Sec 3 Subject Combination (2026): Is Taking 8 Subjects Still Smart Strategy?

Choosing a Sec 3 subject combination in Singapore used to be simple. Top classes took 8 subjects by default, parents felt “more is safer”, and no one questioned it. Today, JC and poly entry rules have changed. The scoring systems for admission focus heavily on your child’s best five subjects, not the total number taken. So the real question is no longer “Can my child survive 8 subjects?” but:

“Given the new L1R4 and ELR2B2 systems, is taking 8 subjects still a smart strategy, or is a strong 7 subject combination better?”

Quick summary for busy parents

• From 2028, JC admission will use L1R4 ≤ 16, which is five subjects instead of six under L1R5.
• Polytechnics use ELR2B2, which is English plus four other subjects, with a typical requirement of net ELR2B2 ≤ 26.

You do not need 8 subjects to qualify for JC or poly. You need the right mix and strong grades in 5 key subjects
8 subjects can still be smart for a small group of high performing, well supported students who have a clear reason for that extra subject. For many students, 7 subjects with depth, sanity and proper support is the better strategy.
PMC, who specialises in Physics, Maths and Chemistry, can make both 7 and 8 subject loads far more manageable.

How JC and poly admission really work now

JC: New L1R4 system from 2028

From the 2028 Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE) onwards, admission to junior colleges will be based on:

• L1R4 gross aggregate score ≤ 16
• L1R4 means
• L1: 1 language subject (usually English)
• R4: 4 relevant subjects, with requirements across Mathematics or Science and Humanities

This change reduces the number of subjects counted for JC entry from six to five, while keeping breadth in Math or Science and Humanities.

Polytechnics: ELR2B2 has always been about five subjects

For polytechnic diploma courses, the key measure is ELR2B2.

• EL: English
• R2: 2 relevant subjects (depends on the course)
• B2: 2 best remaining subjects

In most cases, your child must have:
• Net ELR2B2 ≤ 26 AND meet the Minimum Entry Requirements (MER) for that course
Both JC and poly routes are now built around five subjects that matter, not the total number of subjects taken.

Do Sec 3 students still “need” 8 O level subjects?

From a rules and admissions perspective:

• JC: You need 5 counted subjects for L1R4, not 6.
• Poly: You need English plus 4 other subjects for ELR2B2.
So no, 8 subjects are not required for JC or poly admission.

What your child need is:

1. The right subject mix to keep JC and poly options open

• For example, Sciences (Pure / Combined) and A Math if they want to take H2 sciences or Mathematics in JC

2. Consistently good grades in 5 subjects that will be counted in L1R4 or ELR2B2

The 7th or 8th subject becomes a tool, not a necessity.

When taking 8 subjects can still be a smart strategy

There are cases where 8 subjects are intentional and strategic, not just ego.
8 subjects can still make sense if most of these are true:

1. Has your child proven academic consistency since Sec 1?
• Your child is already coping very well with 6 or 7 subjects in Sec 2.
• There is no history of near burn out or constant last minute catching up.

2. Does the 8th subject play a clear role in future aspirations?
• It supports future A level plans, for example, strong humanities, for students eyeing law or social sciences.
• It helps secure a preferred JC subject combination where certain O level subjects are expected.

3. Can your child manage CCA load when competition or peak seasons arrive?
• They are in leadership, sports or performing arts, yet still maintain stable grades.
• They already have a timetable and routines that work.

4. Does your child have serious support for the heaviest subjects?
• Subjects like Pure Physics, Pure Chemistry and A Math are backed by quality tuition and structured materials, not left to “see how”.

If most of your answers are YES, 8 subjects can still be a smart move, especially when combined with strong support for the core subjects that will carry their L1R4 and ELR2B2 scores.

When 7 subjects is usually the smarter move

For many students, 7 subjects is more strategic.
7 subjects is usually better if:

1. One or two subjects are weak
• There is a clear subject where your child is consistently borderline.
• Adding another subject only dilutes time and confidence.

2. Polytechnic is a likely path
• Since polys compute ELR2B2 based on five subjects, your child’s energy is better used maximising performance in those five, rather than balancing eight.

3. CCA and external commitments are heavy
• Weekly schedule already includes multiple evenings of training, performances or external classes.

4. Mental health and motivation are concerns
• There is already anxiety, poor sleep or resistance to schoolwork.
• An 8th subject can easily tip things from “hard but manageable” into “constant crisis mode”.

In our opinion, five strong subjects plus a healthier teenager usually beat eight average subjects and a worn out child.

How PMC supports our Upper Sec students with 7 or 8 subjects

The load from 7 or 8 subjects is determined less by the raw number and more by how well your child is supported in the heaviest subjects.
PMC is the top specialist tuition centre in Singapore that focuses across Secondary, IP, JC and IB on Physics, Maths and Chemistry.
For Sec 3 and Sec 4, these are exactly the subjects that usually carry the heaviest load and the most marks. When Physics, Chemistry, A Math and English are systematically handled, the entire 7 or 8 subject load feels lighter.
On top of live tuition classes, PMC runs EDUTV.SG, Singapore’s number 1 online tuition and learning platform that hosts recorded weekly lessons and topical revision content so students can quickly target weak areas such as atomic structure, electrolysis or kinematics, instead of flipping through scattered school notes.
Anytime access also allows our Sec 3 and Sec 4 students to pause, rewind and rewatch difficult explanations in their own time.
For students offering many subjects, EDUTV is especially powerful. It turns “I missed a lesson, now I am lost” into “I can catch up tonight in one focused block before school tomorrow.”

Enrol now!

A Sec 3 subject combination is not just about ticking boxes for this year. It is the foundation for how your child will handle JC lectures, poly workloads and eventually university or work.
In a system that now openly values five strong subjects, the smarter strategy is not simply “more”. It is the right subjects, the right support, and the right workload for your child’s long term growth.
Check out our class schedule here: https://www.pmc.sg/live/
Talk to our Parent Advisors for more personalised advice here: https://tinyurl.com/ChatWithPMC