11:30 | 1 hour |
02
Exam Format & Weightage
Total Marks
· Both papers are now worth 50 marks each, making them equally important.
Paper 1 (1 hour 10 mins - 50 Marks)
· Booklet A: 18 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ) — an increase from 15.
· Booklet B: 12 Short-Answer Questions — a decrease from 15.
· Crucial Update: No more 1-mark short questions; all short questions are 2 marks each.
Paper 2 (1 hour 20 mins - 50 Marks)
· Questions: Reduced from 17 to 15 questions.
· Bring an MOE-approved calculator for Paper 2.
Syllabus Shift
· 12-hour and 24-hour clock: Shifted from P4 to P3
· Speed topic moved to Secondary 1.
· Average and Ratio are shifted from Primary 5 to Primary 6.
· Pie Charts and Nets are moved from P5 to P4.
· Simple linear equations are now officially part of the P6 curriculum
· Paper 1 marks increased from 45 to 50.
Friday, 25 September — Mathematics
PAPER | TIME | DURATION |
|---|---|---|
Foundation Mathematics Paper 1 | 08:15 – 09:15 | 1 hour |
Foundation Mathematics Paper 2 | 10:30 – 11:15 | 45 min |
Mathematics Paper 1 | 08:15 – 09:25 | 1 hour 10 min |
Mathematics Paper 2 | 10:30 – 11:50 | 1 hour 20 min |
03
Monday, 28 September — Mother Tongue Language
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Applies to Chinese, Malay, Tamil
Exam Format & Weightage
Paper 1 Composition 40 marks . 50 min
· Writes a short story or essay based on a given picture or topic.
Paper 2 Comprehension & Language 90 marks (1 hour 40 min)
· Covers reading passages, vocabulary, grammar, and editing.
Paper 3 Oral Exam (August) 50 marks. 10 min
· Two parts: reading a passage aloud, then talking with the examiner about a picture.
Paper 4 Listening (September) 20 marks . 30 ~ 40 min
· 10 questions (2 marks each)
· Each audio recording questions and options are played played twice.
PAPER | TIME | DURATION |
|---|---|---|
Mother Tongue Paper 1 (Composition) | 08:15 – 09:05 | 50 min |
Mother Tongue Paper 2 (Comprehension) | 10:15 – 11:55 | 1 hour 40 min |
Foundation Mother Tongue Paper 1 | 08:15 – 08:55 | 40 min |
04
Tuesday, 29 September — Science
Exam Format & Weightage
Total 100 marks . 1 hour 45 min
Booklet A . MCQ. 60 marks . 30 questions
· Worth more marks in 2026 than in past years.
Booklet B . Open-Ended. 40 marks
· 10 ~11 questions testing how to analyze data, think like a scientist, and solve unfamiliar problems.
2026 Key changes:
· Fewer Open-Ended Questions: Booklet B now contains 10–11 questions,
reduced from 12–13 in previous years.
· Higher Weighting for Multiple Choice: Booklet A is now worth
60 marks (increased from 56) across 30 MCQs.
· Linked MCQ Pairs: Up to two pairs of questions (e.g., Q11 and Q12) may
share a common experiment or scenario, requiring deeper analysis.
· Skills Over Recall: The exam now places greater emphasis on inquiry-based
learning, designing experiments, and interpreting data rather than memorising facts.
· Topic Removed: The "Cells" topic is no longer included in the syllabus.
PAPER | TIME | DURATION |
|---|---|---|
Science Paper 1 | 08:15 – 10:00 | 1 hour 45 min |
Foundation Science Paper 1 | 08:15 – 09:30 | 1 hour 15 min |
05
Wednesday, 30 September — Higher Mother Tongue
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Higher Chinese, Higher Malay, and Higher Tamil only
Exam Format & Weightage
Paper 1 Composition
· 50 min · Higher-level writing task assessed at greater depth than standard MTL Paper 1
Paper 2 Comprehension
· 80 min · Comprehension passages and language usage at Higher level
PAPER | TIME | DURATION |
|---|---|---|
Higher Mother Tongue Paper 1 (Composition) | 08:15 – 09:05 | 50 min |
Higher Mother Tongue Paper 2 (Comprehension) | 10:15 – 11:35 | 1 hour 20 min |
PSLE Exam Day Checklist
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Take a deep breath. Everything you need to remember – from packing your bag the night before to walking into the exam hall – is right here. Let's go through it together.
