Academic grading in Singapore

Singapore's grading system in schools is differentiated by the existence of many types of institutions with different education foci and systems. The grading systems that are used at Primary, Secondary, and Junior College levels are the most fundamental to the local education system,

Primary schools

Primary schools in Singapore implement a grading system along with an "Achievement Band" until the system disregarded the EM3 stream and concentrated on an "Overall Grade" scheme, which grades students as shown below. Students are then offered the subjects into either standard and foundational stream upon reaching Primary 5 depending on the performance, and which papers will be taken during the Primary School Leaving Examination.

Current scheme

Since 2021, the Achievement Level system (AL) was adopted, which eliminates the scoring system to benefit the chances for placements in the Secondary Schools: ^[1]

Achievement Level Band scoring (Standard)

Achievement Level Band	Raw Marks	PSLE Point
AL1	90-100	1
AL2	85-89	2
AL3	80-84	3
AL4	75-79	4
AL5	65-74	5
AL6	45-64	6
AL7	20-44	7
AL8	0-19	8

Achievement Level Band scoring (Foundational)

Achievement Level Band	Raw Marks	Score
ALA	75-100	6
ALB	30-74	7
ALC	0-29	8

Postings for the Secondary Schools are determined by the sum of all four subjects of English, Mathematics, Science and Mother Tongue, with a possible score between 4 and 32, with a minimum passing score of 30 (see below). Attaining a merit for Higher Chinese Language (Distinction/Merit/Pass) with a PSLE score of no more than 14 will be given priority; however, no scores are displayed and no scoring system is specified as such. The eventual scores would determine the placements for the Posting level through the Full Subject-Based Banding (Academic Streaming prior to 2023):

Allocation to Levels

Posting Level/Stream	PSLE Score	Remarks
Level 1/Normal (Technical)	25-30	AL7 or better in English and Mathematics required.
Level 2/Normal (Academic)	21-25
Level 3/Express (Special)	4-22	Eligible for Higher Mother Tongue (HMTL) if student's PSLE score is 8 or less; if student had a merit grade in HCL, the minimum score is relaxed to 14.

Former scheme

Between 2008 and 2021, students' scores are determined through the aggregate T-score system, in which students are graded relative to their peers. ^[2]

Achievement Level Band scoring (Standard)

Academic Grade	Raw Marks
A*	91-100
A	75-90
B	60-74
C	50-59
D	35-49
E	20-34
Ungraded/F	0-19

Achievement Level Band scoring (Foundational)

Academic Grade	Raw Marks
A	85-100
B	70-84
C	50-69
D	30-49
Ungraded/F	0-29

Secondary schools

Secondary schools are the first institutions in Singapore to have implemented the "Overall Grade" grading system for academic subjects. Prior to 2023, the education system allows more students from the Normal (Academic) stream to partake the GCE Ordinary (O) Level examinations for Mother Tongue and Mathematics for a year exempting them at Normal (N) Level, resulting with quasi-Ordinary Level grading systems although Subjects for Normal-Levels are computed along with it in their result slips. The Mother Tongue Syllabus B does not use the grading system, but instead graded as either a Merit, a Pass, or an Ungraded grade.

Students are graded via the Overall Grade systems during their first three years in Secondary School, with a fourth year being different across different academic streams. Express or Special students are graded via the results from the O Levels in their fourth and final year, while Normal (Academic) use both the N and O Level results for their fourth and fifth years respectively; Normal (Technical) students would use either the N Level results or the Overall Grade format, depending on the school's method of learning. ^[3]

Grading for Ordinary Level

Grade	Percentage	Remarks
A1	75-100	Distinction may be given for top scoring students.
A2	70-74
B3	65-69
B4	60-64
C5	55-59
C6	50-54	Minimum passing grade in consideration.
D7	45-49
E8	40-44
F9	0-39

Grading for Normal Level

Grade	Percentage	Remarks
A	70-100
B	65-69
C	60-64
D	50-54	Minimum passing grade in consideration.
Ungraded	0-49	Results may not be displayed at result slips.

