Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB)
Taking your Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) examinations in 2027? Explore how Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB) shapes your options for the 2028 polytechnic intake and discover the different pathways to pursuing your diploma at RP.
What is changing from the 2028 polytechnic intake?
Students graduating from secondary school in 2027 will sit for the new SEC examinations, replacing the N- and O-Level examinations. You will be examined at your respective subject levels (G1, G2 or G3) and receive your SEC results in January 2028.
From the 2028 polytechnic intake, the revised admission criteria will recognise different combinations of G2 and G3 subjects, giving eligible students more pathways to polytechnic education.
Key milestones: From SEC exams to post-secondary education
2027: Examination Year | 2028: Polytechnic Intake |
|---|---|
Students sit for the new SEC examinations, which replace the N- and O-Level examinations. | Students receive their SEC results in January 2028 and apply for post-secondary education under the revised admissions framework. |
Applying to RP in 2027? The revised Full SBB admission arrangements on this page will apply from the 2028 polytechnic intake. If you are applying for the 2027 intake, please refer to our existing admission requirements and application guides.
Understanding G1, G2 and G3 subjects
Under Full SBB, students are no longer grouped into the traditional Express, Normal (Academic) and Normal (Technical) streams. Instead, you can take subjects at different levels based on your strengths and learning needs.
There are three subject levels:
Subject level | Broadly equivalent to |
|---|---|
G1 | Normal (Technical) standard |
G2 | Normal (Academic) standard |
G3 | Express standard |
Which pathway can you take?
There is more than one way to pursue a polytechnic diploma at RP.
Depending on your subject combination, examination results and interests, you can explore the following admission options:
1. Post-Secondary Admissions Exercise (PSE)
i. Diploma Year 1 Admission
You can apply directly for a three-year full-time diploma at RP if you meet these two criteria:
ELR2B2 net aggregate score is 22 or better
Course-specific minimum entry requirements
From the 2028 intake, the revised admission criteria allow you to use four G3 subjects and one G2 or G3 subject to calculate your ELR2B2 net aggregate score.
Aggregate computation of ELR2B2 net aggregate score
Aggregate computation of ELR2B2 net aggregate score
= English Language (EL) + 2 Relevant Subjects (R1, R2) + 2 Best Subjects (B1, B2) minus CCA bonus points
EL, R1, R2 and B1 will use G3 subject grade, while B2 will use G2-equivalent grade.
GCE O-Level and N(A)-Level will be considered equivalent to G3 and G2, respectively.
Aggregate computation of ELR2B2 net aggregate score
ELR2B2 | Subjects |
|---|---|
EL | G3 English Language |
R1 | First best-scoring G3 relevant subject |
R2 | Second best-scoring G3 relevant subject |
B1 | First best-scoring G3 subject |
B2 | Second best-scoring subject which can be taken at either G2 or G3 level. Computed using G2-equivalent grade. |
Mapping of G3 / O-Level grade to G2 / N(A)-Level grade
How G3 / O-Level grades convert to G2 / N(A)-Level grades
G3 / O-Level grade | G2 / N(A)-Level grade |
|---|---|
A1 to B3 | 1 |
B4 to C6 | 2 |
D7 | 3 |
E8 | 4 |
Note: G3 / O-Level grade 9 and G2 / N(A)-Level grade 5 and 6 cannot be used for ELR2B2 aggregate score computation.
There are four types of ELR2B2 aggregate scores: ELR2B2-A, ELR2B2-B, ELR2B2-C, and ELR2B2-D. Click here [PDF, 240KB] (opens in new tab) for more information on the subjects used for the computation of ELR2B2 aggregate scores for 2027 JAE.
SEC students should check back in mid-2027 for updated course information specific to 2028 admissions information.
Learn more about PSE admission criteria for polytechnic diplomas (opens in new tab)
ii. Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP)
You can apply to a cluster offered in the Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP) if you meet these 2 criteria:
ELMAB3 raw aggregate score computed based on the G2-equivalent grade is 12 or better, excluding CCA bonus points
Subject-specific requirements within the cluster
The PFP offers eligible students a pathway to polytechnic after Secondary 4 through a one-year preparatory programme.
Through PFP, you will develop essential academic and hands-on skills while experiencing polytechnic life. You will also explore subjects related to your interests before progressing to a Year 1 diploma course within your chosen cluster, subject to meeting the course requirements and available vacancies.
You can choose from three PFP clusters in RP:
Sciences (SCI) Cluster
Design, Engineering and Technology (DET) Cluster
Humanities, Art, Media and Business (HAMB) Cluster
From the 2028 intake, PFP will recognise eligible students taking G2 subjects, G3 subjects or a combination of both, subject to the applicable admission requirements.
