Number of subjects required for JC admissions reduced to 5 from 2028 JAE

From the 2028 Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE), the number of subjects required for Junior College (JC) admissions will be reduced from six to five.

This will shift the current L1R5 gross aggregate score to L1R4.

Announced at the Ministry of Education (MOE) Committee of Supply debate, students must obtain an L1R4 score of 16 or less to be eligible for admission to a JC Course.

Currently, the qualifying threshold for JC admissions is a score of 20 or less for L1R5.

The qualifying threshold for Millenia Institute will remain a score of 20 or less for L1R4.

Subject requirements

In his speech, education minister Chan Chun Sing said that lowering the admission criteria will allow students to take fewer subjects or take some subjects at a less demanding level.

"They will thus be able to devote more time and effort to pursue their interests, deepen their communication and collaboration skills through CCAs, and uncover new strengths through school programmes."

Chan also assured that they are not "loosening criteria" for JC admission.

To ensure students are sufficiently prepared for the JC curriculum, three subjects from the Mathematics/Science and Humanities subject groups will continue to be required to compute the L1R4 aggregate score.

"JC-going students will still have the foundation they need for JC," Chan noted.

Chan added that they are not "tightening the criteria", as students will still need a gross aggregate score of 16 points.

Chan said that based on simulations, "we expect that a similar proportion of students will continue to qualify for JCs."

Bonus points lowered

With one less subject included, MOE will also adjust the cap on bonus points from four to three.

Chan explained that bonus points recognise other aspects of students' holistic development like CCAs and other language programmes.

Top photos via Chan Chun Sing/Facebook