GPA and MSG

In some Secondary Schools, the Grade Point Average (GPA) grading system is used. The GPA is usually calculated by taking the Grade Point of each subject, adding them together, then dividing the total by that number of subjects. The actual subjects counted towards the GPA computation differs between schools. For example, Victoria School gives its students the option to exclude applicable subjects from the GPA computation depending on the subject combination of the student. This GPA value is rounded to two decimal places, giving the student's GPA. Usually students with a requirement of both a pass in English Language and Mathematics with a minimum GPA of 3.0 are required to advance to the next year.

For example, the GPA table for Raffles Girls' School and Raffles Institution (Secondary) is as follows:

Grade	Percentage	Grade Point
A+	80-100	4.0
A	70-79	3.6
B+	65-69	3.2
B	60-64	2.8
C+	55-59	2.4
C	50-54	2.0
D	45-49	1.6
E	40-44	1.2
F	0-40	0.8

For example, the GPA table for Victoria School (Integrated Programme) is as follows:

Grade	Percentage	Grade Point
A+	85-100	4.0
A	70-84
B+	65-69	3.5
B	60-64	3.0
C+	55-59	2.5
C	50-54	2.0
	45-49	1.5
D	40-44	1.0
	35-39	0.5
E	20-34	0.0
Ungraded	0-20

However, the GPA table may differ from schools to schools and tracks; in the case of other schools such as Hwa Chong Institution, St. Joseph's Institution, School of Science and Technology, and Victoria School (Express), a similar grading system called the Mean Subject Grade (MSG) is used. The MSG table works similarly to the regular grading scheme (see above), with the number prefix being the determinant for the points; like in GPA, the points are calculated by average to the number of subjects taken, rounded to two decimal points.

Junior college level (GCE A and AO levels)

Grading for Junior College

Grade	Percentage	H2 Rank Point	H1 Rank Point	Remarks
A	70-100	20	10	Distinction may be given for top scoring students.
B	60-69	17.5	8.75
C	55-59	15	7.5
D	50-54	12.5	6.25
E	45-49	10	5	Minimum passing grade at consideration.
O/S	35-44	5	2.5	Conditional Pass (denotes standard is at AO level only)
U	0-34	0		May not be reflected in the Advanced-Level result certificate.

Like in Secondary Schools, Junior College also have grading systems where grading systems are awarded for H1 or H2 subjects. H3 (previously Special papers before 2006) are instead awarded as either Distinction, Merit, Pass (H3 only) or Ungraded; as with Higher Mother Tongue subjects, these subjects does not influence the student's final score. In addition, some schools are also offering the International Baccalaureate diploma program.

To prevent grade inflation, percentage of the scores may be adjusted according to the cohort's performance, and as such the percentages are only approximate. Depending on Junior College's requirements, a D grade may be the minimum passing grade instead of an E grade, or Conditional Pass may be awarded, or both.

The grades obtained for each A-level exam subjects will influence the student's rank point. A higher score provides a better chance at admission to university, for a maximum score of 90, based on the best scores from three H2 subjects and three H1 subjects (General Paper, coursework, and one best subject of their choice). Different local universities have different requirements as indicated on their Indicative Grade Profile. ^[4]

Institute of Technical Education and Polytechnics (NITEC and diplomas)

Technical schools also adopt Grade Point Average system, as scores are computed through the grades obtained from a set of modules multiplied by the number of credits given for the module (excluding modules which do not include in the GPA, industry attachments and on-the-job training, or exempted modules). The total is then divided by the cumulative number of credits for all modules taken. The grading are the same between ITE and polytechnics, but with different grading bands, which are as follows:

Grading for ITE/Polytechnics

Polytechnics			Institute of Technical Education			Remarks
Score	Grade	Grade Point	Score	Grade	Grade Point
80-100	A	4.0	80-100	A	4.0	May be awarded Distinction (AD/Z) for top 5% of cohort.
75-80	B+	3.5	70-79	B	3.0
70-74	B	3.0
65-69	C+	2.5	60-69	C	2.0
60-64	C	2.0
55-59	D+	1.5	50-59	D	1.0
50-54	D	1.0				Minimum passing grade in consideration.
0-49	F	0.0	0-49	F	0.0

And as with universities, the following conditions apply for most modules:

• Modules with a grading system of either a Pass or Fail only award credits and does not impact the GPA.
• Students failing to fulfill the percentage rate for the attendance requirements (based on the total number of hours in attendance and approved leave of absence), depending on the school's requirement, may be allowed to sit for the semestral exams, though only a non-graded pass (0.5) or a cap of D grade (1.0) would be factored if they passed.
• Students who was absent for the semestral exams without a valid reason, or are caught with dishonesty, are considered to have failed the module. Students who failed the module must retake it and depending on the school's scoring system, either having a prior score overwritten or had both attempts computed. Modules which have passed, electives after exceeding the maximum number of attempts, or modules from the Polytechnic Foundation Programme, are not applicable for retaking.
• Students are given an academic standing; students may be placed on academic probation (where most features from the school were revoked) if they have a low cumulative GPA (usually 1.0, 0.8 in NYP, or 1.4 in SP), or was dismissed from the course of study if they fail to improve their GPA for consecutive semesters, if they have passed the maximum allowable time for graduation (double the number of years for their years of study), or failing a module for multiple times, whichever fulfill first.

Students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 (NITEC) or 2.0 (Higher NITEC; 2.5 from 2027), including up to 0.2 bonus points for Co-curricular activity (CCA) and/or 0.1 point for passing Bridging Mathematics, was also taken into consideration for matriculation in polytechnics, though this applies to most diplomas; Higher NITEC students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 may exempt them their first year of studies providing if criteria have been met. ^[5]

Like in Junior Colleges, the student's GPA from the Polytechnics would determine the admission for universities, including international ones, although this is not guaranteed even though if the student's GPA is high and has graduated with a diploma with merit.

University (degree)

Like some Secondary schools, Institute of Technical Education and Polytechnics, universities also adopt the Grade Point Average (GPA) system. ^[6] However, unlike the Polytechnics, different universities have different computation for their scoring schemes; most universities use a 5.0 point scale while some universities, such as Singapore Management University uses 4.0 point scale, as stated otherwise. ^[7] Upon graduation, students will receive degree classification according to their CGPA/CAP.

Grading Systems

NUS/NTU/SIT/SUSS/SUTD

Grade	Score equivalent	Universities/Point
		NUS/NTU/SIT/SUSS	SUTD
A+	85-100	5.0	5.3
A	80-84	5.0
A-	75-79	4.5
B+	70-74	4.0
B	65-69	3.5
B-	60-64	3.0
C+	55-59	2.5
C	50-54	2.0
D+	45-49	1.5
D	40-44	1.0
F	0-39	0.0

SMU

Grade	Score equivalent	Universities/Point
		SMU
A+	86-100	4.3
A	83-85	4.0
A-	80-82	3.7
B+	77-79	3.3
B	74-77	3.0
B-	70-73	2.7
C+	66-69	2.3
C	63-65	2.0
C-	60-62	1.7
D+	53-59	1.3
D	50-52	1.0
F	0-49	0.0

Degree Classifications

NUS/NTU/SIT/SUSS/SUTD

CAP/CGPA	Classification				Remarks
	Honours Degrees		Basic Degrees
	NUS/NTU/SUTD/SIT/SIT (DigiPen)*	NUS**/NTU**/SUSS	NUS	NUS***/SUSS
4.50 - 5.00	Honours (Highest Distinction)	First Class Honours	Pass with Merit	Pass with Merit	At least A- in Honours thesis/project.
4.00 - 4.49	Honours (Distinction)	Second Class (Upper)
3.50 - 3.99	Honours (Merit)	Second Class (Lower)
3.20 - 3.49	Honours	Third Class
3.00 - 3.19				Pass
2.00 - 2.99	Pass	Pass	Pass
0.00 - 1.99					Students will not graduate.