Aggregate computation for PFP cluster
ELMAB3 raw aggregate score using G2-equivalent grade
= English Language (EL) + Mathematics (MA) + 3 Best Subjects (B1, B2 and B3)
Aggregate computation for PFP cluster
ELMAB3 | Subjects using G2 equivalent grade |
|---|---|
EL | English Language |
MA | Mathematics/Additional Mathematics |
B1 | First best-scoring subject |
B2 | Second best-scoring subject |
B3 | Third best-scoring subject |
ELMAB3 raw aggregate score is computed using G2 equivalent grades only. If you have taken subjects at G3 level, the G3 grades will be mapped to equivalent G2 grades.
GCE O-Level and N(A)-Level will be considered as equivalent to G3 and G2 respectively.
Mapping of G3 / O-Level grade to G2 / N(A)-Level grade
How G3 / O-Level grades convert to G2 / N(A)-Level grades
G3 / O-Level grade | G2 / N(A)-Level grade |
|---|---|
A1 to B3 | 1 |
B4 to C6 | 2 |
D7 | 3 |
E8 | 4 |
Note: G3 / O-Level grade 9 and G2 / N(A)-Level grade 5 and 6 cannot be used for ELMAB3 aggregate score computation for PFP admission.
Learn more about PFP admission criteria (opens in new tab)
2. Polytechnic Early Admissions Exercise (Poly EAE)
Have a strong interest in a particular diploma? EAE allows you to apply to RP before receiving your SEC examination results, based on your interests and aptitude.
If you receive a conditional offer, you must still meet the applicable course-specific minimum entry requirements upon receiving your SEC examination results to confirm your place.
Applications typically open in June. Stay tuned for more details on the upcoming exercise. Learn how to prepare for EAE.
Need help choosing your pathway?
Visit RP Open House from 7 to 9 January 2027 to explore our diploma courses and speak with our Admissions team about your options and next steps.
Join our Registrar, Ms Teo Chin Pei, at the Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB) Talk on 9 January 2027, from 4:30pm to 5:30pm, to find out how the 2028 admissions changes and your G2 and G3 subject choices may shape your pathways to polytechnic.
Can't make it to Open House? Stay tuned for details on our upcoming online admissions counselling sessions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC)?
The SEC is a new national examination qualification that replaces the N- and O-Level examinations from 2027.
You will sit for examinations at your respective subject levels (G1, G2 or G3) and receive a certificate reflecting the subjects and levels you have taken.
When will the new Full SBB admission arrangements take effect?
The new SEC examinations will begin in 2027, with results released in January 2028. The revised polytechnic admission criteria will apply from the 2028 intake onwards.
Students applying for the 2027 polytechnic intake will follow the existing admission arrangements, such as JAE and PFPAE.
What is the Post-Secondary Admissions Exercise (PSE)?
From 2028, the PSE will replace the existing main admissions exercises for students applying to Junior Colleges, Millennia Institute, polytechnics and ITE.
Eligible students can use their SEC results to apply for their preferred post-secondary pathways through this common admissions exercise.
What is the minimum aggregate score required for admission to RP?
From the 2028 intake, you will generally need a net ELR2B2 aggregate score of 22 points or better for Polytechnic Year 1 admission.
You must also meet the minimum entry requirements of your preferred course. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission, as placement depends on merit and available vacancies.
Visit the RP diploma listing page and select your preferred diploma to view its minimum entry requirements.
If I take Mathematics/Additional Mathematics at G2 level instead of G3 level (along with other subjects at G3 level necessary for aggregate computation and Minimum Entry Requirements), which RP diploma course will I be eligible for?
Currently, all Polytechnic Diploma courses require Mathematics/Additional Mathematics to be taken at O-Level, as part of aggregate computation and/or Minimum Entry Requirements (MERs).
From AY2028, the Minimum Entry Requirements (MERs) for selected polytechnic courses under the ELR2B2-A aggregate type will be revised to allow Mathematics or Additional Mathematics to be taken at G2 level or equivalent.
At RP, this revision applies to the Diploma in Outdoor Education.
All other RP diploma courses continue to require Mathematics/Additional Mathematics to be taken at G3 level, as part of aggregate computation and/or MERs.
Can I apply to RP through Poly EAE under Full SBB?
Yes. Poly EAE will continue under Full SBB, allowing you to apply for your preferred RP course based on your interests and aptitude before receiving your SEC results.
If you receive a conditional offer, you must still meet the course-specific minimum entry requirements to confirm your place.
Can I apply for PFP if I take G3 subjects?
Yes. From the 2028 intake, PFP will be expanded to eligible students taking all G3 subjects, all G2 subjects or a combination of G2 and G3 subjects.
You must meet the applicable aggregate score and subject requirements to qualify.
How do I choose a suitable RP course?
Start by exploring courses that match your interests, strengths and career aspirations. You can also consider RP's Common Entry Programmes if you prefer to explore a broader field before choosing your diploma programme.
Does Full SBB affect ITE students applying to RP?
The revised Full SBB admission criteria primarily apply to students using their SEC results to apply for polytechnic admission from the 2028 intake.
If you are currently studying at ITE or hold a Nitec or Higher Nitec qualification, you can continue to apply to RP through the existing admission pathways, including EAE, JPAE and DAE, subject to the applicable course eligibility requirements.