JC Updates: Revised Admission Criteria 2026 (JAE & Key Changes)

2026 JAE Update: The Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE) 2026 took place in January 2026. The key admission criteria for Junior Colleges remain based on the L1R5 aggregate score. The minimum entry requirements are: JC (General) – L1R5 of 20 or below; Millennia Institute (3-year programme) – L1R5 of 21 to 24. All subject-specific bonuses and community bonuses continue to apply as per MOE guidelines.

Revised Admission Criteria from 2028 

The Ministry of Education has announced on 6 of March 2026 that there will be changes for  admission criterias for JC applicants. 

1. JC Score System

Currently, students must obtain a gross L1R5 aggregate score of 20 or better across six O-Level subjects to qualify for admission to JC. More information regarding the minimum A Level requirements here. 

However, it has been announced that MOE will revise the JC admission criteria from the 2028 Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE), by reducing the number of subjects required for JC admission. 

As per the new admission requirements, JC admission criteria will require a L1R5 ≤ 20 to L1R4 ≤ 16.

What Subjects are in the L1R4 Calculations? 

• “The computation of the L1R4 aggregate continues to require three subjects from both the Mathematics/Science and Humanities subject groups. This ensures that students have an adequate foundation in the disciplines.”

1. Lowered Cap on Bonus Points 

MOE will lower the cap on bonus points from a maximum of four points to three points for JC admission.

• Students who apply and are selected for the Chinese, Malay, or Tamil Language Elective Programme will continue to qualify for an additional two bonus points beyond the bonus points cap (i.e., up to a total of five bonus points).

How will it Impact current O Level / Secondary students? 

With Subject based banding and G1, G2 and G3 subject levels in place, students will have to consider how many subjects they can take and the difficulties associated with each level. 

Based on the recent survey by The Straits Times, some students have expressed that “they would rethink the number of subjects to take, but had mixed views…translate into less stress.”.

On average, it is estimated that 48% of students have been taking 7 subjects while the proportion of students who take 8 subjects have increased. Overall, the view remains that each student is unique, therefore, students and parents should consider their capacities and plan accordingly. 

For more information regarding secondary education and whether secondary science tuition is suitable for you read on here! 

What Can I Do with an A Level certificate? 

There are several pathways after the A levels including further studies, professional certifications, job experience and University applications. For a complete list of what A Levels can offer and how it may help with your future read on in the following article! 

What to Do after Receiving Your A Level Results