^{[8] [9] [10] [11] [12]}

*Student admitted prior to AY2012/2013

**Student admitted from AY2020 cohort onward

***Prior 2012

SMU

CGPA	Classification
3.80 - 4.0	Summa Cum Laude (With Highest Distinction)
3.60 - 3.79	Magna Cum Laude (With High Distinction)
3.40 - 3.59	Cum Laude (With Distinction)
3.20 - 3.39	High Merit
3.00 - 3.19	Merit

^[13]

Others

Like polytechnics, universities also have an academic standing and a minimum GPA for graduation (usually 2.0), and with honor certification for reaching certain minimum thresholds for the following degrees:

• For NAFA's master'a degree, the merit threshold is 4.5, while the minimum passing grade is 2.5.
• For NAFA's graduate diploma, the merit threshold is 4.0.
• For NUS' Doctor of Philosophy, master degrees and Graduate diploma, the minimum passing grades are 3.5, 3.0 and 2.5, respectively; there are no merit certifications.

Academic Termination

Non-SUTD undergraduate students whose cumulative GPA fell below the passing threshold at the end of the current semester may be probated or dismissed altogether depending on the university's policy:

• In NTU, if the GPA fell below 2.0 for three consecutive semesters.
• In NUS, for undergraduates, if the GPA fell below 2.0 for two consecutive semesters; for Masters' degree, if the GPA is between 2.5 and 3.0 for three consecutive semesters, or below 2.5 for two consecutive semesters; for PhD degree, if the GPA is between 3.0 and 3.5 for three consecutive semesters, or below 3.0 for two consecutive semesters. There is no academic probation for graduate diploma.
• In SIT, if the GPA fell below 2.0 for two consecutive semesters, or had one module failed three times; however, the student will be in probation if the GPA fell below 1.75 during their first semester.
• In SMU, if the GPA fell below 2.0 or 2.5 for two consecutive semesters, depending on the course of study.
• In SUSS, if the GPA fell below 2.0 for two consecutive semesters.
• If the GPA fell below the threshold at the end of the final semester of study, even though it is the first time this occurs, and if the student has passed all the modules.

References

1. "Descriptors for Achievement Bands and Grades (P1-P4)". clementipri.moe.edu.sg. Retrieved 2019-08-06.
2. "Updates to PSLE scoring: Foundation level grades unveiled, P5 2020 cohort to get report cards with new grade bands". Yahoo News. 25 July 2019. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
3. "Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board". Archived from the original on 2011-11-03. Retrieved 2011-10-26.
4. First, Concept (2022-02-11). "University Admission Grade Requirements: NUS, NTU, SMU". Concept First Physics Tuition Learning Centre.
5. "JPAE - Joint Polytechnic Admissions Exercise". jpae.polytechnic.edu.sg. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
6. Senior, Digital (2013-12-21). "Do you Know about the Different GPA Systems in Singapore? -". Digital Senior. Retrieved 2019-09-28.
7. "SMU Academic Guide" (PDF).
8. "Singapore University of Technology and Design: Undergraduate - degree courses in Singapore". SUTD. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
9. "Assessment & Grading System: Full-time Undergraduate Degree | SUSS". www.suss.edu.sg. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
10. www.nus.edu.sg https://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/docs/info/administrative-policies-procedures/transcript-information-grade-legend.pdf . Retrieved 2024-03-29.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
11. "Nanyang Bulletin 2010/11 Undergraduate". www3.ntu.edu.sg. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
12. "Graduation Requirements | DigiPen (Singapore)". www.digipen.edu.sg. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
13. "Frequently Asked Questions For Employers | Dato' Kho Hui Meng Career Centre". careerservices.smu.edu.sg. Retrieved 2024-03-29.