The Night Before
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Put your student card in your bag – you need it to get in
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Find out what time your school wants you to arrive (every school is different)
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Pack your bag with:
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Student card
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A few 2B pencils
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Black and blue pens
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Eraser
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Ruler, set square, compass, protractor
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MOE calculator with its sticker (only for Maths Paper 2)
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Set two alarms – one main, one backup
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Get into bed by 9pm. Try to sleep 8–9 hours.
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Don't stay up studying. Just take a quick look at your formulas or key words.
Exam Morning
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Eat a good breakfast – not too much, not too little
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Get to school 30 minutes before the start time
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Leave your phone and smartwatch at home – they're not allowed
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Bring water and a small snack for breaks
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Go to the toilet 5–10 minutes before your reporting time
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This way, you won't need to leave during the exam. You keep your focus and all your time.
During the Exam
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Read every question first before you answer
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Watch the clock – don't get stuck on one question
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For Listening Comprehension: read the questions during the preparation time before the audio starts
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Show all your working steps – you can still get partial marks even if the answer is wrong
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Use any extra time to check your answers, especially multiple-choice and short answers
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Write your name and index number on every answer booklet
After Each Paper
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Don't keep thinking about your mistakes – get ready for the next paper
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Rest well between exam days. Sleeping is part of preparing.
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Only do light revision between papers – don't overwhelm yourself.
📌 Pin These
⏰ Reporting time – Follow what your school tells you. Each school sets a different arrival time.
🪪 Student card – You must bring it for entry to the exam venue.
✏️ Stationery – Bring everything you need (pencils, pens, eraser, ruler, set square, compass, protractor).
📵 No electronic devices – Smartwatches and other gadgets are banned from the exam hall.
🧮 Approved calculators – Allowed only for Mathematics Paper 2 and Foundation Mathematics Paper 2. Check MOE's official list before exam day.
Primary 4 to PSLE: A Complete Roadmap
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A clear step-by-step plan that keeps your child consistently prepared – no last-minute cramming.
🚀
Year-End Headstart (P4)
The transition from Primary 4 to Primary 5 is one of the biggest jumps in primary school education. Use the November school holidays to introduce key Primary 5 topics in advance. This way, your child walks into P5 feeling confident instead of struggling to catch up from day one.
🏗️
Build the Foundation (P5)
Primary 5 is where the real ground work for PSLE takes place. Every topic mastered now means less stress when your child reaches P6. Focus on understanding concepts deeply rather than rushing through them.
Priority areas to master:
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Fractions, decimals, and ratios – these build on each other heavily in P6
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Science process skills – forming hypotheses, identifying variables, writing conclusions
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English comprehension techniques and vocabulary expansion
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Photosynthesis (moved to P6 for the 2026 syllabus) – review this thoroughly at year end
[Ask about headstart options →]
🔧
Gap Closure & Daily Routine (P5 Year-End)
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Find and fix every P5 learning gap before adding P6 content on top
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Cover all P6 syllabus topics with full awareness of the 2026 changes
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Establish a steady daily study habit – aim for 1.5 to 2 hours after school each day
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Begin oral exam practice now, not in July. The oral section is worth 40 marks – too important to leave for the last minute.
📝
Key 2026 DSA-Sec Dates
The 2026 Direct School Admission (DSA-Sec) application window opens on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, at 11 am and closes on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, at 4:30 pm. Primary 6 students can apply to secondary schools based on talents in sports, arts, or academic areas before the PSLE, with results released in late November 2026
Key 2026 DSA-Sec Dates
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Application Period: 6 May 2026 (11 am) to 2 June 2026 (4:30 pm).
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Selection Period (Trials/Auditions): 7 July to 14 August 2026.
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Selection Outcome Notification: By early September 2026 (Confirmed Offer, Wait List, or Unsuccessful).
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School Preference Submission: End of October 2026.
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Results Release: Late November 2026 (with PSLE results). [1, 2]
Important Details
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How to Apply: Apply online via the DSA-Sec Portal using Singpass.
