Environment
S'pore may reschedule O-Level exams if haze reaches hazardous levels: Desmond Lee
In line with the health advisory for younger students.
October 16, 2026, 05:35 PM
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The Singapore government will consider rescheduling O-Level papers if the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) forecast reaches hazardous levels (above 300), said Minister for Education Desmond Lee.
During a press conference on the haze situation on Oct. 16, Lee outlined plans for national examinations should the haze situation worsen.
The potential rescheduling of O-Level papers is in line with the health advisory for younger students, he said.
A-Level papers are generally less likely to be affected, as the students are older, he added.
However, the government will also consider the actual circumstances when deciding whether the examinations should proceed.
National examinations
Lee said students taking the O- and A-Level examinations will sit for their papers in enclosed, air-conditioned venues equipped with air purifiers.
"I know that students have been working very hard to prepare for their national exams, and we want to minimise disruption for them," he said.
Details of any rescheduling will be announced publicly by the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB), Lee said.
Schools will also inform students and parents directly, if any national examination needs to be rescheduled.
Lee noted that fake news about school closures had circulated on social media, causing confusion and anxiety.
He urged parents and students to refer only to updates from the Ministry of Education's (MOE) official channels and Parents Gateway.
More information about any changes in the scheduling of O- and A-Level examinations will be available on the SEAB website.
