O-Level Results 2025 Release: JAE 2026 Dates, Cut-Off Points & Application Guide
The wait is almost over. On 14 January 2026, thousands of students across Singapore will receive their 2025 GCE O-Level examination results. Whether you are collecting your slip from a school hall or checking a portal, this is the moment your post-secondary journey truly begins. The Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE) is your gateway to Junior Colleges (JC), Millennia Institute (MI), Polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).
Navigating the application window can feel like a race. To help you stay calm and focused, we have broken down the official Ministry of Education (MOE) arrangements into a clear, actionable guide for the week ahead.
Crucial Dates for Your Calendar
The JAE window is short. Missing a deadline can limit your options, so take note of these specific times released by MOE:
- 14 Jan, 2:00 pm: Results release for school candidates.
- 14 Jan, 2:45 pm: Private candidates receive results via SEAB’s Candidates Portal; Form A1 is emailed to all eligible candidates.
- 14 Jan, 4:00 pm: JAE Internet System (JAE-IS) opens for applications.
- 19 Jan, 4:30 pm: JAE-IS application window closes.
- 3 Feb: Posting results released via JAE-IS and SMS.
- 4 Feb: Students posted to JCs and MI report to their new schools.
The JAE Application Process: Step-by-Step
Once you have your Form A1 (which lists your gross aggregate scores and the courses you are eligible for), you need to act quickly. Do not leave your submission until the final hour on 19 January.
- Review Your Options: Use the MOE SchoolFinder and CourseFinder websites to check entry score ranges and areas of interest.
- Draft Your Choices: MOE strongly encourages students to complete the JAE Worksheet before logging in. This prevents errors when you are under pressure.
- Log in to JAE-IS: Use your Singpass to access the system via the official MOE JAE website.
- Submit Your 12 Choices: You can select up to 12 courses. Ensure you have at least a few "safety" choices where your net aggregate score is well below the previous year's cut-off point.
- Print the Verification Slip: Once submitted, save or print the confirmation as proof of your application.
Cut-Off Point Reality Check
A common mistake is treating last year’s Cut-Off Points (COP) as a guarantee of entry. In reality, the COP is the score of the last student admitted to that course in the previous year. It fluctuates based on the performance of the current cohort and the popularity of the course this year.
If a course had a COP of 12 last year and you have exactly 12 points, you are not "safe." You are on the borderline. Always look at the score ranges provided in the SchoolFinder to see the "spread" of students admitted. If you have accepted a conditional offer via EAE (Early Admissions Exercise), your place is confirmed as long as you meet the Minimum Entry Requirements and your net ELR2B2 is 26 points or lower. If you don't meet those, you still have the chance to apply for other courses via JAE.
Special Pathways: PFP and DPP
For Secondary 4 Normal (Academic) students who sat for O-Level subjects, there are specific routes available starting on 14 January:
- Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP): Applications open from 1:30 pm on 14 Jan. If you have a raw ELMAB3 of 12 or lower, this is your route to skip Secondary 5.
- Direct-Entry-Scheme to Polytechnic Programme (DPP): Applications open from 12:00 am on 14 Jan. This is for students with a raw ELMAB3 of 19 or lower.
Conclusion: Making the Right Move
The days between results release and the JAE deadline are intense. While the data and dates are vital, your child’s interests and learning style are what will sustain them through the next few years. Whether they are aiming for the academic rigor of a JC or the project-based environment of a Poly, the choice should be an informed one.
Unsure about your L1R5 or ELR2B2? If the results weren't what you expected, or if you are torn between two very different paths, don't navigate this alone. Our education consultants are ready to help you analyze your scores and provide advice on JC vs. Poly options.
Book a Complimentary O-Level Post-Exam Consultation today to get a data-driven look at your options and ensure you make the most of your JAE application.





