Choosing A-Level subjects is one of the big decisions that students will make in junior college.

Here’s what you should know: not every subject is open to every student. In particular, the more popular or demanding JC subjects will usually have entry requirements.

Subject eligibility will depend on what students took in secondary school, and how they scored in their O-Level exams. Additionally, schools might also run their own selection tests.

This guide looks at how three JCs approach subject eligibility. It isn’t comprehensive, but it gives a snapshot of how requirements can differ across schools.

For a full overview, you can refer to an unofficial guide that local students use, which compiles subject requirements across all JCs. For the most accurate and updated information, please check directly with your schools of interest.

What are H1 and H2 subjects in JC?

In Singapore’s junior colleges, subjects are offered at different levels: H1 (Higher 1), H2 (Higher 2), and, for some students, H3 (Higher 3).

For most students, the academic workload will consist of H1 and H2 subjects.

H2 subjects form the core of a student’s curriculum. These subjects explore topics in greater depth and are generally more demanding. Most students will take three H2 subjects.

H1 subjects are less intensive. Students usually take one H1 subject, along with compulsory subjects like General Paper (GP) and Mother Tongue Language (MTL).

When choosing their subject combinations, students are also required to include one subject from a contrasting discipline. For example, a student focusing on science subjects would need to include at least one subject from the arts or humanities, and vice versa. This contrasting subject can be at either the H1 or H2 level.

Typically, the JC subject combinations that we hear about are:

• PCME (example: H2 Physics, Chemistry, and Maths, and H1 Economics)
• BCME (example: H2 Biology, Chemistry, and Maths, and H1 Economics)
• GELM (example: H2 Geography, Economics, and Literature, and H1/H2 Maths)
• HELM (example: H2 History, Economics, and Literature, and H1/H2 Maths)

There is also a third level called H3 (Higher 3), usually offered in the second year of JC. These are optional subjects available to students who have done well in a corresponding H2 subject. H3 subjects allow students to explore more advanced or specialised topics, and are sometimes offered in partnership with local universities.

In short, H2 subjects provide academic depth, H1 subjects add balance and flexibility, and H3 subjects offer additional challenges for those who are ready for it.

What O-Level grades do you need to take JC maths and science subjects?

The table below shows the latest entry requirements for core Maths and Science subjects, based on information published by three junior colleges:

• Temasek Junior College 
  (TJC, 2025 O-Level cut-off: 8 points for Arts and 7 points for Science)
• Catholic Junior College 
  (CJC, 2025 O-Level cut-off: 13 points for Arts and 12 points for Science)
• Yishun Innova Junior College 
  (YIJC, 2025 O-Level cut-off: 19 points for Arts and 18 points for Science)

Sources: TJC, CJC, YIJC

From the table, we would like to highlight these points:

• Although TJC’s published requirement for H2 Mathematics seems lower than CJC and YIJC, the reality is that students entering TJC have strong O-Level scores. TJC’s requirement could be a formal baseline, rather than a reflection of who actually qualifies.
• Combined Science students can qualify to take H2 Sciences, but they likely have to score well, e.g. B3 or A2. More selective JCs might prefer Pure Science, especially for students aiming to take two H2 Sciences.
• For Pure Science takers, YIJC has more lenient requirements for H2 Science subjects, compared to TJC and CJC. Students only need a pass (C6) in the relevant Pure Science subject to qualify.

What O-Level grades do you need to take JC arts subjects?

Entry requirements for Arts and Humanities subjects are not as consistently published across schools.

To give a sense of what a more academically rigorous JC might expect, we’ve included a selection of TJC’s latest requirements for languages, arts, and humanities subjects:

Source: TJC

From the table, here are some points to note:

• Both H1 and H2 English Literature at TJC require at least a B3 in O-Level English Language. Without having taken Literature previously, a student with strong language skills can still qualify.
• Similarly, there are multiple qualification routes for H2 Chinese Language & Literature.
• H2 Music and Art aren’t just about grades. Students can demonstrate ability through a portfolio, but ultimately, the internal selection process will be the final decider.

If your teen is interested in Arts or Humanities subjects, it’s best to check directly with the junior colleges they’re considering, especially if prerequisites aren't clearly stated online.

Want to chat with other parents about JC subjects? Join the conversation on the KiasuParents forum!