Mid-Year & Prelim Exam Preparation (Primary 6 – July to August)
Learn the answering techniques and key phrases that MOE examiners look for
Take a complete mock exam in June under realistic conditions – timed and without interruptions
Use mock exam results to spot any remaining weak areas before the final stretch
Understand the new Mathematics Paper 1 format – every question is now worth 2 marks, with no 1-mark questions as a safety net
🗣️
Final Prep & Oral Season (P6 Jul – Aug)
Continue steady revision across all subjects
Oral exams take place in August – practise speaking daily with good expression, steady pace, and clear pronunciation
Get ready for the Stimulus Based Conversation: topics may include personal interests, family, health and sports, and community involvement
Practise explaining your thoughts aloud, not just describing what you see
Record yourself speaking and listen back to check pronunciation and fluency
For Science: focus on unfamiliar experimental scenarios, not just re reading textbook content
🧘
Final Stretch – Trust What You've Built (P6 Sep)
Do light revision only – no new topics this close to the exam
Review key formulas, important Science terms, and commonly tested vocabulary
Listening Comprehension is on 15 September – practise staying calm and focused while the audio plays
Written papers run from 24 to 30 September – the exam schedule becomes your day by day guide now
Prioritise 8 to 9 hours of sleep, balanced meals, and mental wellbeing during the final week
On exam day itself: arrive early, take a deep breath, and trust the preparation you have put in
The PSLE Journey Continues: A Parent's Guide
*The last written paper is on 30 September, but important steps follow. Here is your month-by-month guide.*
📅
Late Sept
Exams Complete
The written papers finish on 30 September. Take a well-deserved break.
📅
Late Nov
Results Released
Results come out roughly 3 to 4 weeks after the final paper. Collect them at your child's primary school
📅
Nov to Dec
School Selection
Submit up to 6 secondary school choices through the Sec 1 Posting exercise.
📅
Dec
Sec1 Posting Results
Secondary school placements are announced. Students report to their new schools in January.
How the PSLE Scoring System Works
The PSLE grading framework assigns students to one of eight Achievement Levels, from AL1 to AL8. Unlike older systems that compared students against one another, this approach measures how well a child has mastered each subject.
A student's final PSLE score is the sum of their AL scores across four subjects. The total falls between 4 and 32 – with a lower number meaning stronger performance. The goal of this system is to ease academic pressure and place greater attention on each child's individual learning journey.
Scoring Bands (AL1 to AL8)
Students receive an Achievement Level based on their raw marks. Each band reflects how well they have mastered the subject.
Achievement Level Raw Mark Range
AL 1 90 – 100
AL 2 85 – 89
AL 3 80 – 84
AL 4 75 – 79
AL 5 65 – 74
AL 6 45 – 64
AL 7 20 – 44
AL 8 0 – 19
How to Read Your Child's PSLE Score
Students are placed into a Posting Group based on their PSLE total score. This group determines the subject levels they will start with in Secondary 1.
Posting Group Typical PSLE Score Range & Starting Subject Level
Posting Group 3 AL 1 to AL 20 / Mostly G3 subjects
Posting Group 2 AL 21 to AL 22 / Mostly G2 subjects
Posting Group 1 AL 23 to AL 25 / Mostly G1 subjects
🧮 Understanding the Total PSLE Score
A student's final PSLE score is calculated by adding together the AL results from all four subjects. The total falls between 4 (the strongest possible outcome) and 32.
📊 Competitive Range: Scores between 4 and 7 are generally considered competitive for admission to top secondary schools.
📅 Cut-Off Points: Each year, the Ministry of Education publishes the latest cut-off points for secondary school entry.
Important Update for 2026 and Beyond
In 2026, students will sit for their examinations following the G-band structure. Starting in 2027, the system will move entirely to the new Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC).
What Is Subject-Based Banding (SBB)?
Starting in 2024, the old streaming system has been phased out and replaced with Subject-Based Banding. Under this new approach, your child will join a secondary school class with students of varying abilities. They will then take each subject at a different level depending on how well they performed in that specific subject on the PSLE.
G3
Most Challenging Level
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What it compares to: The old Express stream
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Who takes this level: Students scoring AL1 to AL4 in that subject
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What it leads to: O-Level qualifications
G2
Middle Difficulty Level
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What it compares to: The old Normal (Academic) stream
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Who takes this level: Students scoring AL5 or AL6 in that subject
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Flexibility: Students can be upgraded to G3 later in secondary school based on performance
G1
Foundation Level
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What it compares to: The old Normal (Technical) stream
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Who takes this level: Students scoring AL7 or AL8 in that subject
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Learning style: Practical, hands-on, and focused on applying knowledge to real-world situations
💡 The Big Advantage of Subject-Based Banding
Your child no longer needs to take every subject at the same level. Under SBB, each subject is assessed separately based on your child's ability in that subject.
Here is a real example:
A student could take Mathematics at G3 (the most challenging level) while taking English at G2 (intermediate level). The old streaming system would not have allowed this flexibility. SBB does.
Heading 4
PSLE & Secondary Resources
Click the link below for more information.
Calculators & Dictionaries
PSLE absences
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For valid medical or compassionate absences, refer to SEAB's official website.